Being productive in a world full of distractions is difficult, but knowing how to effectively manage your time will set you on the right course. Smart workers dominate top performer lists, while hard workers find themselves losing motivation. In case you are wondering why they are out working you, I suggest you look into their habits. If you are ready to reclaim your schedule, consider adopting these ten powerful habits that changing the way organize your day.

Design to a Morning Ritual

Creating a morning ritual will help pack energy for the day. Starting off your morning with a structure sets the tone. Make use of meditation, exercise, journaling, or reading; anything that gets you focused towards making your day productive will help. I recommend paying attention to how your morning flows and making adjustments where necessary.

Plan Your Day the Night Before

For me, writing down everything that concerns me the night before has proved to be very effective. Organizing items in a to-do list or reminder app enhances focus and mitigates anxiety. My recommendation is to set a manageable list of objectives and make sure to stay on track.

Follow the 80/20 Rule

Every task comes with its own set of problems. The Pareto Principle suggests that 20% of the work is responsible for 80% of the outcomes. Focus on impactful tasks that are valuable. Don’t spend time accomplishing tasks of little importance.

Time Block Your Schedule

A productivity expert doesn’ t rely on luck to achieve their desired outcomes. Practice time blocking – assigning specific activities to certain time windows. For example, deep work from 9am to 11am, emails from 11am to 12pm, and meetings from 2-4pm. You can only focus on one thing at a time, so this helps keep you on task.

Tackle the Hardest Task First (Eat the Frog)

Brian Tracy ‘s productivity method known as “Eat That Frog” focuses on getting your hardest task out of the way first. Performing challenging tasks first gives you momentum for the rest of the day, making it easier to tackle.

Use the 2-Minute Rule for Small Tasks

For tasks that can be checked off in under two minutes, do them right away. This avoids endless amounts of tiny tasks taking up your headspace. Replying to emails or even cleaning your workspace might seem small, but when multiplied can have a huge impact.

Minimize Distractions with the Pomodoro Technique Method 7

Your productivity can suffer through constant changes in attention. The Pomodoro technique minimizes distractions by giving a 5-minute break after every 25 minutes of uninterrupted work. This technique enables to you to concentrate and maximizes productivity without burning out.

Declutter Your Workspace Method 8

Mental chaos is often born from a cluttered environment. Try to create a workspace that minimizes unnecessary items and has ample organization. Your desk does not only have to be organized, your inbox and desktop files need to be organized too.

Set Clear Boundaries Method 9

In order to have efficient time management, your day needs boundaries. Spending too much time in social media, having shallow work hours, or too many meetings all lower productivity. Define the boundaries and the productivity will increase.

End Your Day with a Review Method 10

Reflecting on your day asks you the question of what can be improved, what went well and how can you adjust your future plan for tomorrow. Adjustments based on this method help give direction and guidance to the goals that need to be achieved.

Conclusion

Gaining productivity is not about working hard or longer, it requires efficiency. Implement these 10 habits into organize your day and watch productivity, efficiency, and less stress come your way in no-time. Remember to start small, and remain consistent.