10 Best Productivity Hacks For the Easily Distracted Entrepreneurs Who Want To Stop Multi-Tasking & Get Focused
What if you could get double or triple the work done and progress made without working more hours?
Every morning you wake up, there are a ton of things already waiting for you to get to them and needing your attention. Especially with all the tasks that need to get done in your business, all pulling you in different directions. This is why most business owners end up multitasking and switching from one task to another constantly. But this habit of bouncing between tasks not only hurts our productivity but also makes us more likely to make mistakes. (The Science Is Clear)
The quality of your work is sacrificed because of the additional time and brainpower required for you to shift context from one task to another. Instead of getting things done, multitasking costs us valuable time, energy, and business growth!
But with all the things on your to-do list, it’s difficult to not get sidetracked and switch back and forth between different tasks. So, how do you get them done efficiently and effectively?
Here are 10 productivity-boosting hacks that help you minimize distractions and get laser-focused:
Productivity Hack 1. Don’t be an overachiever
Instead of coming up with a long to-do list for the day, which adds unnecessary pressure because you won’t complete everything on the list, pick only 1 to 3 things to complete for the day. These should be tasks that are the most important to your business.
If you need help with prioritization, check out the important vs urgent matrix. (Eisenhower) It helps you sort and prioritize tasks and figure out your action steps to get them off your to-do list.
Productivity Hack 2. Give each day a theme
Assign a theme to each workday, so you can focus your energy, focus, and creativity on one type of task. Because our brain is not wired to multi-task, this helps maximize the quality of our work, boost productivity, and master more complicated tasks.
Create themes and categorize the different tasks you do based on your specific type of business and the nature of your work. For example, you can have one day when you schedule all of your client calls and team meetings, one day for all your creative and strategic work, one day for all your administrative tasks, one day for all planning tasks, and one day for learning and personal growth.
(Read this post to find out the NO. 1 reason why business owners are busy hustling but not seeing results and how you can avoid it.)
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Productivity Hack 3. Don’t work nonstop
Working longer hours decreases your productivity. Instead, break up your workdays into segments of work cycles of 90 to 120 minutes followed by a short 10 to 15-minute break. During your work cycle, your only focus is to complete the task(s) you’ve assigned to yourself based on Productivity Hack 1 and 2 above.
Productivity Hack 4. Make it a game
Use a time timer to time your work cycles from Productivity Hack 2. This is a very simple and visual countdown clock that is perfect for people who prefer visual cues. When you set a timer for your 90- or 120-minute countdown, you might find it more interesting and motivating as you complete your task because it can feel like a game or competition against the timer. Alternatively, you can use the timer on your phone if you don’t need the visual countdown.
Productivity Hack 5. Make time for distractions
Set a specific time each day for emails, messages, and social media – all the biggest distractions at work. Schedule this time for later in the day so you don’t start the day responding to people’s inquiries and requests when your energy level and brain power are usually the highest. This way you get to tackle the most important things of the day first with a fresh mind without having other people’s priorities cluttering your mind.
Productivity Hack 6. Marie Kondo your working space
Create an inviting and clutter-free workspace for yourself to help boost productivity. Remove entertainment devices, your phone, and any decor or office stationery that creates noise and distractions.
To minimize distractions, set your phone on flight mode or leave it elsewhere, close your email inbox, and keep only the tabs you need open in your internet browser.
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Productivity Hack 7. Set the mood
Get yourself into “high-productivity and high-performance mode” by working in a space that has more natural light that brings more positive energy. And find a music playlist that helps you focus. There are a ton of Spotify playlists in different music genres made to help you get focused and get work done.
If you enjoy candles and essential oils in your space, experts in aromatherapy recommend lemon, lavender, jasmine, rosemary, cinnamon, and peppermint scents for productivity boosts. (Evans)
Productivity Hack 8. Get Movin’
During your breaks, add gentle movements such as light stretches or a short walk to help refresh your energy and reset your brain to give yourself another boost of productivity in your next work cycle.
Productivity Hack 9. Make Yourself Feel Accomplished
When facing a large and complicated project, people often want to procrastinate because the uncertainties and responsibilities seem too much to handle. When we break down large projects into smaller actionable tasks, they seem more doable. This way, you not only reduce the pressure that comes with complicated projects, but you also get a sense of accomplishment more often as you finish each smaller task, which keeps you motivated.
Productivity Hack 10. Put Hard Stops
Set a time to end work every day. Putting hard stops on your work prevents overwork and makes sure you get enough rest, so your high level of productivity continues the next day. It helps you take your mind off work and start the next day with a fresh mind and high energy.
Implement these hacks starting today so you can get more done in less time, and keep moving your business forward!
Feeling overworked? Uncover the 5 crucial boundaries you need to set to build a thriving business.
Want to get more productive in creating content? Here’s how to master the art of repurposing your content without boring your audience and how to create content easily – even if writing makes you pull your hair out!
And if you’re looking to create systems and workflows to cut your work time in half, read this post and learn the 3 simple techniques to build effective processes (that you will actually use).
Still find yourself buried in busy work and overwhelmed? Here are 3 ways to power up your business & momentum, and thrive every day.
Also, check out these 6 amazingly simple ways to effortlessly get more done in less time in your business (no complicated tech!).
Don’t forget to check out these 7 pro tips to make your business stand out － even if you're starting out!
Work Cited
Eisenhower. “The Eisenhower Matrix: Introduction & 3-Minute Video Tutorial.” Eisenhower, 2011, www.eisenhower.me/eisenhower-matrix. Accessed 30 Nov. 2022.
Evans, Lisa. “6 Scents That Can Transform Your Mood and Productivity.” Entrepreneur, 8 Oct. 2012, www.entrepreneur.com/living/6-scents-that-can-transform-your-mood-and-productivity/224575. Accessed 30 Nov. 2022.
“The Science Is Clear: Why Multitasking Doesn’t Work.” Cleveland Clinic, 10 Mar. 2021, health.clevelandclinic.org/science-clear-multitasking-doesnt-work/#:~:text=One%20study%20found%20that%20just. Accessed 30 Nov. 2022.