Maximizing productivity

There are so many things that can help a person become productive. Personally, I go through waves of productivity... for months in a row I will feel super productive and then weeks go by of feeling 'in a funk' or unable to get motivated. I find though, there are certain habits or tips that I like to follow because they maximize my productivity.

Before going through it, something that is really important to say is that success is not measured by productivity. If there are days that we don't get everything on our to-do list done because we had a family party, were feeling sick etc... that is okay. Having "unproductive" days does not equate to having unsuccessful days (I will touch on this later). I would rather get 1 thing on my to-do list done with 100% of my effort than getting 10 things on my list done: but everything is done at a 40%. That's that.

One thing that we have to remember; there are different things on our "to-do lists" that have different priorities; that is why it is so important to identify the "MIT's" that I will also talk about later!

Before I make this intro WAY too long, let's hop into those tips!

1. Get up early/ Make your morning routine all about YOU

Getting up early is one of my favourite ways to stay productive. I like to wake up early so I can have my "me" time (including my personal morning routine), so that I feel refreshed and most importantly NOT rushed before the work/school tasks pile in. Some of my morning routine activities include...

• Morning coffee

• Morning workout

• Planning my day

• Stretching

Check out my ultimate morning routine blog for inspo!

2. Do NOT multitask... take one thing at a time

Our brain cannot sufficiently do more than one thing with 100% effectiveness. If you want to get things done with quality, it is so important to give each task the time and attention it needs, even if that means pushing back other (less important) things until afterwards. Focusing on one thing at a time will ensure that each task is given all of the focus it needs to be done with quality. After all, quality is ALWAYS better than quantity.

3. Take short work periods with frequent breaks in between

I don't know about you, but I can't focus on one thing for two long. After a while, my concentration decreases and I am very easily distracted; meaning that the quality of effort i'm putting in slowly slips until I probably am just wasting time (and will have to re-do it). So, something that is backed by science that I find very effective is having a specific time frame to work - whether it be 30-45 minutes - followed by mandatory 15 minute breaks. Having this little break is like a nice refresh, and will actually improve your memory, concentration and creativity too! I recommend not to use this break to scroll on social media or to watch a TV show... instead use this break to clear your mind; a little meditation, some positive affirmations or some light stretching would be great! Grab a nice glass of water and you are ready for your next block of work.

4. Make your bed and get dressed every morning (even when you have no plans)

I have talked about this multiple times, but that is because I have personally seen a big difference between days where I do this and days where I don't. Especially these last few months while working from home, it is easy to get out of important habits like making your bed in the morning or even getting out of your pyjamas. But you NEED to! If you continuously keep the ritual of making your bed and getting into "day/work" clothes every day, your brain will start to associate these simple tasks as "OH! My day is starting and it's time to be productive!". I promise! This won't happen over night, but big changes can come from these types of positive, repetitive habits.

5. It's all about priority

It's easy to become overwhelmed when you have 1000 things on your daily to-do lists... even more so when you are almost done the day and you have only done 4/1000! That is why it is recommended (from many professionals and me personally) to pick only three MIT's (Most Important Things) each day/week. This way, you know that there are 3 things on the top of the list and the rest are just other tasks that can be done at a later date if necessary. When you narrow your 1000 to-do's into 3 at the top of the priority list and the rest below, you are able to easily see what needs to be done first. That way, as long as those are done/started, you don't have to stress about the other to-do's that can be pushed to later.

6. Success is not about productivity

Of course it always feels nice after a productive day, but productivity doesn't equate to success. Days can be super successful even if nothing is done on your to-do list. This makes sense if you think of it like this: your to-do list is full of work/school/cleaning etc. jobs that you order based off of 'priority'. However, things like playing with your kids, sleeping, eating, drinking water, making sure you aren't sick and/or struggling (mentally/physically) - are also priorities in life that we normally don't think to include on the list. Therefore, even if nothing on your to-do list is done, but all of those important things that aren't on the list get done; SUCCESS! Also, everyday is a new day. Don't keep in your mind your "unproductive days" - letting them bum you out! The next new day is not limited by previous days! New day, new you, new ability and opportunity for productivity!

7. Eisenhower matrix

A picture is worth a thousand words...

8. Prioritize recharging and self-care FIRST

Despite popular belief, self care is NOT selfish! You can't do anything well if you aren't taking care of yourself! It's just a fact. You will not be able to give your tasks 100% if you are not at the mental and physical capacity to. Take the time to give your mind and body the care it needs to thrive.

9. Learn to say no (to others AND yourself)

This is a big one, especially for me. I am a people pleaser (as many of us are). However, I have learned that there is greater power in having the ability to say no to others. An even greater power in the ability to say no to ourselves. Sometimes, we need to say no to others to put our priorities first. Whether you can't take an extra shift at work because your daughter has a play, you can't go drinking with friends because you need to have a night alone with a bath and an audiobook. I'm not saying you shouldn't have fun and only work to get things checked off a list. I'm saying that for the sake of your health and well-being; no is a very powerful word. Now, the even harder part - saying no to yourself. Now this may seem counter-intuitive to what this whole blog is supposed to be about, but saying no to yourself and your expectations is important. Saying no to your to-do list when it will cause more harm than good - on your stress levels, mental state, family time etc. - that is the most productive thing you can do. Basically, if you are going to break yourself today to finish a task - you are going to limit your capabilities moving forward. Listen to your body, tell your inner perfectionist no and take the time you need to heal... then return to your tasks with a strong mind and you will see the quality of your work.

10. Positive affirmations

This may seem super random, but I for one LOVE positive affirmations! A recent statistic I found is that 3/4 of our thoughts are negative. WHAT!? That is awful. Creating and repeating affirmations that mean something to you changes your beliefs over time by releasing negativity, fear and anxiety in your mind and in your life. Starting to incorporate this into your life will improve your mental health by silencing those limiting beliefs that keep you from achieving your greatness!!!

If you love the idea of positive affirmations, check out love powered co! They have amazing affirmation cards (even for kiddos and teens) to start learning early that they are powerful and in control of their mind. https://www.lovepoweredco.ca/

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11. Mindfulness

First of all, what is mindfulness? Basically, mindfulness is a practice of slowing down and becoming aware of all of your surroundings; what you hear, smell, taste etc. The art of becoming really present and experiencing all of your current sensations is really meditative. Why does this increase productivity? Mindfulness is amazing at reducing stress, improving sleep and actually can reduce chronic pain! Amazing! Mindfulness = good mental health = productivity!

12. Think about your thoughts

What? Who does that? Well, it is actually proven that a common trail that productive people have is that they are constantly aware of and are thinking about their thoughts. Since negative thoughts have such power over us, it is incredibly important to think about what you are thinking about and be aware of thoughts that are in fact limiting and negative. That way, you can start to control your thought processes to encourage you and motivate you to become and continue becoming a better (and more productive) version of yourself!

Well, there you go! 11 tips for maximizing productivity! I hope you found something that inspired you and gave you some ideas and motivation to crush your goals and keep your mind and body healthy all at the same time.

xoxo, Maya

#productivity #maximizeproductivity #mindbodysoul #listentoyourbody