Eager to make 2020 your year? There’s only one real way to make it yours and achieve your goals: up your productivity. But if the same tired tips aren’t motivating you, don’t despair. We have some surprising hacks that can help you succeed – and have fun doing it.
1. Turn Off Your Notifications
You may think you’re being more productive by having tech keep you connected. But constantly receiving alerts and buzzes on your phone (and watch, tablet and laptop) really just distract you. Instead, trust that the world will go on without you, and allow yourself to focus on your task. After you’re done working out, writing or working, you can reply to calls, check Twitter and reconnect.
2. Play Video Games
Gamers are unfairly stereotyped as lazy, but actually that isn’t true at all. In fact, according to the BBC, gaming in small doses can be beneficial to your productivity. When work gets stressful and overwhelming, taking a break and recharging with a game can fully refresh you! It’s no wonder that 83% of people have played games at work or school. They’re not slacking off; they’re practicing self-care and keep their mind relaxed, sharp and focused!
3. Embrace Weekends and Vacations
You don’t have to have your nose to the grindstone 24/7 to be productive. Taking time off – both during weekends as well in full vacations – can make you more productive. If you never take any time off, you’re at risk for facing serious burnout – and nothing destroys productivity like that. This isn’t just wishful thinking either– in fact, science backs this theory up. So when the clock hits five, let your mind unwind.
4. Stop Multitasking
It’s a common problem that many people mistake multitasking for productivity. But actually, as a rule, multitasking just seems more productive. It’s likely that it’s making you much less successful at getting things done. Instead of doing one thing really well, you’re doing multiple things at a lower quality (or doing them slower). Let yourself take the time to focus on each thing at once and give it your full attention. Then, you can move on to the next task, and knock that one out of the park, too!
5. Find Your Reason Why
No matter how many tips you follow, if your motivation isn’t in place, you’re likely to give up. Make sure you take the time to figure out why it’s important to achieve your goals. When you have a solid reason for your hard work, it’s much easier to commit. You can even write down your reason. Then, put it somewhere visible at your workspace, beside your bed, or even on your phone’s wallpaper. Keeping your reason why in easy sight will keep it in your mind!
If you’re wanting to up your productivity, keep these five tips in mind. Not only will you find it easier to achieve your goals, but you’ll enjoy doing it. By playing games, taking time off, focusing and knowing your motivation, you’ll become completely unstoppable.
