When I first started out as a fresh face in the workforce, I never had time to eat out during lunch time and often look on in amazement that my colleagues are able to knock off on time. Soon I begin to fall sick and I know this is not the way to go. I came up with the following productivity work hacks that save me plenty of time and impressed my bosses the amount of work I am able to complete in a short amount of time. Here are the work hacks that might do wonders for you at work:

Stay Focus

If you have something you need to accomplish today like an editorial deadline or submission of a tender, stay focus on getting the task done. Don’t be derailed or distracted and don’t let your inner voice to procrastinate what needs to be done.

Set a Morning Routine

I always check my emails first thing I stepped into my office before I even grab my breakfast. It has become a habit of mine. Even right now as a freelancer, I will still check my emails followed by comments on my websites, then my Skype and lastly my social media. I always set aside 15 minutes for this routine of mine and it has worked well for me. I don’t have to check my emails again until afternoon (sometimes evenings) and whatever agenda I have for the day will be determined by the emails I received.

Target 3

Give yourself 3 goals each day to accomplish. That way you’ll feel that your day has been productive and fulfilling. It can be any types of goals and one of my favourite challenges are to make sure I shut down my laptop at 6 pm. From having lunch on time to clearing the clutter in your first drawer, it is not difficult to come up with 3 targets.

Stay Away from Distractions

A hand signal invitation to take a smoke break? Or a colleague heading towards your cubicle for a chat? These are distractions you don’t need when you are overwhelmed with work. Sure, you would love a break. Keep it within your lunch hour. Ensure you have enough time to complete your project than to stay up overtime just because you spend 1 hour listening to Diana’s latest sexcapade.

Aim to be On Time

As mentioned above, I always try to leave work on time. If you are punctual in arriving at work, you should be punctual leaving as well. It is extremely important to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Another good habit is to aim to have lunch on time as well. Many gastric pains are stemmed not only for skipping your meals but because you took your meals too late. A bad habit that needs to be curb.

Reward Yourself

At the end of the day, always remember to reward yourself. Be it a good cup of cold brewed coffee, a hearty dinner or even allowing yourself an ice cream cone, you need to do more than just a pat on the back.

Repeat the Above Again

The next day and the next and the next. Experiment and find out what works for you and stick to it, before you know it, you have developed a routine that can save you time.

Do you have any productive work hacks to share with us? Tell us about it right in the comments below!

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