Productivity Tip #2: Make a Daily ToDo List

Now you have set a goal for yourself, let's figure out how to achieve it.

One of the best tips to be more productive at work is to maintain a personal daily TODO task list. Many of you may have already using this method. Keep in mind, this list is your own. This is not a list your Project Manager gave you. This list could be an electronic copy or a printed paper or even a part of your notebook. I personally like to have my own hand written list. Do not have 100s items on it. It should not have more than 10 or 12 items in it.

Keep this list at your desk as a reminder.

Make sure you prioritize the items and put an estimate of time (in hours) next to it. Your goal is to beat this time.

Now, every time you finish an item in this list, check it. Check it with a pen or pencil. This is what will make you feel that you have accomplished something.

Once you are done with couple of items, don't forget to take a 5-10 minutes break. This break could be a tea/coffee, water, walk or just move around. You need this to give your mental and physical system a break.

Writing is good for you

Many of us do not like to write. But writing has many advantages. Not only writing helps you focus but also helps you to be patient. Writing also helps you remember topics you write about.

I remember during my B. Sc. 2^nd year papers, I was having difficult time to focus and memorize some Physics Formulae. That day, I started writing what I was trying to remember. Since that day, anything I learn or try to focus, I start writing. Dustin Wax wrote a good article on Why We Remember What We Write that explains how our brain function differently when we write and listen.