In every job you've had, it's likely that you've been given a very specific set of instructions to perform your role; things you need to do in order to maintain the status quo. Some adhere to the bare minimum and survive, while others choose to look beyond that and thrive. So, what separates those individuals who merely succeed at accomplishing what's asked of them and those who truly surpass the expectations set upon them to become reliable and exceptional employees worth keeping? Let's take a look at a few applicable tools that successful people rely upon to maximize their ability to be more productive at work.
Make Prioritization a Priority
Many the most successful people can attribute their ability to efficiently tackle tasks to daily list making and keen prioritization. The key is to make a list that includes all the tasks you need to accomplish, then assign them realistic time values so that you can be sure to achieve as much as possible well within the time you have each day.
Establish Effective Routines
There is something very powerful about the mind-body connection, and it's no secret that the repetition of tasks can both assist you in competently reaching a goal and often moving beyond it. By creating productive patterns, you lay a track that is easy to adhere to and can help you make the most of the hours you're allotted to achieve the task at hand.
Take Time to Recharge
Though it might sound counter-intuitive when discussing productivity, there is value in allowing yourself time to re-boot and recharge so you can meet your maximum potential. Rather then slogging through the difficult duties in your workday, take a few minutes to walk, stretch or get some fresh air in order to reset your brain for the next task or more competently complete a challenging one.
Tackle One Project at a Time
It can certainly seem appealing in roles where time is limited, but multi-tasking can actually become a detriment to your productivity in the long term. When focus is split, quality is often sacrificed and creates the necessity to revisit tasks, which is a hindrance (and potential safety hazard) for everyone. Dedicate your attention to accurately completing one task at a time before moving on to the next.
Expand Your Mind
There's no denying that learning new skills and developing existing skills can provide you with further discovery about yourself and reinvigorate the passion you have for your profession. Seek new ways you can improve upon your current talents by taking courses or receiving additional training (often offered by many employers). Expand your mind and prove that you're interested in going the extra mile in your role.
Each one of us endeavors to be the best employee we can, and it's with this good-natured intention that we approach our jobs each day. By understanding and applying just a few of these proven tips, we can help regain some of the enthusiasm we have for our jobs and become more productive, reliable and successful employees who are essential to their company.
