Stay Productive and In Control With These Tips

In the workplace, lost productivity tends to have a domino effect. When you lose steam on one task, it can negatively impact a host of other jobs. The right proactive steps can help you stay productive and prevent your workload from spiraling out of control.

Say No

When you're trying to stay productive and maintain control at work, one of the most important things you can do is learn to say no. However, this can be a surprisingly difficult action, particularly when you want to be a team player. If it makes you feel better, include a short explanation. A simple statement that lets the other person know your time is spoken for softens the blow. Use unequivocal language, and leave no room for negotiation by avoiding indecisive phrases such as "I don't think so" or "I may not be able to help."

Track Your Efforts

Just as businesses monitor and adjust team performance to achieve efficiency, you can track your own workflow. Download a time-tracking app, and use it to track all of your activities and accomplishments for a week. Add notes about how you felt during each task. Then, look for patterns and adjust your tasks and patterns to help you stay productive. If you feel alert in the mornings, use that time to complete difficult projects. If you spend 50 percent of Tuesdays in regular meetings, spend Monday afternoon getting ahead. If email tends to distract you from the task at hand, start checking it once each hour. Don't be afraid to buck tradition to design a workflow that fits your unique strengths, limitations and tendencies.

Maintain Control Over Your Phone

Your smartphone is both a valuable tool and a productivity killer. If you find yourself reaching for the phone multiple times each hour to check Facebook, respond to texts or check the weather, it's time to act. For many professionals, it's impossible to ditch the phone completely, but you can adjust settings to minimize distractions. Turn on your phone's Do Not Disturb or Sleep mode during business hours so it doesn't light up or make noise. Put the phone in a drawer or bag, and allow yourself to reach for it just once per hour. If you must use the phone for work, change your Do Not Disturb settings to allow calls and texts from clients and colleagues, but block everyone else. This simple step can go a long way in cutting out nonwork distractions and helping you stay productive.

Choose Demanding Personal Hobbies

The things you do outside the office impact your ability to stay productive on the job. If you find you are letting tasks slide during business hours and getting them done at home on evenings or weekends, consider taking up a demanding hobby that fills your free time. Audition for a play, start training for a triathlon or volunteer to organize a fundraiser for a favorite nonprofit. When your personal time is spoken for, you have no choice but to use your work hours productively. Pursuing personal passion also increases happiness and general satisfaction, which can make you more motivated to tackle professional tasks.

Finding ways to stay productive is essential for a busy professional. By starting with small, manageable steps and working up, you stay in control of your professional life.

Photo courtesy of reynermedia at Flickr.com