The Power of Ten - 10 ways to maximise your productivity

Here are ten recommendations to help you focus on your work and maximise productivity:

1. Create a dedicated workspace: Designate a specific area for work that is clean, organized, and free from distractions. This can help signal your brain to enter a focused state.

2. Set clear goals: Establish specific, measurable objectives for each work session. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable chunks, and prioritize them accordingly.

3. Prioritize and eliminate distractions: Identify the most common distractions that hinder your focus (e.g., social media, email notifications) and take proactive steps to minimize or eliminate them. Use tools like website blockers or productivity apps to limit access to distracting websites or apps.

4. Time blocking: Allocate specific time blocks for different tasks or projects. Set aside uninterrupted periods of time where you dedicate yourself solely to one task before moving on to the next.

5. Pomodoro Technique: Use the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working for 25 minutes and then taking a short break (around 5 minutes). After completing four consecutive cycles, take a more extended break (around 15-30 minutes). This technique can help maintain focus and prevent burnout.

6. Practice mindfulness or meditation: Incorporate mindfulness or meditation into your routine to improve focus and reduce stress. Just a few minutes of mindful breathing or guided meditation can help clear your mind and increase concentration.

7. Use productivity tools: Explore productivity tools such as task management apps, note-taking apps, or project management software to stay organized, set reminders, and streamline your workflow.

8. Minimize multitasking: Contrary to popular belief, multitasking can often hinder productivity. Instead, focus on one task at a time, complete it, and then move on to the next. This approach allows you to give your full attention to each task, leading to better results.

9. Take regular breaks: Regular breaks are essential for maintaining productivity. Allow yourself short breaks throughout the day to stretch, hydrate, or engage in a quick physical activity. Stepping away from work momentarily can help recharge your brain.

10. Establish a routine: Develop a consistent daily routine that includes designated work hours. Having a structured schedule helps train your brain to be productive during specific periods and allows for better work-life balance.

Remember, everyone's preferences and working styles differ, so feel free to adapt these recommendations to suit your needs and experiment with different strategies until you find what works best for you.

Note about the author: Andrew Hulbert is a multi-award winning entrepreneur, non-exec director, speaker, author, platelet donor and philanthropist. The ‘Power of Ten’ summarises Andrew’s learnings across the last decade and looks to share some of the valuable mistakes, lessons and learnings during that time. For a succinct summary of Andrew’s career you can visit: https://www.iwfmawards.org/previous-winners/winner-outstanding-contribution-to-workplace-and-facilities-management-2022/. If you’d like to start a conversation, please direct message on LinkedIn.