Organization is the key to productivity, but it doesn’t start first thing in the morning. If you really want to be effective and get things done, it’s best to start the night before. Sit down before you go to bed and make a plan. Decide what you’re going to do, the priority of each task and how you’re going to get everything done in a timely manner.
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Being effective, no matter what your role in life, is always going to be a great skill to have. You do have to work hard to be successful, but what most people forget is that you do have to work smart.
Productivity Tips
To maximize your days and get more out of your efforts tomorrow, here are some things you should definitely do before bed:
- Check your calendar. If you look at your agenda the night before, you’ll know what is coming. You will also be able to plan a strategy for meeting your goals, getting things done and fitting everything into your day. You will be able to sleep easily, knowing that you already did the hard work and in the morning you can just dive in.
- Get your morning attire ready. Whether it’s a gym bag, exercise shoes to walk the dog, or anything else that you need in the morning, have it ready to go. That way you won’t risk skipping your morning routine because you ran out of time. Sticking to a routine makes you feel more organized and productive. If your routine includes exercise, it also provides benefits for your health.
- Write things down. Keep a notepad nearby for thoughts and ideas throughout the day. Keep one by your bedside at night, as well. At the end of the night, write down your thoughts, process the day and prepare for tomorrow. You might think that you can do all of this in your head, but writing it down on paper is going to be a lot more effective because it gets it out of your system.
- Turn off your phone. Technology has people just inches from their mobile devices, powered on at all times. When you go to bed, turn your phone off or at least put it on silent. That way, you won’t be disturbed by texts, emails, social network notifications, games and apps, and all the other annoying chimes and notifications that come through on a daily basis. This can interrupt your sleep cycle and causes poor sleep patterns, so just shut it off.
About That Office
If you work out of the home or are a business owner, you’ll want to make sure that your office space is organized and ready for the next day. You can do this at your job before you leave for the day, as well, if you work out of the home. Make sure that your office is ready for tomorrow and when you get there, you’ll feel ready, too.
Get Going
Organization and planning go a long way toward helping people become more successful and productive. You don’t have to do anything special to increase your own productivity. Just utilize these tips for getting organized and make sure that you’re looking for the best ways to get more out of your day. Taking the time to plan the night before not only lets you prepare, but it alleviates any stress or worry about “tomorrow,” because you know everything is organized and ready to go.
If you struggle when falling asleep, read a good book that you can get into. Avoid electronics and bright lights, and don’t do your reading on a device. The light will probably disturb your sleep cycle, so stick with an actual book. It’s the little things that make a big difference, but that’s where you can help yourself become more productive by making sure all the details are in place.
