Tips For Pumping Up Your Productivity

I love The Daily Muse – they always feature amazing career and productivity advice. Recently, the site posted an infographic featuring the “6 Best Things You Can Do Every Morning and Night.”

I Ioved this graphic (first and foremost because it’s a list!) but I couldn’t help but wonder if we can improve a few of their tips…”List Producer style.”

Night
1. Make a “night before” list – I’m a big supporter of any list that gets you organized but I have to say, this list is a little too specific. As an alternative, I’d say keep a small notebook next to your bed for any last minute reminders or thoughts that keep you up at night.

2. Set your clothes out for tomorrow – YES! I’ve been known to even pre-pack my bag with items I need. Another great trick is to keep a decorative dish with things you can’t forget by the front door – stash your keys, wallet and sunglasses there so you won’t miss them in the morning. Sticky notes work too.  Just make sure to put them in a place you will be forced to look at them.

3. Forgive yourself – okay, this is a cute sentiment but I think what they’re really getting at here is the importance of taking time to reflect on your day before you fall asleep. Personally, I like to journal at night.

Morning
1. Do something for yourself – The Muse advises to do something to center yourself in the morning. I’m a morning person and I love using my morning time for yoga and reading the paper. A little time to relax in the morning is the best way to start off on the right foot for a productive day.

2. Have a routine – Routines are great ways to simplify your mornings but are unfortunately not that easy to get down to a science. Instead, try making a list by writing down everything you do in order on Monday morning. Make adjustments to your list as the week goes on so by Friday you should have a solid routine.

3. Start with something big… Or small – Depending on who you ask, experts say starting with the biggest or smallest tasks on your list will make you more likely to get through your to do list. I say, do whatever you least want to do on the list – getting the most daunting task out of the way will allow you to remain productive and give you a big sense of accomplishment.  That combination will make you want to check off even more to-dos!