Wondering how to be more productive in your daily work at the office and at home?

Do you feel overwhelmed by the projects and tasks you need to complete on a regular basis?

Are you feeling stifled by the countless productivity tools, skills, and tips you’ve learned over the past few weeks or months?

If so, you might need to take a couple of moments to adjust your productivity philosophy.

In this post, you’ll find some thoughtful points to consider when it comes to managing your approach towards productivity.

If you think you’ve reached a plateau in your ability to complete projects and tasks in an efficient manner, this post may be the reset button you’ve been searching for.

You don’t need a parade to kickoff your goal.

If you want to successfully start a goal, there needs to be a lot of fanfare, right? 

Brassy horns must blare, tons of confetti must rain from the sky, and you have to stand on a corner and yell out your intent when it comes to getting things done.

Actually, you don’t need any of those things. You don’t have to make a lot of noise or add hype to your actions.

In fact, the solution is so simple, that many people avoid it entirely. What is it?

All you need to do is to make a plan, and simply begin.

Truly, the most important thing is that you get started.

Keep in mind, it is completely fine if your plan isn’t perfect; it just has to be practical and structurally sound.

You can refine and tailor your plan as you go along.

Besides, having a perfect plan on paper won’t get you very far if you don’t start working on it.

So, put aside that loud and flashy start you’ve been envisioning in your mind.

By taking one small, quiet step forward, and you’ll be one step closer to your goal.

You should create a comfortable work routine.

The sound of fingernails being drawn across a chalkboard.

Wearing a heavy wool coat on a humid, hot summer day.

Sitting in a chair that pokes you in the back.

These sentences probably made you feel slightly uncomfortable.

What do these examples have to do with productivity? They are examples of discomfort.

The point I’m trying to make here, is that you might be working in an uncomfortable situation, without even realizing it! 

You will naturally produce your best work when you are in a state of relative comfort.

So, it only makes sense to carve out a work routine that keeps you happy and content.

If you can’t stand checking your email first thing in the morning, schedule a few email check-in times throughout the day.

Hold a deep resentment for working on your most important tasks at the end of the day?

Work on those tasks in the earlier part of the day.

Currently working with a productivity tool or app that you absolutely despise?

Stop working with it and find a better tool or solution for your needs.

You should realize that faster is not always better.

Do you remember the old fable about the tortoise and the hare?

The animals agree to hold a race to determine who is the fastest runner.

The cocky hare decides he is too fast for the tortoise, and decides to take a nap under the tree to pass the time.

The hare accidentally oversleeps and ends up losing the race.

Just like in the story, working faster does not necessarily mean you will be more productive in your work.

In fact, a slap-dash work approach may cause you to make significant mistakes and errors that waste your time, energy, and money.

When it comes to being more productive, look for ways to streamline your work laterally, and always keep the big picture in mind.

Could you divide a large assignment among other people in your office?

What about developing a time-saving system or checklist?

How about eliminating distractions at your desk and focusing solely on your work?

How about you? Which of these pointers resonates most with you? Why? Join the conversation and leave a comment below!