10 Ways to Become a More Productive Person

How can you become a more productive person? 

It feels like we are all trying to get so much done while not actually getting that much done at the same time. The to-do list seems as if it is never-ending. We are also constantly adding new things to the list. It feels as if there is just never enough time for us to accomplish everything we absolutely need to get done. Is productivity really about getting the most done in the least amount of time possible?

Today we will talk about ten way you can become a more productive person in life.

1)  Stop adding things to the to-do list 
Take a hard look at that to-do list and ask yourself, "What are the most important tasks I need to carry out on this list?" Cross off things which you do not need.  Remember it is important to take a less is more approach. This will help you to focus on accomplishing the things that really matter.

2)  Multitasking is a no-no
When you try to get everything done at once by multitasking, it is difficult for your brain to concentrate on everything all at once. Our brains are just not wired that way. Studies have shown that our brains are in fact, wired to mono-task. Chances are by multitasking, you would not have done such a great job on all five things you were trying to working on at once. It is better to focus on one thing at once. When you are done with that, move onto the next thing.

3)  Take short breaks
In order to rejuvenate yourself, why don't you incorporate short breaks throughout the day? You can work for an hour and then take a 10-15 minute break. You can do anything during the break. Take a short walk, stretch, go grab a snack, check your phone etc. Basically you can do anything as long as it was not the task you were working on during your work time. When you get back to the task on hand after the break, you will feel fresh and energized which in turn which help boost your productivity.

4)  Stick to a routine
Routines help to create structure in our lives and works to eliminate distraction. If you have a routine, you know exactly what you have to do and how you set out to accomplish the task. Since you already have a routine, all you have to do is work and focus on the task at hand. You won't waste time by thinking and trying to figure out what you have to get done since you have already planned it out in advance.

5)  Get up early
Try using this extra time to meditate, to work out, follow the news, and to have a healthy breakfast. This will help to give you the boost needed to have a productive day. This habit alone will challenge you to put your mind over matter and will help strengthen your willpower to get more done in life. The more time you have available to be productive, the more you will set out to get done.

6)  Are you a morning person or a night person?
Figure out when you actually get tasks done. For some people, they prefer getting things done in the morning, because that's when they have the most energy. While for others, they get their best ideas at night. It is a better idea to schedule your most important tasks to get done during the times you are the most active in your mind.

7)  Set deadlines
Set clear deadlines on the tasks you need to complete. If you do not set deadlines, you will forever be trying to put it off for later. Use it to help you to focus and stay in control of what you need to get done and when.

8)  Reward yourself
After completing your tasks, why don't you give yourself a pat on the back and treat yourself to something nice? This way you will trick yourself into working much faster if you know you will get a reward after finishing the task at hand.

9)  Make use of your spare time
If you think about it, you have a lot of spare time throughout the day to use to gain knowledge. For instance, why not use your commute time to listen to a podcast or read a book? This way, you are learning through the experience of others. By combining what you have learned through podcasts, books and through hands-on experience, it helps you to better you as a person in what you seek to achieve in the future. (Knowledge is important to achieve success. )

10)  Get rid of distractions around you
Distractions are everywhere, in the form of social media, the TV, your phones etc. Try turning off notifications on your phone when you're working so that you can focus on the task at hand. You do not really need to know who just posted on Instagram or Snapchat. You can save it for later, when you actually have time.

It is not easy to be productive, but the results at the end are definitely worth it.

The Pursuit of Happiness (Not the movie :P)

I was reading the PDF from the Time Magazine and I was surprised to find out that only 1/3rd of Americans since 1972 have described themselves as “very happy.” One major reason for that happening is, I believe, that people are becoming more and more pessimistic about the future. They don’t know what to live for anymore. People still believe the old saying that “money solves all problems.” It is true that money can boost happiness if it helps you to obtain what you desire.
For example, people should not just settle in life with what they have if they are not happy. If you aren't satisfied, go and find something that you love doing. Like Steve Jobs said, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet keep looking.” Even a recent survey suggests that, for example, previously out-of-work people are happier with their new job even if it doesn't pay as much because they love the job.

Social media also tends to affect a person immensely. For example, people will feel the need to share everything they are doing in their life maybe to get people to “like” your posts and comment. People are bringing in attention to themselves this way. People also tend to get depressed/jealous after scrolling through their Facebook or Twitter. The reason that happens is that people see pictures of others and tend to envy them. They also may get depressed because they see others supposedly leading fascinating lives while they are just on their phone scrolling through Facebook or other social media.

So what I think is that people should find something to live for. That is very important. You should find something in life that motivates you and keeps you going. As long as you are happy with what you are doing, that is all that matters.

Article here  :  
http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2146449,00.html