Here are some ideas to be more productive in the new year and optimize your work to start the year off right.
1. Set (and Stick to) a Well-Defined Work Schedule
Although still very common in the modern workplace, it’s known that working overtime is bad for your health. Besides, long gone are the days when your productivity was measured by how much time you invested in your job. Start the new year by aggressively planning your life on a calendar.
Use Google Calendar: Define your work schedule and stick to it with a free tool like Google Calendar, so you can always let your colleagues know when you’re away. You can set your working hours in Google Calendar, but don’t forget to put your OOO status when it’s time for a break.
Download: Google Calendar for Android | iOS (Free)
2. Work in Blocks
This is an essential tip for all multitaskers. Whether working on multiple projects or juggling a full-time job with a side hustle, don’t forget to set times to start and stop so you don’t overwork yourself. Also, make sure you divide your work tasks and know exactly how much time each one requires — and, of course, never underestimate the importance of taking short breaks in between.
Use task management and time-tracking apps: Organize your work in blocks and track your progress with team calendar tools like Toggl Plan for easier task management. Toggl Track is another must-have app, as it’ll help you track the time you’re investing in each task. Track how much time you spend on each block and adjust it accordingly to your needs!
Download: Toggl Plan for Android | iOS (Free, In-app purchases available)
Download: Toggl Track for Android | iOS (Free, In-app purchases available)
3. Eliminate Distractions
Procrastination is the worst enemy of your productivity. You just have to look at your mobile’s screen time to learn how much is wasted on distractions like social media. Luckily, there are ways to eliminate distractions and sharpen your focus so you can achieve more in less time.
Use Distraction Blockers: Apps like RescueTime are handy when you only need to focus on work. While its primary purpose is to be used as a time tracker, this tool can create lists of websites (dividing them into work-related and personal activity ones) and block them for when you need to focus. Moreover, it will help you prepare your workspace and get into the right mindset to focus on work by gently reminding you to clean up your physical and digital spaces.
Download: RescueTime for Android | iOS (Free, In-app purchases available)
4. Prioritize Your Tasks Based on How Urgent They Are
A well-defined list of priorities is crucial to level up your productivity. A simple way to prioritize your tasks is by using the Eisenhower matrix. First, each of your tasks should be evaluated as urgent/not urgent and important/not important to divide them into one of these categories: to do now, to schedule for later, to delegate, or to delete the task altogether.
Use the Eisenhower Matrix app: Try the grids on the Eisenhower Matrix web app to sort out your priorities. Once you get the hang of it, you will be surprised by the number of tasks that don’t require your attention.
Download: Eisenhower Matrix for iOS ($2.99)
5. Create a Weekly To-Do List
We often feel overwhelmed by the amount of work on our minds. Listing the most important work tasks, such as meetings and deadlines to meet every day will help you have a clear overview of your week. Then, once it’s all planned, you’ll have enough time to spend with friends and family, squeeze in a workout, and rest!
Use Digital To-Do Lists: Apps like Todoist or TickTick will help you to alleviate stress and improve your productivity by keeping track of all your tasks. From planning and setting deadlines to getting task reminders and marking tasks as completed, you can create to-do lists on the go
Download: Todoist for Android | iOS (Free, In-app purchases available)
Download: TickTick for Android | iOS (Free, In-app purchases available)
6. Stop Comparing Your Results to Others
Compare your end-of-month results with your results from the month before instead of the current results of your coworkers. Instead of stressing about your performance to your entire office, own your progress and focus on your vision when trying to improve your outcomes.
Use a Mindfulness App: A mindfulness and meditation app like Meditopia could be your go-to if you’re prone to negative self-talk and unnecessary comparison. It will help you cultivate gratitude, set mindful goals, and handle challenging or stressful situations through meditation and breathing exercises.
Download: Meditopia for Android | iOS (Free, In-app purchases available)
7. Automate Your Tasks
Technology offers us numerous solutions to the time-management problem, and there are things you shouldn’t be wasting your time on anymore. For example, emails and contract drafting can be automated, so you don’t have to track them manually.
Use Automation: IFTTT is an excellent tool for connecting multiple apps and automating miscellaneous tasks to save time. However, there are many more things that don’t need your presence. From tracking your finances to using social media, you can automate many tasks to level up your productivity right away.
Download: IFTTT for Android | iOS (Free, In-app purchases available)
Set Productivity-Oriented Goals for a Successful Year
Focusing on goals that will positively affect your work-life balance by creating a better work routine can be a life-changer. They will help you succeed in your job and free up time to spend with the people you love and do things you enjoy. In addition, good organization is vital if you want to start a new hobby or spend more time working on your side hustle.
A good work-life balance is essential for your mental and physical well-being, so set the right goals to achieve them and take back control of your time. There are many ways to plan out your work for a smooth and prosperous year ahead—and today is a good day to start.
