by Shannon Hannah, December 4, 2023

Ever find yourself at day’s end, glancing at your to-do list, and wondering where the hours vanished? Here at Pergola Business Support, we thrive on the art of working smarter. We have a knack for productivity and we’re eager to share some of our tips and tricks. Whether you’re managing a team, running your own business, or working hard to reach multiple goals with competing deadlines, these 8 productivity tips can help you make the most out of your workday. 

1. Start Your Morning Right

Ever noticed how grabbing your phone right off the bat can zap your morning energy and focus? The way you start your day paints the canvas for the entire day to come. Instead of reaching for your phone, try starting your day with a light workout, positive affirmations, or a quick grounding technique. This simple switch-up might be the secret hack for a brighter and more focused mind-set that will support you through-out your workday.

2. Be Realistic

Fuel your productivity by setting realistic and achievable goals. That mile-long to-do list is setting you up for failure, so take a moment to reflect on what you can realistically accomplish in your day. Break down your daily tasks into bite-sized pieces, allowing you to track your progress, notice your accomplishments, and manage your time effectively. This approach not only enhances productivity but also sprinkles your day with moments of fulfillment as you conquer each task.

3. Find Your Power Hour

Morning person or night owl? We each have our own internal clock where we find ourselves at our productivity highs and lows. Try to observe the hours where you find yourself cruising through your work and the hours that you notice snoozing on the clock. Take advantage of the hours that you’re most productive to tackle high priority, mentally taxing tasks. When you align your tasks with your energy levels, it’s like hitting the turbo button on efficiency.

4. Tackle the Tough Stuff First

Knock out the tricky or not-so-fun stuff early on, and voilà! You’ll strut through the rest of the day feeling like a champion. Facing challenges head-on early in the day eliminates that looming sense of dread, creating a positive momentum that carries you through the rest of the day.

5. Race Against the Clock

Boost your focus and eliminate distractions with the timer technique. Set specific time blocks for tasks, dive in with undivided attention, and watch as your productivity soars. Remember to take short breaks between tasks, creating a rhythm that helps you manage time effectively and maintain a sense of urgency.

6. Celebrate Your Achievements (Big and Small!)

Contrary to popular belief, constant work does not lead to increased productivity. Take breaks to recharge your mind and sprinkle some joy into your day. Treat yourself for reaching milestones and completing significant tasks – these rewards serve as powerful motivators, making your journey towards productivity more enjoyable.

7. Prevent Decision Fatigue

Decision fatigue can significantly reduce your mental energy. Optimize your productivity by minimizing trivial decisions. Establish routines for aspects like meal planning, choosing outfits, or organizing your workspace. Automating these choices conserves mental energy for critical tasks.

Delegate decisions whenever possible. Empower others to handle choices within their expertise, lightening your load. Simplifying these less important decisions frees up mental space for creativity and strategic thinking, leading to heightened productivity and top-notch performance.

8. Prioritize Joy and Self-Care

It might sound cliché, but life is about balance, and balance boosts productivity. Prioritize activities that bring you joy and relaxation beyond work hours. Engage in hobbies, spend time with loved ones, or take a peaceful stroll to rejuvenate your mind and enhance overall well-being. A happier, healthier you is a more effective you.