I talk on here all the time about how to be more productive, tips for productive days, work day productivity, how to be productive without burning out, etc. The key part of that is productivity of course! But often we make changes to help us be more productive but we aren’t sure if they are actually helping us. Which is what we are going to chat about today. Because reading about productivity and learning the steps is only so helpful if you can’t tell if the changes are making you more productive. So keep reading while we discuss how to tell if you are actually being productive!
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How To Tell If You Are Actually Being Productive
Guide to checking your productivity levels:
Idea 1: Do a time log.
This is a great way to figure out where the time in your day is going.
Because often what makes us feel like we aren’t in control of our days are feeling like there isn’t enough time in the day.
And the best way to counter that is to write down what you are actually doing every 30-60 minutes throughout the rest of the day. This also forces you to be realistic with yourself about what can be accomplished in a day. As well as showing you if you are getting distracted by unnecessary tasks/activities.
Also, the time log does not need to be complicated! It can just be short hand abbreviations and you can use any insider lingo that helps you do it more efficiently. A time log is for your eyes only!
Idea 2: Analyze your to do list.
Looking at what is on your to do list is a super helpful way to determine if you are being productive.
There is two parts to this though!
The first part is to analyze what is on your to do list. Is there enough on there? Are you pushing yourself to get more done, accomplish more, and be more productive? Just making a to do list is helpful for your efficiency. But your to do list can also help you pass that and truly be more productive.
And it also will therefore show you if you are actually being productive and doing enough each day to be productive through your to do list.
The second part is to look at how much of your to do list you are actually accomplishing each day.
Having a to do list that helps you be more productive is huge but if you aren’t actually accomplishing the majority (or ideally all of) your to do list then that is just a cool dream not you actually being productive!
Idea 3: Write down your routines.
We get into routines whether we realize it or not. And not all of those routines are helpful and will boost your productivity!
So for this idea take the time throughout the morning, work day, evening, before bed, etc and write down what you are doing regularly. You may catch that things like too much social media scrolling has become part of your routines. And those bad habits in your routines could definitely be what is holding you back from being more productive.
Idea 4: Evaluate how many things could be automated.
Technology is your friend!
In any situation where you can use technology to help make tasks quicker, easier, and automated that is better.
So by looking at what tasks in your days could be automated that aren’t can give you insight into how you can be more productive by removing all the time you commit to tasks that could be automated.
For example, if you can create email response templates do that. If you can automate certain emails going to certain folders then do that! Automating tasks and using technology can really help you be more productive. This tip for how to be more productive can also help you waste less time in your day so it’s a win-win.
Idea 5: Ask yourself if you’ve made progress breaking bad habits.
As much as it is important to work on and focus on positive habits it is also necessary to work on breaking bad habits. It can be harder to break a bad habit that form a new positive one so don’t be concerned if you didn’t break all your bad habits this month.
But hopefully you made progress on breaking at least one bad habit and thinking about that progress is a helpful part of reflecting on your month.
Idea 6: Be honest with yourself about deadlines.
Are you hitting deadlines in your life? And I’m not just talking about ones that your boss or teachers set for you.
I mean the deadlines that you are setting for yourself! And they may not be overly formalized but chances are you have thought to yourself that you would like to complete something or learn something by a certain date. Hint: look back at annual resolutions to help you see some examples of goals with a deadline you have wanted to achieve.
If you are consistently hitting those personal deadlines then you probably are being productive version of yourself.
Korra-Shay
If you enjoyed this article on How To Tell If You Are Actually Being Productive then you probably (hopefully!) will find these articles helpful as well:
- How To Always Stay Productive And Efficient
- Helpful Personal Development Questions To Ask Yourself in 2023!
- The Weekly Productivity Checklist To Follow
- 74 Motivational Goals To Set To Live Your Best Life
- Quick Self Improvement Activities To Do This Spring
- The Ultimate Productivity Challenge: 31 Days To Become Productive!
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