4 ways to boost low productivity levels

Are you struggling with low levels of productivity? Whether you run your own business, work for a boss, or work as a freelancer, check out these 4 common causes of low productivity to see if you can get a boost.

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distractions

Whether you're distracted by your phone screen flashing with notifications or the temptation to scroll through social media rather than read your emails, distractions can be the enemy of productivity. 

Check out these tips on limiting distractions when working from home. 

scheduling

Emailing back and forth with a colleague to find a time that works for both of your schedules can be inefficient and frustrating. Instead of creating a Doodle poll that stretches from here to the Pacific Ocean, try a new scheduling app, use Scheduling Assistant in Outlook, or try www.when2meet.com for an easy-to-use drag-and-click interface. You can also create a Calendly link that syncs with your calendar and allows others to schedule time to chat with you.

pain

Whenever we're in pain, we can't focus 100%. Whether you have pain from a repetitive strain injury, RSI, or from a previous medical procedure, you should take steps to address it if you can. For RSI, check with your employer for reimbursements or discounts on ergonomic work furniture. Try to take breaks during the day - setting an alarm on your phone if you need to - to take a walk around the block and light stretching. If your pain is a result of medical error, speak with medical malpractice lawyers. 

motivation

If you're lacking motivation, reflect on why that may be. If you have trouble starting work in the morning, consider a new morning routine that jumpstarts your motivation. Ideas include showering in the morning, exercise, reading a motivational book, going for a walk, meditation, among others. If your motivation lags in the afternoon, try one of those morning strategies around lunchtime to "restart" your day. If you're working on a "boring" project, brainstorm what you are getting out of the project. Benefits may not seem obvious at first, but if you can come up with 1 or 2 then you may feel more motivated to get that project done.

If you're working on a long-term project or process, such as searching for a job, focus on SMART goals to keep you going. SMART goals stand for specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic, and time-oriented. Breaking large tasks down into these small, action-oriented goals makes it easier to wade through something that looks tough at the outset.


What do you do when your productivity lags? How do you boost your motviation?