Top 10 take aways from “Smarter Faster Better: The Secrets of Being Productive in Life and Business” by Charles Duhigg
* **Identify your key tasks.** What are the most important things you need to do each day? Once you know what these tasks are, you can focus your time and energy on them.
* **Break down large tasks into smaller ones.** This will make them seem less daunting and more achievable.
* **Set deadlines for yourself.** Having a deadline will help you stay motivated and focused.
* **Take breaks throughout the day.** Getting up and moving around or taking a short break can help you stay refreshed and focused.
* **Avoid multitasking.** Multitasking can actually be counterproductive, so it’s better to focus on one task at a time.
* **Delegate tasks to others.** If you have too much on your plate, don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to others.
* **Learn to say no.** It’s okay to say no to new tasks if you’re already feeling overwhelmed.
* **Take care of yourself.** Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly. These things will help you stay healthy and productive.
* **Find ways to enjoy your work.** If you don’t enjoy your work, it will be harder to stay motivated and productive. Find ways to make your work more enjoyable, such as by working with people you enjoy or finding ways to make your work more meaningful.
Focus on the right things
The first step to becoming more productive is to focus on the right things. What are the most important tasks that you need to do each day? Once you know what these tasks are, you can focus your time and energy on them.
II. Break down big tasks into smaller ones
One of the best ways to stay productive is to break down big tasks into smaller ones. This makes them seem less daunting and more achievable. For example, if you have a big project due at work, you could break it down into smaller tasks such as:
* Researching the topic
* Writing a draft
* Editing the draft
* Proofreading the final product
By breaking down the project into smaller tasks, you can focus on one step at a time and make sure that each step is completed to the best of your ability. This will help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
III. Set deadlines for yourself
Having a deadline will help you stay motivated and focused. When you know that you have a certain amount of time to complete a task, you are more likely to work harder and get it done on time.
V. Delegate tasks
If you have too much on your plate, don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to others. This can free up your time to focus on the most important things, and it can also help you build trust and cooperation with your colleagues. When delegating tasks, be clear about what you need the other person to do, and set a deadline for when you need it done.
VI. Learn to say no
It’s okay to say no to new tasks if you’re already feeling overwhelmed. By setting boundaries and prioritizing your tasks, you can free up time for the things that are most important to you.
VII. Take care of yourself
One of the most important things you can do to be productive is to take care of yourself. This means making sure you get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly. When you’re healthy and well-rested, you’re more likely to be able to focus and concentrate, which will make it easier to get things done.
It’s also important to take breaks throughout the day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Getting up and moving around or taking a short break can help you stay refreshed and focused.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to a friend, family member, or therapist. They can help you provide support and encouragement.
Create a positive environment
One of the most important things you can do to be more productive is to create a positive environment for yourself. This means surrounding yourself with people who support you, and creating a space that is conducive to work.
Here are a few tips for creating a positive environment:
- Spend time with positive people.
- Make your workspace comfortable and inviting.
- Set aside time for relaxation and fun.
- Avoid negative distractions.
When you create a positive environment, you’ll be more likely to feel motivated and productive. You’ll also be more likely to enjoy your work, which will make it easier to stay focused and on track.
IX. Believe in yourself
One of the most important things you can do to be productive is to believe in yourself. When you believe in yourself, you are more likely to take on challenges, set goals, and achieve success.
There are a few things you can do to boost your self-belief:
- Set realistic goals.
- Celebrate your successes, no matter how small.
- Surround yourself with positive people.
- Practice positive self-talk.
When you believe in yourself, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.