One of the biggest challenges that have come up since I started working for myself as a Virtual Assistant has been time management and my output hasn’t always been at its best. Over the last couple of years, I’ve been finetuning my way of working to ensure I’m not overwhelmed but I’m also delivering on-time and high-quality work to my clients. Here are the 6 Best Productivity hacks that have worked for me so far…
Daily Start Routine
Have a morning or a start routine. This can be a set of steps you follow to get ready for the day. It can be simply brushing your teeth or changing out of your pajamas. You decide what works for you and gives you the best chance of being focused at the start work day. The key is to have something that indicates it’s time to work.
(check out how to create the perfect morning routine)
Remove distractions
Every one of us knows that our Smartphone 📱 is the greatest distraction while working. So, keep it away from yourself to improve your productivity.
Try it once and see the change. If possible, keep the notifications off, as they may distract you while working, and you may end up grabbing your phone and checking it again and again. If there is any emergency, people will call you, so no need to worry about anything.
“Stressing output is the key to improving productivity while looking to increase activity can result in just the opposite.” – Paul Gauguin
Have a designated work area
Having a designated area to work from helps maintain a routine. It also makes it easier to mentally separate work and home tasks. If you live with others and they see you in your work area, it will help them respect your work time and reduce distractions.
Set boundaries
Setting boundaries can be a bit tricky if you haven’t already done so with old and current clients. Though something as simple as having set times to communicate with clients can give you more control over your schedule.
Have time limits
Set a time limit for regular tasks to be completed, and doing a time audit will give you the most accurate time for each task. Keep in mind Hofstadter’s Law: It always takes longer than you expect so create buffers in your schedule. Don’t book back-to-back meetings without any gaps in between for potential delays
Use supportive tools
Have productivity tools such as time tracking, project management, to-do apps, distraction, and focus apps. There are a lot of apps on offer so don’t get catch-up in the research loop, check 10 Powerful Tools for keeping your business organised
⠀
Working for yourself comes with many challenges but how your show up for your clients shouldn’t be one for them. Creating systems that make the mundane easier is the best way to ensure a productive work session.
Thanks for reading
Check out my social media links below for day-to-day updates
Facebook:https://web.facebook.com/samanthadube.va
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samantha_dube_/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqIkL4ZJSfqDwjFSEpQ_DQg