5 Proven Methods to Get Things Checked Off of Your To-Do List

Doesn’t it feel fantastic when you get tasks done? Checking an item off your to-do list gives you a sense of satisfaction that’s hard to beat. And it encourages you to continue to get more done.

After all, that little checkmark means you were productive and stayed focused!

Sometimes, it’s easier said than done to push past the distractions and tune out the noise. But even though it’s challenging, you are more than capable of overcoming the hurdles.

There are many things you can do to continue on a path toward success and get things done.

In this article, we discuss five methods you can use to check more items off your to-list.

Take a look:

1. Get Up an Hour Earlier

Waking up an hour earlier probably doesn’t sound too exciting. But taking advantage of the early morning hours comes with tremendous perks. By getting up an hour earlier, you’ll have an extra hour to exercise, read, or get a jumpstart on your workday.

Believe it or not, studies tell us that waking up early correlates with productivity. In other words, wake up early, and you’ll get more done.

Here’s another thing to consider:

How you start your morning dictates how the rest of the day will go. So if you sleep too late and wake up in a hurry, you’ll never quite catch up with the day.

Embrace the morning hours, and you’ll feel great knowing you completed so much more.

Getting used to a new schedule may take some time (especially if you’re a night owl), but it’ll be worth it. So start by getting up a little bit earlier each day, and soon you’ll be the master of the early morning hours!

2. Keep Your Work Zone Clutter-Free

It’s hard to be productive with a cluttered desk.

I mean, how are you supposed to focus when there are ten unopened envelopes next to your computer? And why are there three empty soda cans on top of your filing cabinet?

Do away with the clutter, and you'll feel a lot better. You should keep your desk as clear as possible so you’re not distracted by a mess. Your efforts will result in higher productivity levels.

So work on taming the clutter before it takes control of you!

3. Learn How to Say No

There are always going to be distractions. A friend might ask you out for coffee, or phone notifications might tug at your attention span.

But if you want to get anything done, you must learn to say no. Part of saying no is setting boundaries for yourself.

That means you should turn off all phone and computer notifications. And you should politely tell your friend that you can't get together until you’re done working.

This may be challenging at first. But over time, you'll be far more productive.

Give it a try and see how much more you achieve. The results will no doubt astound you!

4. Apply Techniques That Help You Focus

The biggest step to becoming more productive is learning how to focus.

By dedicating all of your attention to one specific task, you’ll be able to complete it faster. If you’re constantly being distracted by different things while you’re working, you’ll never get anything done.

There are different ways to improve your concentration. A few examples are by listening to music or meditating before work.

Keeping a timer near your work station can also help. Setting time limits allows you to hold yourself accountable.

If there are people or pets in your life that are preventing you from working, learn to deal with it.

For example, if a chatty office neighbor is the issue, retreat to a room where they can’t interrupt you. If you work from home and your dog is constantly trying to play ball, say no for now. It'll be hard, but you can do it!

No one, not even that adorable puppy, should be able to break through your wall of productivity.

5. Set Aside Time to Relax

Sometimes, all it takes to get more done is some relaxation time.

If you're focused on accomplishing too many things at once, you can get burnt out. Once you reach your limit, it's going to be harder to get back on track.

Being productive is fun. It always feels good to check tasks off your to-do list like a machine. But overdoing it can affect your mental health. If you work too hard for too long, you’ll eventually crash.

So, you should make sure to take breaks. This includes both short breaks throughout the day and week-long vacations every few months.

After a hard day at work, take the evening off. And if you can help it, don’t work on weekends. It can be hard to step away from work for a few days, but you’ll be better off for it.

Find the perfect balance between getting things done and taking time off. It's up to you to escape from the craziness of life!

In Conclusion

Time-management isn’t always the key to productivity. Yes, it certainly helps, but attention-management is just as crucial.

Giving tasks your full attention is what's going to get the job done.

That's why it's crucial to say goodbye to distractions and hello to productivity.

It may not happen overnight, but you now have some techniques that'll help. Start by doing a few of these methods, and your productivity levels will soar.

Author Bio:

Dominique Daniels is the Business Manager for Anthology at Vista Station. With over ten years of experience in the multifamily housing industry, she is one of the most dedicated managers in her field. She loves helping others and takes great pride in working within a community that so many love to call home.