10 Tips for a More Productive Work Week

How often have you wished for an extra day or two in the week? We've all been there. Running a business is exhausting, and there's always more to do than there is time to do it. If you're looking for ways to be more productive, check out these 10 tips. 

1. Get enough sleep.

This one might seem obvious, but it's worth repeating. A well-rested mind is a productive mind. Shoot for 7-8 hours of sleep every night so you can start your day feeling refreshed and ready to take on whatever tasks come your way. 

2. Set realistic goals.

Don't try to accomplish too much in one day—you'll just end up feeling overwhelmed and stressed out. Break down your big goals into smaller, more manageable pieces, and then tackle them one at a time. 

3. Make a list—and stick to it.

Once you've set your goals for the day, write them down in a place where you'll see them often (like on a Post-It note stuck to your computer screen). Having a physical reminder of what you need to get done will help you stay focused and on track. 

4. Create (and stick to) a schedule.

Try chunking similar tasks together so you can work on them back-to-back without having to switch gears too often. For example, if you need to answer emails, make phone calls, and write a report, do all your email first, then make your calls, and save the writing for last. 

5. Take breaks—and use them wisely.

When you start feeling burnt out, take a 5-10 minute break to clear your head and refocus your energy. Use this time wisely by getting up and moving around—a quick walk around the block or a few laps around the office will do wonders for your energy level and productivity levels when you sit back down at your desk. 

6. An hour of uninterrupted work = two hours of interrupted work.

It might seem like working straight through without taking any breaks would help you get more done in less time, but that's actually not the case. When you try to multitask or allow yourself to be distracted by things like social media or text messages, it takes longer for you to complete each task because you have to stop and start again each time you get pulled away from what you're doing. 

7. Keep meetings short—and make sure they're actually necessary.

Meetings are notorious time-sucks, so only schedule them when they're absolutely necessary—and keep them as brief as possible. Not sure if a meeting is really necessary? Send an email instead. 

8. Get organized.

A cluttered desk = a cluttered mind—so take some time each day to organize your workspace. This will help you feel less frazzled when you sit down to work because everything will have its own place. And when everything has its own place, it's easier to find things when you need them! (Which means less wasted time rummaging through piles of paper). 

9. Set aside “me” time.

When you're constantly hustling and grinding away at work, it's easy to forget about taking care of yourself. Make sure to schedule some “me” time into your week so you can do things that make YOU happy. Whether that means taking yourself out for coffee or going for a run after work, carving out some “me” time will help improve both your mental and physical well-being—which will ultimately make you more productive at work. 

10. Delegate, delegate, delegate!

You can't – and shouldn't – do everything yourself! Learn how (and when) to delegate tasks so someone else can take care of them while freeing up some much-needed time in your schedule. 

Implementing even just a few of these tips is sure to help increase both your productivity levels and your overall satisfaction with work – so give them a try this week and see how they work for you!