There are all kinds of apps to help you track your time, learn how to work faster and check more things off your to-do list. It seems everyone wants to get a better handle on their workday and accomplish more with their time. While you can certainly try out the latest apps and tools, writer Jamey Austin believes the answer to enhanced productivity and performance doesn’t lie in the Next Big Thing, but rather old-school practices.
He says that by incorporating some low-tech practices into your work routine, you can begin to think outside the box and maybe even improve your work-life balance. In this issue of Promotional Consultant Today, we share Austin’s hacks to help you think differently and more creatively.
Write with a pen. We’re all so accustomed to typing out messages on our phones or computers. That’s what makes writing longhand so effective — it’s simple but different. Austin says that putting pen to paper doesn’t just cause you to be more deliberate and intentional, but it can also help improve recall. You may be able to express your thoughts faster by typing them, but by writing them, you are more likely to remember the important points.
Bring your work into your physical space. One of the simplest ways to do this to jot down your ideas on paper. There’s something about seeing your inner thoughts written out, in your own handwriting, that makes it a bit more tangible, Austin says. Want to make it a team effort? Grab a dry-erase marker and gather around a whiteboard for a collaborative brainstorming session. You could also give everyone sticky notes to scribble down their ideas and arrange on the wall. Austin says that physically manipulating your ideas in this way adds a whole new dimension to the brainstorming process.
Develop a new routine. When it comes to maximizing your productivity and performance, rituals can help tremendously. They can either help you disconnect or gear up for your day. For example, maybe you begin your day with a cup of coffee and a scan of the news According to Austin, rituals make it easier to get into the flow of work because they help us transition between different tasks throughout the day. Just be sure you also work in rituals when it’s time for a break. These are especially important in today’s hybrid-work world. When it’s time for a break, you might start a ritual of standing up and stretching or even going for a short walk.
The road to improving your productivity and performance can be a long one, so take it one step at a time. Try writing when you would normally type and keep a stack of sticky notes nearby. You might also explore your usual routine and how you could mix things up taking regular breaks. Whether you try one or all of the strategies above, you will begin to make meaningful progress on your goals.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Jamey Austin is a writer and editor who contributes to the Atlassian blog.
