The seeds of productivity are often sown from a planning desk. Productivity is completing tasks and delivering the best outcomes like clockwork, day after day, in the least amount of time, with the least amount of resources and energy. Achieving such high standards of quality and efficiency requires careful planning. So, if you want to increase productivity, you should plan your day at work better everyday. Following are the steps involved in planning your day and increasing productivity.
A goal properly set is halfway reached.
1. Set your daily goals
When you have bigger targets and long-term goals, completing them gives you a reason for celebration at the end of that period. You can break those goals and targets into smaller, daily goals. Completing those small milestones successfully gives you a sense of accomplishment everyday and puts your progress into perspective.
2. List down your daily challenges and allot time to find solutions
There are times when you usually find yourself stuck due to some foreseeable challenges. Identify your daily challenges and problems, and allot time to solve them. The ideal time in a day for that is when you usually stay focused and are at your creative best.
3. Start with a to-do list
You always have a mix of both short and long-term tasks. Write down all the tasks in hand and create a to-do list.
4. Break down the bigger tasks and goals
In the to-do list, when you have bigger, long-term tasks that you cannot complete in a day, break them down into smaller chunks and plan to complete a little portion of those tasks every day.
5. Segment your working hours into time slots
All the tasks you complete in a day are time-bound. So, you have to segment the available time into time slots to allot various tasks suitable timeframes. It is important to give enough time for each task and also make sure you do not give too much time for it. Being efficient helps you increase productivity.
6. Aggregate similar tasks into batches
It is easier to complete similar tasks in one go. Group similar tasks and plan them to be completed one after the other.
7. Find the ideal time slot for routine work
When you have routine work, it is more efficient to allot the same time every single day. For instance, writing daily reports to your superiors, sending mails, etc, can be completed in a fixed time everyday. This helps you build a routine and lets you plan the day better.
8. Prioritize tasks in the order that suits you best
You can prioritize tasks in various ways. You can prioritize tasks that are difficult and challenging first, when you start the day fresh. You can prioritize tasks according to their urgency and importance. You can prioritize them according to what works for you best.
9. Allot the time for each task
When you identify the tasks, split them into daily milestones, prioritize tasks and put them in order, all you need to do is to allot adequate amount of time for each task and fit it into the time slots mentioned In step no. 5.
10. Allot time for regular breaks
When you allot time for every task and goal, make sure you find some room for regular breaks. Working continuously does not let you stay focused. Taking regular breaks helps you focus and increase productivity.
11. Visualize your tasks with a daily planner
Now that you have the plan, you can put it down in a daily planner or a calendar or a specialized to do list app to visualize it better. You can keep it in your work desk and follow the plan and the timelines to produce quality work and increase productivity.
12. Anticipate changes and have a backup plan
Finally, always have a backup plan, just in case you get an urgent task that totally demands your attention and stops you from sticking to the plan of the day. Be flexible and reschedule the tasks if needed.
Increase Productivity with Task Management
The Profit.co task management module offers teams the organization and collaborative space they need to keep important work moving forward. This module gives individual employees space to manage their tasks and organize different responsibilities. Additionally, departments and teams can collaborate in designated Workspaces and create customizable Boards for individual functions or projects.
Team members can include all the necessary details for an initiative right on the task itself, including the deadline, priority-level, assignee, and direct links to documents or uploads from Google Drive. Individuals can leave comments directly on the task, so all necessary communication can stay where the work is, and managers can ensure that important tasks are moving forward with the highest quality possible.
You can try our task management module by getting started with Profit.co today! For more information, visit our product page, or schedule a demo with us.