psychology
These are the habits that really productive people have
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Do you look enviously at people who (apparently) succeed in everything and who always seem incredibly productive? These behaviors are likely to help them.
There are days when we’re really in the flow – we get out of bed easily, get in a workout before work and do the laundry, are productive at work, and our tasks come easily to us. And in the evening we cook something delicious AND empty the dishwasher after dinner.
Then there are days when we can’t even get going. Even in the morning we take longer than we would like, we work long hours but get little done, we are constantly distracted – and yet we fall onto the couch in the evening completely exhausted.
Do you know people who only ever experience days like the first one described? Who are simply constantly productive and effective – but who still seem to have enough time for themselves, their hobbies and doing nothing? Maybe you’ve ever wondered how they do it. They probably maintain at least some of these Habits that help you keep everything together.
5 habits of productive people
1. You develop routines
Productive people know how important it is to build a routine that works for them and that empowers them. If possible, you get up at the same time every day – at a time that works best for your individual sleep-wake rhythm. As trite as it sounds: a healthy morning routine with a delicious breakfast, maybe a little exercise, but definitely enough time for everything will help you start the day calmly and with energy. Even in the evenings, they make sure to regularly do the things that help them personally put the day behind them and switch off. This could be a relaxing shower or bath, journaling, reading, meditation, or something else entirely.
2. They know what they can do
We can only work effectively if we do something that comes easily to us. Productive people have internalized this and therefore usually choose activities that suit them and bring them joy. And the same applies to their daily rhythm: if they know that they are more like larks, then they try to tackle big tasks as early in the day as possible. Owls, on the other hand, are probably more productive when they work on demanding projects later in the day. We are all most efficient when we work with ourselves and not against ourselves.
3. They live according to their values
The same applies to larger issues such as our personal values. Those who work towards a goal and commit themselves to something that the person individually sees as meaningful and valuable have a greater chance of being successful. Because working really effectively is guaranteed to be easier for us if we stand behind the project or goal and it fits our personal values. No matter whether it’s about saving the world or about developing a product that brings joy to many people – including ourselves.
4. They create an environment in which they can concentrate well
In order to be truly productive, we need an environment in which we can concentrate well. What it looks like can be very different. For some, complete silence may be important, but they are probably most efficient when they have peace and space to themselves. Other people may need the creative chaos and a certain volume level. If they can’t work with colleagues in the office, they might head to the nearest coffee shop where they can be inspired by the noise. What most productive people have in common is that they know themselves well enough to know how to work best.
5. You take good care of yourself
Even beyond the actual work, there are points that can help us to be as productive as possible. Most people who can generally work effectively maintain healthy habits such as a balanced diet, enough exercise – and enough breaks and rest periods. They realize that this is the basis for them to be able to really achieve something at work or in other projects. They would therefore never think of risking their health and well-being for the sake of work.
Sources used: yourtango.com, mindbodygreen.com