4 Easy Ways to Improve Your Productivity

If you own or work for a small business, chances are you wear several hats while on the job. I know I do! That means you’re getting pulled in a lot of directions. It’s next to impossible to stay on track those days.

But it’s so important to your business to be productive because our time is so limited. With that in mind, here are four easy ways you can improve your productivity as you balance your hectic schedule.

 

Be a List-Maker

Creating lists is a great way to plan your day, and it can be quite rewarding when you check off each accomplishment. However, you need to do more than simply jot down tasks. Color code your tasks to correspond with their importance. For example, any revenue-generating or customer-service task will likely take priority, so they will come first.  Red is the perfect color for hot to-do’s but that’s up to you. Use whatever color will get your attention.

 

Delegate

Delegating may be more difficult if you own a small business, but your employees have their strengths, so hand off the tasks that fit them best. That way, you can handle as many of the big-picture projects as possible.

 

Take Some “Me” Time

When you’re running your own business, it’s often difficult to detach yourself from work. However, if you don’t, you could very well burn out. So take some time to recharge by grabbing dinner with a friend or attending a baseball game. For me, it’s paddle boarding that soothes me and gives me time to think.

And while you’re at work, take 20 minutes or so each day to go for a walk or meditate in a comfortable and quiet space.  It’s so easy to work through lunch but taking a break will help restore your ability to concentrate and lower your stress levels.

 

Take Care of Yourself

Finally, there’s a correlation between being healthy and being productive. Regular exercise, getting a good night’s sleep, and a healthy diet can go a long way in improving your productivity. After all, you need to be a well-oiled machine to run a small business, so treating your body right will help you move from task to task with ease.