Productivity Hacks to Help You Get Things Done
Jan 26, 2021
It’s January, my friends. You know what that means? The month of new resolutions, fresh intentions, and a renewed sense of determination to become a better version of ourselves. It’s also the month where we break those resolutions, make them again, and the cycle continues. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the expectations we set for ourselves, and you may find yourself wondering if there’s any way to stick to your new habits or resolutions.
Well, in this post, I’m going to share some productivity hacks that I’ve been using for a long time—strategies that can help you get more done, avoid burnout, and make it easier to stick to your goals. It’s not about doing everything at once; it's about working smarter, not harder.
Reorganize Your Tasks: Focus on What Truly Matters
The first step to mastering your productivity is looking at how you’re currently spending your time. Are there tasks that drain you or seem to take longer than they should? It’s time to reorganize how you approach your daily activities. One of the most effective ways to do this is by categorizing your tasks.
Start by separating tasks into categories like:
- Creative Work: Lesson planning, writing, brainstorming, or any task that requires your creative input.
- Administrative Tasks: Scheduling, responding to emails, or managing paperwork.
- Learning & Development: Professional development, webinars, courses, etc.
Once you know what’s on your plate, you can begin to prioritize. Some tasks require high energy and concentration, while others are more about maintaining systems. Understanding the difference between these will help you plan your time effectively.
Batching: Get More Done in Less Time
One of the most powerful productivity hacks I’ve adopted is batching tasks. Instead of switching between different types of work throughout the day, which can be mentally exhausting, try grouping similar tasks together and completing them in one go.
For example:
- Writing Tasks: Dedicate one block of time solely to writing assessments, reports, or lesson plans. Don’t try to squeeze in writing between meetings or student sessions.
- Admin Tasks: Set aside a time each week to handle all scheduling, emailing, and other administrative duties instead of dealing with them on a daily basis.
- Professional Development: Plan a block of time each week to dive into webinars, online courses, or reading industry articles, instead of trying to do it on the fly.
By batching, you avoid the mental strain of constantly switching between different kinds of work. You’ll find that you’re more focused and efficient when you tackle similar tasks together.
Aligning Tasks with Your Energy
Another concept I’m passionate about is aligning tasks with your energy levels. There are times in the month, especially for those of us who experience hormonal cycles, where our energy levels naturally fluctuate. This is where Kate Northrup’s concept of working with your natural rhythm comes into play. In her book Do Less, she explains how our productivity can be optimized by syncing it with the different phases of our cycle.
For example, during times when you’re feeling mentally sharp and energized, batch your creative and high-focus tasks. But during lower-energy times, focus on less demanding tasks like professional development or administrative work. This approach allows you to honor your body’s natural rhythms while still accomplishing your goals.
Learn More: Tune Into Our Podcast
These productivity hacks are just a starting point. Want to dive deeper into how you can reorganize, prioritize, and batch your tasks for maximum impact? I’ve shared these strategies (and more!) in a podcast episode that you can listen to right now. It's a full guide on how to make your habits stick and be more productive by working smarter, not harder.
In the episode, I discuss how you can separate tasks into categories, how to effectively batch your work, and ways to align your schedule with your natural rhythms to avoid burnout. Take a listen and start incorporating these changes into your routine today!
