No matter what job you do or how long you’ve been a business owner we all have the same restriction as today’s top business leaders, we all have twenty-four hours in a day to get our day-to-day to-do lists.
So, why does it seem like CEOs and business leaders can accomplish so much more than the average person? The difference between your life or theirs is defined by what you choose to do with the hours you’re allotted.
Having looked at research and from talking to some of our valued customers, here are a few productivity tips from today’s leading CEOs to give you a bit of inspiration.
Establish Routine’s, Especially a Morning Routine
A productive day starts as soon as you wake up, and although it’s not necessary for the alarm to go off at the crack of dawn, there’s something to be said for being ready to start your day by 7am. Your morning routine sets the tone for the rest of your day, these precious first hours will prepare your mindset for the rest of the day. One way to be more productive is to choose one activity that will start your day on a positive note, whether it's taking your dog for a walk, meditating for a few minutes, or even making a full breakfast, the most important aspect of any morning routine is that it’s made up of actions you can commit to doing everyday.
Make the Most of Your Commute Time
One of the best ways to stay productive all day long is to make the most of your free time. Your morning and afternoon commutes might seem like blocks of lost time, you can actually use them to your benefit. The average commute in the UK is between 30 and 40 minutes which means your time to and from the office each day likely offers at least an hour of time you might not be utilising. Preparing for a meeting, listening to business-related podcasts, taking a call or simply reading and responding to emails are just some of the ways to stay productive during your commutes. In fact, many find their commute to be a great way to stimulate thinking and planning, whether it be while driving, walking, or riding the train.
Tackle Your Most Difficult Tasks First
Hesitation and indecision are probably two of the biggest detriments to our productivity. We often leave our most difficult tasks until the end of the day, but this can kill your productivity levels. It easy to think you should do the easiest things first to get your day off to a productive start however research has proven the first few hours after waking up is the best time when your brain is at its sharpest and the best time to stay on task so take on the hardest piece of work first before you fatigue. Not only does this open up your afternoon to complete any last-minute or additional tasks, but it also gives you a great sense of momentum to complete your day.
Think about how great it feels to check off a task on your to-do list; it’s an even better feeling when that task is the hardest one you have. The rest of your day will feel like a breeze, and you’re not spending the day in dread. It’s much easier to be productive when you’re in a good mood.
Collaboration is key
Collaboration should be a part of any entrepreneurs building blocks. If there’s one skill that many business leaders & entrepreneurs have a tough time in learning, it’s asking for help and guidance. Whether you want to seem like you can “do it all", or your ego just has a tough time thinking someone else can do it better, failing to collaborate with others can have an adverse effect on productivity and your business. Not asking for help forces you to spend more time on low-priority tasks, instead of things that actually move you and your business forward.
Set Daily Goals
When you’re hoping to accomplish a certain set of tasks, it’s often best to plan your day the night before. This avoids getting caught up in the hectic morning rush or sidetracked by new things that might arise throughout the day. Planning ahead allows us focus on what we need to get done in our working day. Carve out a few minutes right before you leave the office or as soon as you get home note a few things you’re hoping to complete the following day. Not only will this give you an idea of what lies ahead, but it allows you to decide what tasks need to be a first priority while the work day is still fresh in your memory.
Exercise
Being constantly busy gives you the illusion that there’s no time for exercise in your daily schedule. However, many successful entrepreneurs and business leaders credit their fitness routine as a critical component of their success. This thinking is totally accurate; there are many scientific studies that support the impact of exercise on productivity. Forming a habit of regular exercise can supercharge your energy levels when working, it can also help to establish a morning routine, as discussed earlier.
If exercise sounds daunting, there are a ton of low-intensity workouts you can incorporate into your day. Even a brisk walk on your lunch hour or walking your dog in the morning these sessions can help you clear your mind and focus throughout the rest of the day.
Recharge Your Batteries
You need to know how and when to take time to refuel. In the same way that your Monday through Friday is dedicated to the daily grind, your weekend should be set aside to relax and refuel the tank for the week ahead. It’s important to reward yourself with your favourite hobbies, spending time with friends and family, or just taking some well-needed R&R. Mental health and wellbeing is even more important to keep a check on, make sure you switch off and divide your work/life balance so you perform well in both.
Summary
Structuring your day to achieve maximum productivity isn’t just about what you do between the hours of 9am to 5pm. Even the smallest adjustments to your daily routine can help you become more productive.
Purple Yak help entrepreneurs, founders, leaders, CEOs, business owners and brands succeed. We help our clients to become more productive and efficient in what they're doing. If you're interested in taking your career, your startup or your brand to the next level with marketing, growth and lead generation then contact Purple Yak today for a free consultation so that we can help you succeed. We measure our success through the success of our clients, If you’re successful, we are too.