10 Productivity Tips for 2024
Is one of your new year’s resolutions to finally stop procrastinating? To find a time management technique that works for you? To learn to say no or delegate? Check out this list of 10 of our favorite productivity tips for an organized 2024.
One thing at a time
First tip: No multi-tasking. When your attention is divided, you will not give 100% to either task. Instead, focus on one task to completion and then move to the next.
Manage your energy
We have all had those super productive days where we checked everything off our list . . . but were completely exhausted afterward, to the detriment of our personal lives. This is equally true when we think about work-life balance: how can we manage our energy in a sustainable way? Try to listen to your body and stress levels. Remember you are no good to anybody if you are constantly burnt out.
Tune out distractions
Phones. TV. Pets. Kids. “Hey can I get you to take a look at this really quickly?” There is no shortage of ways to become distracted during the workday. There are, however, a variety of ways to tune these out, from putting your phone in Focus or Do Not Disturb, to setting manageable boundaries with your coworkers about office hours. Choose tactics that work for your work style and schedule.
Take breaks
Every single list of 2024 productivity tips included a reminder to take breaks during the day. It is important to give our minds a full and complete rest, so we can then refocus with full energy. Check out any of the popular time management techniques to find a work-break cadence that works for you.
Make your environment work for you
A clear space can help us maintain a clear head. Making your environment work for you can be as simple as taking a few minutes at the beginning of the day to declutter your workstation or hanging up your 2024 vision board for inspiration. You could also try out different types of lighting or find a digital timer to help you track your time.
Batch your tasks
By performing all of the same type of task at once, we not only check an entire block of tasks off in one sitting, we can sustain the same thought processes and information processes, which may help with focus and retention.
Organize your files
Whether physical or digital, an organized filing system is a gamechanger for productivity. Create a system that works for your recall or common search functionality, as long as it is uniform and consistent.
Mind your vitals
For those of us who get lost in our work and lose track of time, remember not to neglect your physical well-being. Set reminders to hydrate every hour. Try to observe your allocated meal times. And most importantly, learn which tactics work for you to emotionally regulate your anxiety or stress levels during the day, from breathing exercises, to short meditation, or simply taking a step back from your computer.
Celebrate tasks accomplished
With an increase to productivity comes an increase in accomplishments! Be sure to celebrate your wins of any size, from a well-written email, to a great 1:1 with your manager, to a well-run meeting. This will help keep you motivated and help you see the steps taken to achieve yoru goals. Don’t forget about observing positive self-talk!
Say no or delegate, if possible
This is a hard one, especially for first generation professionals. Hopefully, your manager is empowering you to manage your time as best befits your bandwidth, but when that is just not an option, see if there is another member of your team to lean in. Maybe it does not have to be YOU who does the task, as long as it gets done. Saying no takes practice, like any professional muscle - try to do so as much as reasonably warranted and be prepared to be transparent about your reasoning. When in doubt, ask for prioritization if you are juggling multiple tasks.
Citations
Boogaard, Kat. “10 Ways to Boost Your Productivity at Work.” Work Life by Atlassian, 6 Dec. 2023, www.atlassian.com/blog/productivity/simple-ways-to-be-productive-at-work.
LaVine, Rosey. “21 Productivity Tips, Hacks, & Strategies for Maximum Focus.” Science of People, 25 May 2023, www.scienceofpeople.com/productivity-tips/.
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