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In today’s work-obsessed world, one of the most valuable skills you can possess is learning to work smarter, not harder. It’s all about finding ways to maximise productivity and use time more efficiently.

The key to working smarter is finding the right productivity tricks for yourself. Everyone has their own way of working, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. You must identify the tactics that will help you the most in achieving your goals.

Here are a few productivity tricks to consider.

16 Productivity tricks to help you work smarter

1. Prioritise your to-do list

This may seem obvious, but having a solid plan for tackling tasks can help you work smarter and more efficiently. Write down everything you need to accomplish (within the day or the week) and highlight the most important ones.

By focussing on these tasks first, you can make sure they get done and make progress toward completing them faster than if you had just gone down your list randomly.

2. Break large tasks into smaller ones

Large projects can be intimidating, but breaking work into smaller tasks makes them less daunting and more manageable. Break every project or task down into smaller parts so that you can work on it systematically and make meaningful progress. Taking things step-by-step is a great way to work smarter.

3. Schedule time for breaks

Working tirelessly without breaks might sound like the most effective option at first glance. But in reality, stepping away from work for a few minutes is essential for keeping your mind sharp and alert throughout the day.

Taking regular breaks allows you to refocus your attention and recharge your batteries before moving on to the next task (and helps you avoid burnout) — this will ultimately improve performance overall since you’re giving your brain time to reset and process new information better.

4. Eliminate distractions

It’s easy to get distracted by the internet, emails, and social media, but these distractions can prevent you from getting work done. Turn off your phone (or your notifications) and close distracting tabs so that you can concentrate on the task at hand without interruptions. You’ll find that you can get more done in less time.

5. Make use of technology

Take advantage of automated time-tracking software, task management tools, and productivity trackers to work more efficiently and stay organised. There are also wearable gadgets like fitness trackers (your health is important too in staying on top of your work goals!) and noise-cancelling headphones to help you stay focussed.

6. Give yourself deadlines

Setting deadlines for yourself helps keep you accountable and makes it easier to plan how long each task should take. If something takes longer than expected, then adjust your timeline accordingly so that other priorities don’t suffer due to delays. Just make sure not to set unrealistic deadlines — give yourself enough time so that quality isn’t compromised!

7. Avoid multitasking

Multitasking can actually reduce your productivity since it requires you to split your focus between multiple tasks. Instead, do one task at a time, and see it through to completion before switching to the next. You might be surprised at how much more you can get done.

8. Delegate tasks

This can help you free up time to focus on more critical tasks. Don’t be afraid to outsource or delegate work that doesn’t necessarily require your attention or expertise. This way, you will not find yourself overwhelmed and scattered and can instead work more efficiently.

9. Take notes

Keeping track of important ideas or tasks can help you work smarter by keeping everything organised and in one place. Taking notes also helps you easily reference things that come up while working so that you won’t forget them later.

10. Batch tasks together

Grouping similar tasks together can help you work more efficiently since it allows you to focus on one type of task without switching contexts every few minutes. For example, if you need to write multiple emails, do them all in one go instead of writing each one as it comes up. This trick can be applied to other types of work as well.

11. Avoid procrastination

Procrastination is a productivity killer. So, make sure to stay focussed and get on with tasks as soon as they come up. Doing so will help you work efficiently and avoid last-minute rushes. This will also reduce stress levels and keep you in control of your work schedule.

12. Cut out unnecessary meetings

Long, drawn-out meetings can be a huge time suck. Keep meetings short and to the point by focussing on key points and setting a clear agenda. It’s also essential to ensure you only attend relevant and necessary meetings for your work. 

13. Learn to say no

Saying ‘no’ can work in your favour when it comes to productivity. Don’t be afraid to turn down requests that don’t fit into your work schedule or workload (especially if you already have a lot on your plate). This will help you avoid unnecessary work, and stay on top of important tasks.

14. Take advantage of your strengths

Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. Knowing yours can help you work smarter by helping to determine what tasks work best for you and which ones should be delegated to someone else. For instance, if you’re great at problem-solving but not so good with numbers, delegate the number-crunching tasks to someone who excels in math.

15. Get enough sleep

Working smarter isn’t just about work; it’s also about self-care and ensuring you get enough rest. Not getting enough sleep can make it harder to focus and work efficiently, so prioritize getting enough shuteye each night.

16. Organise your workspace

A messy workspace can lead to a cluttered mind, resulting in decreased productivity. Make sure you keep your workspace organised with everything in its proper place, so you don’t waste time looking for items throughout the day.

Try keeping only essential things on your desks, such as paper, pens, and other office supplies, so nothing is distracting or superfluous when focussing on your tasks.

Wrapping up

By experimenting with different tactics, you can find the right productivity tricks that work best for you and help you make the most out of your time in the workplace.

Do you have any productivity tricks of your own? Share them in the comments below!

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