Finding the motivation to stay productive in the new year can sometimes be an overwhelming challenge. There are several ways to up your productivity game and make sure you are staying on top of your goals in 2021. 

Here are a few tips that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine to make sure you are being as productive as you can be!

• Lists are the best 

Making a list is one of the easiest ways to keep on top of your tasks for the day and make sure you are reaching optimum productivity levels. Grab a piece of paper or a notepad (you can even get a customized one!) and start your day with a list of errands and tasks you would like to complete. Aside from ensuring you remember everything that needs to be done, there is no better feeling than ticking off a long list of tasks! 

• Keep time on your side 

There is something called the Pomodoro Technique, which basically means timing yourself to make sure you get your tasks completed within a certain time frame. All you have to do is set a timer for 25-90 minutes, for each task, and give it your undivided attention for that period of time. This will ensure that you finish the task to be the best of your ability and with no distractions. 

When your time is up, take a small break, move around or switch off your brain, whatever you need to take a much-needed mini-break. 

This is an extremely effective technique to use when trying to get through a long list of tasks, you don’t want to spend hours on one errand and not have enough time in the rest of your day to do anything else!

• Eat your frog 

We don’t mean literally. The phrase “eat your frog” means taking it upon yourself to complete that task that you are dreading and keep putting off. Do it first thing in the morning and get it done. It could be a phone call you are dreading or signing a whole load of paperwork, whatever it is, eat it and get it done. You are way more likely to get a boost of productivity and motivation to then complete your less dreaded tasks. 

• Don’t do things alone 

Grab an accountability buddy that can be accountable for you completing your tasks as well as encouraging you to stay productive. Try to find someone that doesn’t struggle with staying motivated in the same way you do, as chances are you may just end up bringing each other further down! 

Choose someone that you trust has your best interests in mind and that will push you in a way that you find both encouraging and helpful. 

• Avoid multitasking

This is a lot easier than done, but multitasking doesn’t always mean you are being productive. It can mean you are completing one task very well, but not giving as much attention or concentration to the other tasks you are doing alongside it. 

It’s always best to focus on one thing at a time so that you can give each task 100% of your attention and complete it to the best of your abilities.