In America, productivity is hitting an all-time low. Between 2021 and 2022, overall productivity saw a drop of over 4%, marking the biggest decline since records began in the 1940s. But as an entrepreneur, working less and procrastinating more simply isn’t an option. That’s why CEOs around the world are increasingly turning to evidence-based ways to keep distractions and downtime at bay, and we’ve put together some of the best tips to help you seize the day, every day.
1. Automate admin tasks
Owners of small businesses spend, on average, almost half of their working week carrying out administrative tasks. From emails to invoices, this not only takes up precious time but can be so dull that you’re easily led to distraction. Meanwhile, carrying out the tasks that you love, like product innovation and growth strategy, sees you at your most motivated.
By automating admin, you can cut down on procrastination-inducing tasks and spend more time on the parts of your business that you love. Look into the most time-consuming admin tasks you’re currently doing and find a trusted tool to make them easier. In the digital age, there’s an outsourcing solution for pretty much everything!
2. Switch off from distractions
When working online, you have so many productivity-killing distractions at your fingertips. From social media scrolling to the ping of Whatsapp messages, it’s all out there to keep you from working. That’s where focus apps come in, helping you switch off from digital distractions or play focus music to remove background noise.
A focus app is designed to limit your browsing, either on mobile or desktop devices – or both. Block websites you know waste time or disable all app activity on your phone completely whilst you get stuck into your to-do list.
3. Know your productivity body clock
Everybody works differently, and if you’re not planning your schedule around your productivity body clock, you’re not doing yourself any favors. Take some time to consider when you feel the most alert and ready to work. Some people absolutely can’t work after dark, for example, whilst others thrive on late-night productivity sessions.
It’s also important to know how often you need to take breaks. Some entrepreneurs can work for hour-long stretches, barely blinking, whilst others thrive following the 52:17 rule. Remember that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer here, so take the time to get to know which setup boosts your focus, and your to-do list will thank you for it.
4. Don’t let tech problems slow you down
Technology is the cornerstone of most modern businesses and can make it much easier to build your startup. From communicating with clients to fulfilling orders, it’s all done online nowadays. But with all the advantages that brings, it also brings one very large disadvantage: downtime.
When technology fails you, productivity grinds to a halt until you’re able to get back online. This costs time, money, and can tarnish your brand’s reputation, all whilst delaying your work day. Be sure to have trusted Mac IT Support on hand to keep you online at all times. Trust us, you’ll never know how valuable an IT team is until you need them!
5. Give yourself time off
Time off may seem like the enemy of productivity, but that’s actually not the case. In fact, after 40 hours of work in a week, productivity drops by an average of 50%. Ensuring that you don’t overwork yourself is a must if you want to maintain your stamina whilst starting a small business, so give yourself time off.
Some people find sticking to set hours every day is the best way to go. Once the clock hits 5 PM, they’re off work, and it’s time to relax. For others, a routine is their worst nightmare, and they work more intuitively and freely. If they don’t feel like working on Monday, they don’t, but they’ll make up the hours later in the week. Both are good options for maintaining a work-life balance and giving you the time off you need.
6. Learn quickly with Skill Success
Productivity isn’t just about how you approach work but also how you learn. Every entrepreneur knows just how much education goes into starting a business, and you don’t want to let it slow you down. That’s where Skill Success comes in, with quick, easy courses on a wide range of subjects to make learning new skills a breeze. From accounting to marketing, you can get to grips with business essentials without slowing down your productivity.
Final words
In the business world, productivity is a must if you want to create a flourishing brand. If you don’t put the hours in, you won’t see the rewards. Fortunately, these tips are foolproof methods for helping you stay focused on the tasks at hand and keeping procrastination at bay. Just remember that everybody is different, so find the tips that work for you and stick with them.
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