Did you know that 42% of the U.S. labor force now works from home full-time?
It’s cheaper. It’s more energy-efficient. It’s more inclusive of long-distance employees. It cuts down on stressful commutes. It promotes a healthier work-life balance.
With all of the benefits of working remotely, it’s clear it won’t be going away anytime soon. The same is true of remote learning.
But are you really accomplishing as much as you used to in a traditional office or classroom setting? If you find yourself losing motivation, here are five easy ways to increase productivity, no matter where you are.
1. Clear Your Area #
Research published by the University of Chicago explains just why a messy background can be so distracting. It threatens our sense of personal control, which leads to self-regulating failure.
Translation? A chaotic environment makes it harder to persist through challenges! Instead, we cut corners, rush ourselves, or give up altogether.
Luckily, there’s a simple solution. Create a dedicated workspace where you can focus without interruption. This could look different for many people, but generally, your workspace should be well-lit, quiet, and comfortable.
2. Commit to Reasonable Goals #
You’ve probably heard of the S.M.A.R.T. technique for goal-setting. You know, goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely?
But it’s not enough to just identify these goals in our heads. Writing them down serves not only as a reminder but also as a tracker.
There are a variety of ways to do this. You might get creative with a bullet journal or just stick to a simple old-fashioned to-do list.
Either way, by committing your goals down to paper, you’re creating a tangible way of holding yourself accountable.
3. Eliminate Distractions #
There are the obvious distractions, like our cell phone notifications or the noise level in our environment.
Then, there are the distractions masked as productivity: multitasking.
It may sound counterintuitive, but one of the best tips and tricks to improve productivity is to focus on one thing at a time. Doing so will improve both the quality of your work and reduce the amount of time needed to complete it.
4. Track Your Focus #
Are you wondering how much time you really spend answering phone calls, text messages, and emails? What about social media? Apps and games?
The next time you sit down to do a task, check the time right before you dive in. Then, once you notice your attention slipping, check the time again to see how long you were working. This information will prove useful later on.
And if you want more detailed insight into your distractions, most smartphones can generate reports of how much time you spend on each function. You can set daily limits for yourself, or choose to allow these activities only at certain times.
Moreover, try using different clocks, calculators, calendars, and note-taking apps than the ones on your phone. This will eliminate the temptation to check your notifications (which you can keep in “do not disturb” mode when it’s time to focus).
5. Work in Chunks #
If you have an upcoming presentation, don’t look at it as a whole. Instead, separate it into logical parts, and then decide how much time you need to devote to each.
Whether you prefer the Pomodoro technique or working in 90-minute increments, breaking up your tasks makes them easier to manage.
And once you have an idea of how long you can stay focused, this can help you schedule personalized breaks for yourself. Sticking to these breaks will help your brain associate working with the small rewards that come afterward.
Increase Productivity Wherever You Are #
Productivity looks different for everyone. But regardless of your profession, the ways to increase productivity are the same across the board. It all boils down to knowing what disrupts your focus and how to address it.
Are you looking for a better way to manage your planners, notes, lists, habits, and expenses? Look no further than Elisi. It’s completely customizable to meet your needs, and the best part? It’s free! Check it out today wherever you download your apps.
