7 Quick and Easy Tips to Stay Productive

Staying focused and productive on the job is one of the great challenges facing open-minded entrepreneurs on a daily basis. A business owner who can effectively manage their time, prioritize their workload and get more done with less struggle will immediately have the upper edge over their competition. Of course, that doesn't mean it's an easy process. Even those with the most disciplined experience bouts of distraction and a lack of focus every now and again. However, there are things you can do to try and stay as productive as possible. Here are 7 tips we've come up with that are quick and easy to implement that could go a long way in helping your productivity at work:

1. Take breaks.

Don't try to work for hours on end without taking a break. Studies show that short breaks can actually increase productivity and creativity — as much as 20 percent. In fact, taking breaks is so important that some companies have begun offering employees standing desks and other ways to get up and move around during the day.

2. Use online tools to shut out distractions.

The Internet is a big time-waster, but it can also be used to help you focus on work if you know how to use it right. Tools like Freedom, StayFocusd and LeechBlock allow you to block distracting websites so you can't access them while working. You can also use Evernote to capture ideas when they come to mind and save them for later instead of letting them distract you from your current task. The idea is to keep your mind focused on the task at hand, rather than having wandering eyes that lead you down a path of distractions.

3. Create a Routine.

When you're able to predict what comes next, it's easier to get things done. That's why creating a routine can be so helpful when it comes to productivity. A routine allows you to stay focused because you don't have to worry about thinking about what needs to be done next. It also gives you a better sense of how much time you'll have for various tasks. Having a schedule makes it easier for you to know when it's time for work and when it's time for play.

4. Prioritize Tasks.

There are going to be days when you have more work on your plate than you feel capable of completing in a certain amount of time. When that happens, the best thing you can do is prioritize your tasks. Think about which tasks will have the greatest impact on your business and make sure those get done first. If there isn't enough time left in the day, don't stress over the fact that everything isn't completed. You did the best you could with the time given and that's all you can ask of yourself.

5. Start before you feel ready.

Many people feel they need to wait until they have everything lined up perfectly before taking action — this is a mistake. Taking action will reveal blind spots in your plan that need addressing and help you clarify what needs to be done next. There are many benefits to acting first and thinking later, so stop waiting until everything is perfect — start now.

6. Wake Up Earlier.

The earlier you wake up the better your chances of starting the day off right. By waking up earlier, you give yourself more time to focus on activities that are important to you before going into work mode. This can be anything from reading an inspirational book or your favorite blog to going for a run or practicing yoga. Make sure this is something that will put you in a positive mood for the day ahead.

7. Use services that make your life easier

Start using productivity to your advantage -- because even small increases in efficiency can make a significant difference in your productivity over time. Using services that make your life easier can really be beneficial to your business. For example, just using an email campaign software like MailerLite or Mailchimp can take a load off your shoulders and allow you to focus on other items. You may even want to try using a payment provider that can make invoicing and accepting payments easier. Whenever you feel pain in a specific area of your business, it's okay to outsource some things so that you can focus on other parts of your business.

In conclusion,

The tips we've provided here were designed to help increase your productivity during the work day. They'll keep you focused on the task at hand and ensure that you get done with your work in a timely manner. None of these tips are revolutionary, but there's a reason for that. Staying focused and keeping up with your work throughout the day is simple; it just takes some discipline. Keep these productivity tips in mind the next time you need to get more done.