How To Maximize Your Productivity At Work

Isioma Ononye
4 min readOct 26, 2020

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If you want to be effective and maximize your time at your workplace, you have to be productive.

Productivity is as a result of not just how much you are able to deliver but also how well you manage yourself and others in the process.

Here are a few tips and strategies to make sure that you function at your best.

Create A To-Do List

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Having a list will help you to be organized and less stressed. It’s good for you to be able to put down your tasks and goals for the day.

Being able to visualize what you want to do will help you to remember and accomplish your tasks.

Take note that what’s most important is not that you complete every task.

It might not be possible to complete everything on your list. However, the list will help you to focus and prioritize what is most important.

Schedule Things

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One of the ways that people easily fall into procrastination is by continuously putting things off for another day.

Instead of waiting to complete something in the future, why not get it done now that you have the time. Complete it now and pin it later for its due date.

Scheduling things will help you to be more effective because it frees up your time.

We often get overwhelmed when we have too much on our plate. That’s why you need to be able to help yourself by getting some things done now and then put it away for later.

Delegate Tasks

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Most organizations comprise of a team of individuals skilled in different areas working towards the company’s goals.

Unless you are a solopreneur, you work with a team. The beauty of working in a team is that you can tap into different strengths to be more effective.

If you have too much on your plate, you don’t have to just accept it while all your hair falls out. You can and should delegate tasks to those assigned to help you or junior colleagues who could use more responsibilities.

Delegating tasks is nothing to be ashamed of. It is the best way for you to achieve your goals quickly. I’m sure you’ve heard of the African proverb that says “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

If you don’t have anyone to delegate to and you need it, speak to management about getting an assistant or an intern.

Communicate Effectively

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Communication is a big factor in productivity. A lot of times, when we are not clear about goals and intentions, it takes away from the time that should be spent doing what matters most.

In order to be productive, you need to be clear in your communication. Get clear about what you are trying to accomplish. Get clear with your team about what is working and what is not.

When everyone is on the same page, things flow more smoothly and effectively.

Take Little Breaks

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Yes, productivity means that you should take some breaks. Sitting at the desk all day, staring at the same document and all your emails can lead to exhaustion and burnout.

Take your lunch break in a different environment. Have a fun conversation with your colleagues.

During the weekends, unplug and do something that relaxes you and makes you happy.

When you allow yourself to take a break, it gives you back more energy, inspiration and creativity to carry on.

Have A Good Night’s Sleep

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Along the same line of taking a break, you have to practice good sleeping habits. This means that you allow yourself to have at least eight hours of sleep.

In order to get a good night’s rest, you should remove distractions and devices from your bedroom.

You should be in a quiet, dark or lightly dimmed room. Practice relaxation techniques like mindfulness or maybe counting sheep to help you doze off.

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Isioma Ononye

I write about self-esteem, christianity, mental health, women's empowerment and communications. Join my newsletter here: https://substack.com/@isiomaononye