Goal-setting can increase task performance by up to 30 percent.
In today’s modern work environment, productivity has become essential to success. Research studies have shown that being more productive at work can increase job satisfaction, motivation, and overall well-being. Here are four simple and evidence-based ways to be more focused and productive at work:
1. Set clear goals
Setting specific, achievable goals can improve productivity by providing focus and motivation. According to multiple studies, goal setting can increase task performance by up to 30%. Therefore, setting clear, measurable goals for each day, week, and month is essential.
2. Prioritize your tasks
Prioritizing tasks based on their importance and urgency can help you focus on what’s essential. It’s crucial to understand what is “always important” for your role, what is a “game-changer” for your professional development, and what simply isn’t as important right now.
Setting aside everything in the last category eliminates the stress of worrying about it and gives us time to focus on what is important. If we fail to prioritize, we can also get easily distracted by a lack of direction. Distraction indicates that we are focusing on things we can’t influence. We find ourselves stressed out and drained by something out of our control, rather than working on the parts of our job that we love and can influence. It’s pretty simple: People who prioritize their tasks and focus on what matters most are much more productive than those who don’t.
3. Take breaks
The best way to counteract exhaustion from burnout is by allowing restful breaks. Phone scrolling and email checking between meetings don’t count. They accentuate the mindset of task switching and never allow the mind to recharge.
Research shows that more frequent breaks of any type lead to less stress, but encouraging activities like walking or meditation helps employees experience less stress and increased productivity.
Restful breaks don’t have to be a major undertaking. For example, stretching, walking outside with a colleague, drinking water, or practicing breath work or meditation all qualify as forms of active recovery.
4. Learn to say no
Learning to say “no” allows us to minimize our obligations and give them greater focus. Additionally, those with difficulty saying no are more likely to experience stress, burnout, and depression. All the strategies and hacks in the world never add up to the power of ‘no.’ Why? Because having fewer things to accomplish on your to-do list is really the best way to get things done.
It’s easy to fall into a pattern of overwork with little time for living your best life. But hopefully, with something as simple as setting a healthy boundary to protect you from more work, you can maximize your efficiency at work — leaving you more time to actually have a life.
In conclusion, focus and productivity are essential for success at work, and the above strategies can help increase productivity levels and even your happiness. Remember that productivity is not just about working harder but also about working smarter.
Source: Inc.Africa
