#110: 3 Ways to Become More Productive

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We all want to do great things with our lives, but for many, there just never seems to be enough time in the day to get everything done. This is why becoming your most productive self is so important. If you can’t seem to find the productivity levels that you’re looking for, here are 3 tips for you to take back your time and increase your productivity:

1. Put in the work before you reward yourself. 

The reason that most people don’t accomplish more with their lives is a lack of self-discipline and focus, and this first point addresses that very issue. If you just can’t stop looking at your phone or checking email, you first need to identify what it is that you need to accomplish, and then before you ever allow yourself to do those things that you know are unproductive, make sure to check off all important tasks first. This practical advice allows you to reward yourself for finishing what you set out to do and keeps you productive more often than not.

2. Stop reading about others who are productive, and become productive yourself. 

You need to take action to become more productive. More often than not, you know what you need to be doing, but let this be just the push you need to take productivity seriously. Reading information and listening to what people have to say are so important, but at some point, you need to heed the advice for yourself and begin making decisions. Some decisions will be wrong, but some will be correct, as well. That’s just something you have to live with as someone who is becoming more productive. When you do this, you’ll begin moving in the right direction.

3. Stop saying “yes” to everything. 

You should prioritize the things that matter most and automate as many of those things that you can through creating a routine centered around them, but please stop saying “yes” to every opportunity that comes your way. I hate letting people down, and I know how it feels to have to say “no” to people, but this could be the biggest obstacle to productivity that there is. Author Peter Drucker even said, “Nothing is less productive than to make more efficient what should not be done at all.” There are so many times that people are giving their all to something they’re not even made to do, but when we step into what we were made for, natural productivity can take place. Sure, there will be great opportunities that come your way, but that doesn’t mean that they’re a great fit for you. Remember, you’re the only one who can do you.

Now, go and become more productive, today.