Here is a quote – Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but we rather have those because we have acted rightly. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.
—Aristotle
In this competition-driven world, there is no room for low productivity. This necessitates you to learn a few life hacks that include shortcuts, skills, tricks, and other methods. The terms hack and hacking have a history of ambiguity in the computing and geek communities, especially within the free and open source software crowd. Hacking involves using shortcuts to achieve the desired results, which you can use in your life. Here are few of the most common hacks that can improve your life and place you firmly on your path to success.
Use your morning effectively
From my personal experience, I can say that the adage works. The soothing morning environment can develop in early risers a robust mentality because of which they don’t buckle down under stress. Moreover, waking up early offers you the time to decide what you would like to accomplish on that day. If you accomplish the time-consuming planning process in the morning, you will, beyond a doubt, meet your deadlines.
Modern-day professionals have to spend a considerable time of their day behind computers. This sedentary lifestyle can lead to a bevy of physical as well as mental problems in the end. Problems such as stress, insomnia and lack of interest can lower the productivity of an individual. So, make sure to devote sometime in the morning to exercise. Those who exercise in the morning are more likely to stick with it.
Have a sound sleep
Oftentimes, people restrain their sleep time to accommodate their tasks, which is counterproductive, as major sleep loss will ruin the following day. Just as equipment needs to be properly maintained to work correctly, your brain, too, needs a rest.
Your workspace reflects your state of mind
Since clutter is extremely stress-inducing, keep your workspace as clean and uncluttered as possible. A messy desk can make you anxious, so clear those papers and throw out those old paper coffee cups. Once you are done with your distractions, you can focus on your task with full concentration. Refrain from checking emails, text messages and other things, as it can divert you. Take up one task at a time and devote all your resources to it until you finish it.
Take regular breaks
Concentrating for long hours can leave you mentally as well as physically drained. Taking a break may have different connotations to different individuals, but the essence remains the same, i.e., to have a momentary respite from a task. Some individuals find their salvation in sipping a cup of tea or coffee, while others prefer to stroll in the park. To ensure optimal productivity, you can adhere to the tried-and-tested Pomodoro technique, which says that one should take a 5-minute break after 25 minutes of hard labor.48
Do the tough tasks first
Sometimes, when you put things off, they end up being things you do not really need to do. However, sometimes they are things you just have to do. Accomplishing the most complex task on priority enhances your confidence as a professional. You should adhere to the 2-minute rule, which states that if a task takes less than 2 minutes to complete, you should finish it immediately.
Don’t ignore productive tools
From corporate leaders to the lay person, everyone is utilizing the potential of these tools to plan and implement their tasks. As discussed earlier, setting unrealistic expectations for yourself often lets you down. Your goal must be realistic and achievable. Do not be afraid to start with baby steps and work up from there, as all majestic journeys begin with a small but firm step. Suppose you intend to run a marathon, start by getting out for a run a few days a week, instead of running miles. Once you meet your goals, create new ones that raise the bar a bit higher.
