5 Bad Habits to Break That Will Instantly Improve Your Productivity

Is your work efficiency suffering from backed up to-do lists?

You may feel like you’re doing all you can to stay on track. But, you might be too caught up in bad habits to operate on your full potential.

Thankfully, there are easy changes you can make to improve productive skills and workflow.

Here’s a list of 5 simple behaviors to start with.

1. Being Too Plugged In

Yes, you need your phone to keep in contact with clients, and maybe to check your calendar.

But, you don’t need to be spending an endless amount of time on Instagram or watching the trending video on Facebook.

The “do not disturb” feature on your phone can be your productivity’s new best friend.

It keeps personal interruptions at a minimum and helps reduce the temptation to get on social media.

2. Keeping “Busy”

You may not have enough time to check your phone if you’re in meetings all day. As much as you need to communicate with your team, you need to deliver a product, too. Don’t get caught up in the busy trap.

Most meetings can be reduced to a quick phone call or an email.

It’s good to still get face to face time every once in a while, but don’t make this your go-to way of operating.

3. Procrastinating

Once you’ve set up enough time in your schedule to get to work, do not put the work off.

Procrastination has many faces. It can look like a “quick” coffee break or even something you convince yourself is productive.

You might choose to go through your inbox just to avoid dealing with a tricky client. Or, you put off working on a big project to tackle smaller, easier tasks.

Try taking on the large, intimidating things first.

You might not feel up to the task right away, but your brain will work much better. Don’t believe us? There’s a term for it — decision fatigue.

Who knows, you might even get a better grip on The Definitive Guide to the Sponsorship Proposal if you get a head start.

4. Perfectionism

If procrastination isn’t getting in the way of your productive skills, you may be on the other end of the spectrum.

Welcome to the world of perfectionism — where everything has to be just right before it can be approved.

There’s a difference between doing something well and trying to fix what’s not broken. The more you break apart every detail, the more you risk holding up the rest of a project.

Remember, there are team members depending on you. Even if you’re a one-person show, clients need what you promised.

A pitch can’t be completed if you’re stuck making a logo for hours on end. Similarly, a deliverable isn’t ready if you want to go through the fifth round of edits.

Sometimes, good enough really is good enough. Get it done and move forward.

5. Overworking Yourself

Plot twist — the secret to building the best productive skills is knowing when to take a break.

Although procrastination is a real work danger, nothing is ever that good when you’re operating with a burnt-out brain. Don’t skip breaks, and don’t take on more than you can actually handle.

Instead, use your free time as a way to recharge.

Try taking your lunch outside, or going for a walk around the building. Even stretching for a few minutes can help reset your focus.

Simple Changes Equal Better Productive Skills

The more you become aware of how you really use your work day, the better your productivity will be.

It might not come naturally to find the balance between efficiency and overdoing it. But, with practice, your productivity sweet spot will be easier to understand.

The lasting effects are something you, your team, and your clients can all benefit from.

For more tips on transforming your work life, click here.