There are days when I just don't feel like doing anything and on those days it's usually gloomy, cloudy, cold and rainy. Sometimes I give myself grace and I will take that day to lounge and maybe do some things around the house. Days that are absolutely beautiful with blue skies overhead, I feel super energized. I know I am not the only one who feels like this between the 2 days. On the energized days, however, I look at my list and my mind goes into a frenzy. What do I start with first, how am I to stay focused?  Look no further! Here are 5 tips to help you become more productive starting today.

1. Prioritize Your Tasks

One of the most important steps to becoming more productive is to prioritize your tasks. Take a few minutes at the beginning of each day to identify the most important tasks that need to be completed. Focus on those tasks first before moving on to less critical ones. A better tip though is to create the list the night before so your mind is fresh on what tomorrow brings.  Of course, it's not set in stone and things can change spur of the moment but this will get you set on the right path. 

2. Set Clear Goals

Setting clear and achievable goals is essential for increasing productivity. Break down your larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks. This will help you stay focused and motivated as you work towards your purpose.  

3. Get Rid Of Distractions

Distractions can significantly impact your productivity. Identify common distractions in your environment and take steps to eliminate them. Whether it's turning off notifications on your phone or finding a quiet workspace, reducing distractions will help you stay on track.  Utilize the "focus" mode on your phone for a set amount of time.

4. Take A Break

It may seem like an unimportant thing during a busy day but taking regular breaks can actually improve your productivity. Schedule short breaks throughout your workday to rest and recharge. This will help prevent burnout and keep your energy levels up. So, schedule the 15 minute breaks throughout your day and take the break for you. Allow the mind to rest. Don't mindlessly scroll social media. Use this time to make a great meal, grab a protein shake or simply stretch. 

5. Stay Organized

Keep your physical and digital workspaces organized. Whether you work from home or in an office, keep clutter to a minimum.  You will be better focused when you know where everything is. By staying organized, this is also a form of self-care! When you take care of your mental wellbeing, you'll have more energy and focus to be more productive. 

Productivity isn't about working harder, it's about working smarter.  We all have the same amount of hours in a day; more productive people don't have more hours in their day. It's how they structure their day that creates productivity and success.