No matter what industry you work in there are bound to be days where you might feel that the to-do lists are never ending. You feel that you are working hard but that you could do more, be even more productive and that requires working smart. Working smarter will allow you to be more productive and make the most effective use of your time. Here are four tips to keep in mind when creating a smarter, more fruitful workflow.

1 – To-Do Lists

There are a ton of apps used for organizing and creating your to-do lists. First thing you want to do is find out which method works best for you. Figure out if you prefer to use an app or if you rather use pen and paper. Either way will work well as long as you follow a few steps. 

• Begin by making a list of anything you can think of off the top of your head that you have not taken note of
• Continue to add items onto your lists as soon as they come up throughout the day
• Assign deadlines to all of your tasks
• Limit the number of tasks you will complete in one day
• Revise your to-do list daily

Some of the most popular apps are Asana, Monday.com, smartsheet, and planstreet. If you choose to use pen and paper, be sure to have a pocket sized notebook/planner so that you’re able to keep it with you at all times. 

2 – Breakdown Your Schedule and Don’t Forget to Take a Break!

Now that you have your To-Do List, it’s time to prepare your schedule for the day. Specify how much time you’ll be spending for each of the tasks on your list. This is not a detailed list, but rather an allocation of your time. Breaking down your schedule serves as a guide to help you manage the flow of your day. Write out a timeline and dedicate a specific amount of time for each task. For example, feel free to tighten up meetings to about 30 minutes with a specific outcome in mind. Long, tedious meetings are known to bring down organizational workflow. Also, in order to avoid burning out, it is important to schedule breaks. For every two hours of work, assign yourself a 15 break. Studies show that taking breaks are an essential part of a productive workday, as they allow you to recharge.   

3 – Be Active

Somewhere on your list, include “30 minutes of physical activity”. Whether you decide to go for a walk or schedule an intense workout, it’s important that you get your body moving.This is especially important if you’re someone who works at a desk all day. Staying active helps to keep you in good health, which contributes to the functionality of your every day. Your body releases endorphins after physical activity which play an important role in reducing stress and anxiety while boosting your self-esteem.

4 – Wind down and Revisit your list

This may seem redundant, but it’s actually the perfect way to end your day! I find that if you leave in a rush, you’re likely to forget something or at least leave for the day with the feeling that you did. Therefore, set an alarm 30 mins before the end of your work day to remind yourself it’s time to wind down and revisit your to-do list. Once your alarm goes off, finish up whatever you’re working on and grab your list! Review each task and cross out everything you’ve completed. If any items require additional work, note down follow up details and re-write an updated list. Secure your list, pack up your things and enjoy the rest of your day!

https://www.inc.com/the-build-network/10-things-to-do-every-workday.html

In this article I feel we are missing that conversational hook at the beginning this can come in the form of a few sentences before we give the lists.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20130326165036-7668018-10-things-to-do-every-workday

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/08/23/16-things-you-should-do-at-the-start-of-every-work-day/#7d78791a7309

https://www.fastcompany.com/40505125/how-to-organize-your-day-to-set-yourself-up-for-success

https://www.fastcompany.com/3056631/the-first-four-things-you-should-do-every-workday