As much as workaholics like to claim that they’re superior because they work more hours, don’t listen to them.
Workaholics do work more hours than the rest of us, but they don’t work smart
hours. They may sit at their desks forever, but that doesn’t mean that
they’re using their time well 100% of the time. In fact, odds are good
that the quality of their work is lower because they work in long,
uninterrupted sessions that are a big drain on their brains’ mental
energy. As the quality of their work drops, so do their productivity and
their morale – resulting in one overworked, unhappy worker.
Workaholics of the world: start working smarter instead of keeping
yourself up all night working on a project. Here are 5 ways to get
started:
Work in Short, Uninterrupted Spurts
Too often, we subject ourselves to long, fatiguing work sessions.
This takes that concept and throws it out the window. Working in 20-40
minute spurts with 5-10 minute breaks has helped my productivity out a
lot.
It allows you to zone in on your work for a short period of time
and allows your brain to recover and have a bit of fun after you’re done
your work. The allure of the break (where you can do anything you want)
will keep you motivated to do your work and will prevent you from
getting distracted during your designated work times. The result? Much
better efficiency and morale while working.
Focus and Cut Out the Noise
Going along with number 1, you should elimate every distraction
possible. Turn off your cell phone, close your email, get off Twitter,
stop checking Facebook, stop listening to music, and focus while you’re
doing your work. Do your best to not get distracted by the any number of
things that could be claiming your attention, and do your work with the
greatest attention to detail. You’ll work faster and better if you cut
out all the noise – I know, for example, that my writing improves
dramatically when I don’t listen to music while I work. As they say –
“Distractions are the enemy of productivity”.
Prioritize
I know everyone’s heard of Pareto’s Principle, but I have to harp on
it again. For the uninitiated, Pareto’s Principle is the idea that 80%
of your results come from 20% of your work. The conclusion from this is,
obviously, to focus on the 20% of the work that brings you the most
results and to scale down everything else. Make the most important work –
the work that’s absolutely necessary and important to getting your job
done – your priority. Choose to get that done every day, and you’ll see
your results will skyrocket.
Know When To Quit
Let’s face it: everyone has bad days. You know, the days where you
wake up but can’t quite get out of bed, are late to work, feel like a
bum, and can’t seem to focus or get anything done. Your day ends up in
an infinate downward spiral of doom as it drags on – you start to get
frustrated because you can’t do anything well, you become aware of just
how bad you feel, and you feel totally helpless. When this happens, you
should take the high road and wave the white flag. You’re not doing
yourself any favors by producing bad work, and your bad day might be an
indicator that you’re starting to burn out. Call out sick, go home, and
treat yourself to a day of watching season one of Heroes (or whatever
your favorite TV show or movie is) and a tub of ice cream, if that’s
what makes you feel better. The bottom line: once you feel your ability
to work fall, stop working.
Get Enough Sleep
For some bizarre reason, here in America, we think we’re all special
and can feel our best on 4-6 hours of sleep per night. Not true. On
average, most of us need at least 7 hours of sleep to function properly.
I, personally, feel such a difference in my work and mood when I get 8
hours of sleep. When I get anything less than 6 hours, I’m a total
zombie, and have to spend the next 3 days recovering from one day where I
didn’t get enough sleep, which makes me lose even more “good” working
hours! You’re probably the same. Getting enough sleep every night will
make sure that you feel your best each and every day – which in turn
will make your work better.
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