Productivity isn’t just about plugging away at your goals. Sometimes it’s about optimising your skills and the way you work to create an environment that drives you forward, even when you’re overwhelmed or disengaged.
We’ll take a look at some simple, small changes you can make to your daily routine to improve your productivity and help you to get the most out of your working routine. The end goal here is that you feel better about yourself and your work, so you are motivated to achieve more. Let’s dive in….
A micro-habit is a small, repeatable action that can become part of your working strategy, and there are many areas of our lives in which these can lead to transformation. Beginning each day with a quick breathing routine, for instance, can set you up for better health and wellbeing on a daily basis.
In your working life, you will soon see measurable gains when you implement some of the following micro-habits:
You cannot work productively if you are exhausted and in pain, so you will need to prioritise your physical health in order to maintain best working practice. Make it a rule that you spend five minutes stretching before you begin your working day, and then stand up and stretch for at least one minute every hour. This is an essential way to take care of your body and set yourself up for success, and you’ll notice the reduction in stress and tension straight away.
Having a clear plan avoids wasted time and energy, so begin each day by setting out your goals. Identifying your top priorities means that you focus on these and are less likely to get distracted throughout the day. At the end of your working day, get into the habit of checking back against this plan, moving anything you have not completed onto the list for the following day and ticking off the goals you have achieved.
We often spend more time putting off a task than it actually takes to complete it, so be strict with yourself. If you have a task that is only going to take a couple of minutes to complete, just do it. Replying to a short email or making a repeat order, for instance, will only take two minutes but will weigh heavily on your mind until it is done, taking up far more of your valuable brain space than it deserves!
Of course, not all tasks can be handled immediately and you need a good system for those that can’t. When a task appears in your to-do list (or your email inbox), it can help to have a system that enables you to categorise it according to to the length of time it will take and the urgency of completion. You will feel less overwhelmed if you have a schedule that enables you to handle your workload more effectively.
When you are working hard, especially if you are working at a computer, you should be sure to give your brain and your eyes regular breaks. At least once per hour, take a minute to close your eyes and breathe deeply, to reset your mind and bring your focus back.
Your connections with your colleagues and clients are important to nurture your sense of wellbeing and remind you of the bigger picture, so make this a priority in your working life. Make it a goal to connect with a colleague each day, perhaps by sending a quick check in email or commenting positively on the contribution they have made to your week or a shared project.
It sounds crazy, but being well hydrated is a key way to resource yourself and improve your concentration and energy levels. Having a water bottle or cup you love can help to make the whole experience a pleasure, so invest in one of these and ensure that you take a sip every ten minutes throughout the day.
Having a gratitude practice in your personal life is well known to promote positivity and wellbeing, so it makes sense to introduce this into your working life as well. At the end of your working day, just take a moment to reflect on something – or several things – that have gone well and make a note of it. This will help to motivate you and keep you focused on the positives, as well as ensuring that you finish your day on a high!
At CareerWise, we work with professionals looking for new roles in pharmaceuticals, supply chain, engineering and HR organisations. We work with candidates seeking positions of all levels, including managerial, graduate and entry level positions in Ireland, and we will be happy to talk with you. Contact us online now or call us on +353 (0) 21 206 1900 to talk with one of our professional Recruitment Consultants.
Ken Murphy graduated from University College Cork in 1987 with an Electrical Engineering degree before moving to the US as a Network Design Engineer with BellSouth Corporation. His return to Ireland in 1989 heralded a career which concentrated on the multinational sector, and involved working with companies such as Apple Computer, Cabletron, FMC Automotive, Moog, General Semiconductor and Technicolor.
Ken is a specialist in quality management, purchasing, logistics and supply chain management. He has significant expertise and experience in managing the changing demands of the global media, electronics and automotive sectors at operational and project management levels.
Ken leads CareerWise Recruitment’s Cork operations. He has served on local and national committees of IPICS (The Supply Chain Management Institute), CIPD, the Cork Electronics Industry Association (CEIA), and has completed a three-year term as Chair of the UCC Alumni Board.
Ken has recently been elected as a Director of the Cork Chamber for a four year term to help promote business and drive policy objectives for the Cork Region
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Sometimes the rainbow doesn’t end where you expect, but the gold is still out thereCareerWise Recruitment. EastGate Village, EastGate, Little Island, Cork.
Phone: +353 (0) 21 206 1900
Email: info@careerwise.ie
