Think you've tried every productivity trick...but still not getting enough done?
Beat these 5 sneaks stealing your time:
1/ Half-done work
Limit the number of projects you have going at once. Focus on finishing what you started before moving to the next thing or taking on more. Visualizing your work-in-progress queue really helps here.
2/ Unknown dependencies
Sometimes, your work depends on other people or things to be completed first to make progress. These unknown dependencies can slow your productivity down. Identify these dependencies upfront and plan for them.
3/ Competing demands
Learn how to prioritize what tasks are truly priorities over those that can wait so you're always clear on what to work on next. Balancing multiple urgent projects at once is stressful. It leaves you feeling torn between what to work on first. Remember, if everything is a priority, nothing is a priority.
4/ Interruptions
When something unexpected interrupts your work, it breaks your focus. You will have a hard time picking back up where you left off. Implement strategies like time blocking, turning off notifications, and/or deep work to focus on tasks.
5/ Unfinished work
When you have many older half-finished projects, they waste your time and linger in the background, taking up mental space. Decide whether it is worthwhile to revive and complete these older projects. If not, intentionally discard them and communicate the same. Don't let old things pile up.
These insights are inspired by "Making Work Visible: Exposing Time Theft to Optimize Work & Flow" by Dominica DeGrandis and brought to you by Omar's Desk.
PS: Before you say yes to the next request that comes your way, inspect your work-in-progress queue!
