Think you've tried every productivity trick...but still not getting enough done?
Beat these 5 sneaks stealing your time:
1/ Half-done work
When you start many things but don't finish them, your workflow becomes jammed. 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 bring your productivity to a stop. Identify what these dependencies are upfront and plan for them.
3/ Competing demands
Trying to balance multiple urgent projects simultaneously is stressful. It leaves you feeling torn between what to work on first. Learn how to prioritize what tasks are truly priority and/or important over those that can wait - so you're always clear on what to work on next. 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 or deep work, to focus on tasks.
5/Unfinished work
When you have lots of older half-finished projects, they waste your time. They 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. Fixing these five things will boost your productivity and effectiveness!
PS: Before you say yes to the next request that comes your way, inspect your work-in-progress queue!
