We continue the discussion on how you can be more successful at work. A game-changer and the topic for today is Productivity.

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Let’s be honest. One of the main reasons why we are not always super-productive at work is because we get distracted. It could simply be a swinging door, or street noise — or bigger disruptions, such as unnecessary meetings and frequent work and personal calls.

Other than the aforementioned, another productivity killer is a noisy co-worker. A survey was conducted by Ask.com, asking employees what distracts them the most. The results: 61 percent believed that their loud and noisy colleagues were the biggest distraction at work.

Well, cutting down the chase with a remaining few solid productivity-killers, 63 percent of the correspondents believed that working in cubicles, group projects, telecommuting, sitting next to the boss, and too many chances for face-to-face interactions are also amongst the bigger culprits.

But the real question is … are you motivated to be productive?

Do you want to achieve more through your work? If so, let’s put aside how others distract you from being productive and see how you can be more productive at work.

1. Avoid Unnecessary Meetings

Don’t get sucked into every meeting that’s being conducted. You should know that time is the most important part of your life and every second counts. While you may find it tempting to meet people and chit-chat with them, you should learn to refuse meetings that aren’t vital or part of your job.

Learn to say “No”.

2. Set Up Your Daily Tasks

There isn’t a better way to boost your productivity than to set up to-do lists. Try to create a to-do list that suits you best. For example, I like to keep my difficult tasks at the top of the list, while keeping easier ones for the latter part of the day, when my energy starts to wane. Create a daily action plan.

3. Take Breaks

Productivity isn’t about how long you can sit at your office desk, but rather how much work you can get done. Your productivity can drastically fall if you aren’t taking enough breaks during your eight to ten hours of work shifts. Take a short break every 45 minutes.

4. Cut Down On All The Distractions

If you are really determined to be more productive, cut down on all the distractions. Starting with your cell phone: keep it away, turn off the WiFi, and use your desktop for accessing emails. No social media during your “productivity hours”. The solution is simple: disconnect. Disconnect to connect with productivity.

5. Get Help With Your Tasks

If you are an introvert, you may hold back from seeking help. But to get your tasks done in a more productive way, seek help from colleagues, and you will be able to complete your tasks faster. If you are an extrovert, use the power of delegation. Instead of trying to solve 12 problems by yourself, find 12 people and ask each person to solve one problem. Ask for help.

Simply put, use these five tips and you’ll get more done in a shorter space of time. I tried … they work!

To a more productive you,

Yana

P.S. Do check out my “People Power” website as I share 8 tips you can use to network and connect with high-power people.

_{This post was first published on Yana Fry blog and has been reposted on Executive Lifestyle with the permission of the author.
Edited by Nedda Chaplin
Image credit: Businesswoman presenting meeting in an office from Shutterstock}

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