We all know that person — the one who always seems to be getting things done. Then there are the rest of us. We’re the people who spend more time bingeing Netflix or scrolling through Instagram than crossing things off our to-do lists. If you want to become more productive in your personal life, keep reading!
Tip #1: Shorten your to-do list
If your to-do list is always miles long and nothing ever seems to get crossed off, you’re likely treating everything on it as a priority. So the first step for becoming more productive is to prioritize your to-do list and remove everything that’s not essential.
To shorten your to-do list, separate everything into four different categories:
- super important tasks that may be a little scary or overwhelming
- things that are “nice-to-have” but not all that necessary
- tasks you’ll do no matter what
- things that someone else thinks you need to do
Then, remove everything that’s not in the first category.
Tip #2: Break up your bigger tasks
Many of the tasks left on your to-do list are probably overwhelming. To make them more manageable, break them down into smaller tasks. Yes, your to-do list will become a bit longer, but it will help you get things done faster. You’ll know exactly where to start and what to do next, encouraging you to spend less time binge-watching Gilmore Girls for the 300th time.
Read also: 6 Time Management Tips for Your Personal Life
Tip #3: Take time for yourself
If you’re not taking care of yourself or spending time recharging, you will not get much done because you’ll be burnt out. So make sure you’re getting enough sleep each night, eating well, and taking time to exercise. Then, do something you enjoy, like taking a bubble bath or catching up with good friends over coffee.
Read also: 3 Reasons You Need to Take Time for Yourself
Tip #4: Wake up at the same time every day
It’s tempting to sleep in on the weekends. But setting a routine is one of the best ways to stay productive. By sticking to a similar wake-up time every day, you’ll know what to expect and feel better about starting each morning.
Read also: Morning Routine: 7 Tips for Starting Your Day Right
Tip #5: Take a digital detox
I’ll be the first to admit that I spend too much time on my phone and computer. To help refresh and get more done, pick a weekend to go off the grid. Or turn off our phone at a specific time each evening and don’t turn it on first thing in the morning.
Read also: 7 Reasons to Take a Digital Detox This Weekend
