Getting Things Done

There’s a lot of advice out there on how to increase your productivity, but unless you’re doing the doing, you’ll see little change. That’s why establishing routines and using apps is so important. They get you into a ‘productivity flow’ that helps you work smarter, get things done and enjoy more freedom in your personal life. 

Routine is king!

For the best productivity, be consistent with your routines. A good start is to get up at the same time every day where possible (including weekends), and follow a set routine.

Routines are also important in setting up expectation - knowing that you always exercise for 45 minutes when you wake up, and having your clothes already laid out the night before, removes all small decision-making and leaves you with ample energy to focus on the task at hand.  

Use technology that supports your hectic life by making it more manageable

There are a fantastic range of productivity apps available (like the popular Todoist) to use as part of your morning routine to review your schedule, set your priorities, change anything overdue and generally get a clear overview of everything on your plate. These electronic versions work well because it allows you to easily organize, prioritise, and delegate tasks and projects with a simple click or swipe of your finger, plus they allow you to track your progress.    

Time blocking

If you want to get things done, time block. This is when you divide your day into blocks of time that focus on a specific task, or group of tasks, and only those specific tasks. Time blocking ties in really well with your daily Todoist check-in as the key to this method is prioritizing your task list in advance. Plus, for days that are time blocked in advance, you won’t have to constantly make choices about what to focus on – and instead focus on getting things done. 

Once you find a routine that works for you – stick to it! But at the same time, remember that no week will be perfectly balanced. It’s okay to not have everything done by 5pm as long as the most important or necessary tasks have been completed. 

Remember too that taking breaks is essential for better productivity. If you forget, set yourself alarms for breaks, staying hydrated, and even getting ready for bed (remember – it’s all about routine!). 

Ultimately, setting a daily routine takes the constant decision making away and allows you to instead focus on completing your tasks and be productive.   

Smart Commute

When you commute to your workplace, make sure to use that time in the best possible way. It’s very easy to just mindlessly scroll through social media as you’re sitting on the bus or train, when you could instead be using this time in more constructive ways. Consider things like reading those productivity books you never seem to get time for (check my “resources - books”, learning a new language (try Duolingo), or listening to some of those motivational podcasts you’re heard so much about. Or better yet, kill two birds with one stone and bike, walk or run to work – getting your commute and daily exercise done at the same time.