{30} Ways to Be More Productive

I am counting down the days to my 30th birthday, and I couldn’t be more excited! Truly! As I was brainstorming ways to celebrate here on the blog, I couldn’t help but think that 30 lists of {30} items would be just about perfect for my type-A, list-making self. Join me for the next month as I share the things I’ve learned in the past 30 years and my hopes for the future! See all 30 Days of {30} posts here.

I am all about efficiency and productivity. I hate to work over myself, and I love to get more done in less time. Not all of these tips are easy to put into practice (anyone else have trouble with focusing on just one thing at a time?!) but they are all effective!

Here are 30 ways you can be more productive today:

1. Focus on one task/project at a time.

2. Take breaks. Often.

3. Get moving, even just a short walk.

4. Use a to-do list.

5. And a no-do list.

6. Eat the frog.

7. Combine a physical task with a mental task for effective multitasking.

8. Eliminate distractions.

9. Schedule time to relax.

10. Organize your workspace.

11. Schedule the big things first.

12. Identify your pressure points and start there.

13. And avoid the tyranny of the urgent.

14. Listen to music or a sound machine to block out background noise.

15. Get ready for the next day the night before.

16. Use a brain dump to clear your mind.

17. Just don’t sit down.

18. Delegate.

19. Use procrastination to your advantage.

20. Create daily routines.

21. Follow the touch-it-once rule.

22. Batch tasks.

23. Schedule margins in your day.

24. Eat a protein-rich breakfast to start your day.

25. Get enough sleep.

26. Get things done early rather than waiting till the deadline.

27. Limit meetings, phone calls, etc.

28. Write short emails.

29. Work when you’re most productive.

30. Use aromas to improve your mood and motivation.

What little things have a big impact on your productivity level?

	Mandi Ehman is the founder and publisher behind Life Your Way and the co-author of All in Good Time, as well as a wife and the homeschooling mom to four beautiful girls. She lives with her family on a little slice of heaven in wild, wonderful West Virginia and loves coffee, chocolate, easy meals, beautiful things and minimalist spaces.