4 Productivity Hacks to Conquer Your Day

It's 9 am. You just entered the office, and you're staring at a massive to-do list. What are you doing? Many of us will let out a big sigh and check our phones, dreading what we have to get done.

Don't be like everyone else.

Here are some of the best productivity hacks the Forte Series Team uses to maximize our potential.?

The big three, basic but important

Before you download any apps or schedule any events in your Google Calendar, It's critical that you focus on the big three: Diet, sleep, and exercise.?

Improvements in the big three will enhance every other area of your life. Here are some quick tip to start:

-Stop drinking caffeine at least eight hours before bed.

-Aim for 150-300 minutes of physical activity per week.

-Limit highly processed foods and foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats.?

We could write countless articles on each topic, so take some time to do your own research and improve these areas over time.

Supplements: Friend or Foe?

Many health gurus and influencers boast about supplements, claiming tremendous results. But many statements are over-exaggerated. If you’re going to take supplements to try to gain an edge, it’s best if you talk with your doctor beforehand.?

That said, there are a few pointers to consider:

-Caffeine can help you focus. It’s best to take under 300-400 mg per day.

-A basic multivitamin can be a useful part of your daily regime to cover diet discrepancies.

-Fish oil is one of the best supplements, supporting brain, heart, and immune health.

Start with the biggest thing.

There is probably something you don't want to do every day. It might be daunting, causing you to procrastinate, fill with anxiety, and get nothing done. In the words of Mark Twain:

"If it's your job to eat a frog, it's best to do it first thing in the morning. And If it's your job to eat two frogs, it's best to eat the biggest one first."

Whether starting a big project, hitting the gym, or making that phone call, start with the task you dread most. Knocking out your challenging task first will help you conserve energy.?

You won't feel drained from procrastinating and will feel accomplished.

Get comfortable with the 'Do Not Disturb' button

Our digital world is filled with temptations. The kicker is that most of them don't benefit you at all and just eat away at your productivity.

To reclaim your focus:

-Turn your phone on Do Not Disturb. You can also turn off your phone or move it to a separate room.

-Turn off notifications for your most used apps and distracting websites.

-Set aside time each day to check notifications. This could be at lunch, after work, or whatever works for you.

-Use a website blocker, like StayFocused or Freedom.

Do less to do more.

It's easy to fill your to-do list with tens of tasks, whether it be working on a significant project or squeezing in 10 minutes of reading.?

But overloading your schedule leads to burnout and subpar results.

Instead, prioritize tasks that move the needle and learn to say no. Focus on what truly matters and eliminate distractions.

So, how do you not let things pile up in the first place?

You have to be disciplined. Focus on what’s important, whether it be exercise, work, or family. Look at your daily schedule and see what you can subtract to focus on what matters.

Get more done

By incorporating these strategies into your routine, you'll experience increased productivity, reduced stress, and a greater sense of accomplishment. Remember, small steps lead to significant results.

- Forte team