11 Tips to Stay Productive and in Control

It's easy for us to lose control when so many demands on our time. However, we still need some sensible tips to help us organize our time better, even if we have decided what is most important.

These 11 tips will help you manage your time and increase productivity.

1. All calendars can be synchronized

All calendars, whether they are on your computer, on a wall, or handheld device, must all say the same thing. Unneeded confusion can result from too many planners or calendars. Try to stick with one planner or calendar if possible.

2. Every project needs an action plan

Each project has a best-practice sequence of steps. It is essential to identify the series and then follow it in order to save time and effort. Before you start any project, identify the series and write it down.

3. Prioritize the essential activities

It's easier to find time for the less critical tasks if you start with the most crucial tasks. Conversely, you will never get to the essential things if you allow yourself to be distracted by busy work and unimportant tasks.

4. Track your time

Keep a log of your time for at least one week to see where it is going. What percentage of your time is being wasted on non-essential tasks? From where will most of your interruptions originate? What are the most common times they occur? This data will make it easier to eliminate time-wasting tasks and distract you from other things.

5. Schedule less.

You will feel frustrated and rushed if you try to fit too much into your day. In the end, you won't get as much done. Be realistic about how many tasks you have scheduled in your day. A pound of achievement is better than a pound of frustration.

6. Reduce interruptions

You should not be distracted during the hours you have off. Turn off your phone, instant messengers, pop-ups, and Twitter notifications whenever possible. Focus on one activity.

7. Expect the unexpected

It's normal for things to happen. However, you will feel chaotic throughout the day if your schedule is too tight. You should allow 25 minutes for a trip if you must be somewhere. To have a buffer against the unplanned, leave small blocks of time throughout your day.

8. Use transition time to your advantage

Try to make the most of your commute time by doing something productive. For example, is there a way to listen to necessary data you don't usually need to read? You should always have something to do when you aren't busy. It's easy to make more time for the things you want to do by making use of time usually wasted.

9. Take breaks from time to time

Applied focus sessions are 45 minutes of concentrated effort followed by 15 minutes of something else. Our ability to focus begins to decline after 45 minutes, and we cannot perform at our best. These 15 minutes are used to walk around, get something to drink, answer calls, or do anything else that might distract me from the task at hand. I find that this is when my best ideas emerge, and I feel invigorated and ready to tackle any challenge.

10. Use paper

Write down the issue if you are stuck. It will help you to identify the problem on paper. Make a list with as many possible solutions. You may have solved your problem.

11. Flexibility is critical

These suggestions are not fast or complex rules. You can experiment, find what works for you, and tailor the ideas to your specific circumstances and needs. Of course, you might find some that work and others not, so you will never know until you try.

It is important to remember that you must give these strategies a chance to succeed. Recognizing when you have difficulty with self-control is essential. Instead of giving in to temptation, take a look at these strategies before giving up.