Small tasks are still an important part of your overall work productivity, so practicing the two-minute rule can allow you to focus on those small tasks in between the time it takes to work on larger and more complicated tasks.
According to Indeed.com, you should consider those two minutes between break time and getting started on your next project or the two minutes it takes to get ready for lunch and consider using that time to take note of what you need to work on next, your daily goals for the next day or responding to that voicemail that has been waiting for you since you got to work.
Additionally, concentrating on one task at a time until it is totally complete can help you increase your productivity because when you focus on one project at a time, you are setting a single objective at once instead of many. This is likely to motivate you to complete one task before moving onto your next assignment. If you are dedicated to multitasking, but you see that you start more tasks than you can finish, consider prioritizing your tasks in order of importance so you can start on your most demanding assignments and finish your day with lighter and less time-consuming tasks.
1. Focus on one task at a time
While you may be able to get things done when you juggle projects or tasks, focusing on one at a time may actually help you be more productive at work. When we concentrate on more than one activity, we tend to use more of that time just for transitioning between tasks, which can result in some of the tasks being done at a lower quality.
2. Take regular breaks
It can be tempting to avoid taking a break, but when you neglect to give yourself a time-out for a few minutes, it can harm your overall productivity. For instance, you may not have the energy or motivation to continue making progress. Short breaks allow you to recharge, clear your mind and prepare for the next task.
3. Focus on your biggest tasks first
Focusing on your biggest and most time-consuming tasks before any other assignments can actually help you stay more focused. Consider planning your assignment list according to these tasks, where you may dedicate your time in the morning when you are most alert and energised to the more time-consuming tasks.
4. Set small objectives
Rather than approach large goals that would require multiple outlets and longer amounts of time, consider planning small objectives. Things like filing paperwork, responding to client emails or compiling resources are small, daily objectives you can set and reach during your eight hours of work time.
5. Use the two-minute rule
This involves completing tasks that are two minutes or less as well as taking two minutes to get started on small tasks that you may have been putting off. For instance, it may only take two minutes to log the tasks you have already completed, respond to a quick email, or write down your next objectives, but the two minutes it takes you to complete these tasks can oftentimes add up to a completed to-do list at the end of the day.
Be More Productive at Work with a Strategy
When implementing strategies to help you increase your work productivity, it is important to be as consistent as you can. Allow yourself to learn and develop your skills, and you can be certain that your productivity will continue to improve as well.
You may choose to work with your office door closed for a portion of your day, or if you work in an open-office environment, you might use noise-canceling headphones to help limit the sounds of office chatter and interaction. Headphones can also be a polite but silent way to let your colleagues know that you need to concentrate on the projects you are working on and to be more productive at work.