10 Time-Saving Tips for Entrepreneurs to Boost Productivity

By Ashley Nielsen

Success is achieved by working hard and utilizing every resource you have at your disposal. Most entrepreneurs attribute their success to staying on task and putting their best foot forward in every situation. Being productive is a must. The key to boosting productivity is always making the best use of your time. Every minute is a valuable asset that must be used wisely. There are many time-saving tips you can use to improve your productivity and help you achieve all your goals.

Create a To-Do List Every Morning

Maintaining a weekly calendar and creating a to-do list every morning are easy ways to ensure you complete all of your important tasks each day. New tasks can be added throughout the day and a few can be added to tomorrow’s list. The key is keeping your time manageable so that you can be as productive as possible without becoming stressed or rushing through your work. Working at a consistent pace will allow you to stay focused and reduce your risk of mistakes.

Schedule Your Time Wisely

To schedule your time wisely, you will need to know how much time it will take to complete each task. Give yourself enough time to complete each task without hurrying through it. It’s always a good idea to set aside a small amount of time for unexpected tasks that may need immediate attention. If you find you have a little extra time at the end of the day, complete one or two of the tasks from tomorrow’s list. Scheduling your time wisely will prevent burnout and help you stay on track when your business starts growing.

Take Short Breaks to Disconnect and Recharge

Working on the same task for long periods can cause you to lose your momentum. Take a five-minute break. Go for a short walk outside or stand at your desk and stretch. Disconnect from your work and allow your mind to recharge itself. Listen to the radio or talk to a co-worker. Disconnecting your thoughts will allow you to look at your work with fresh eyes. It will clear away mental blocks and give you a chance to see things from a new perspective.

Make Notes Throughout the Day

Carry a small notepad as you go about your day. You never know when a new idea will come to you. Having a small notepad and pen will give you a chance to write down your ideas or add a task to your calendar such as washing the dog, filing taxes, buying gifts, etc. You may have an excellent memory, but when you are working through your day, you may not remember all your ideas. Writing them down will make sure your ideas remain intact and easy for you to recall when you are ready to use them. For example, you can write down your daily thoughts on scheduling appointments, monitor your credit, and more.

Stressed? Take a Few Deep Breaths

Everybody has days when things can get out of control. Plans get sidetracked and nothing seems to go right. Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed. As soon as you start to feel stressed, stop what you are doing and take a few deep breaths. Assess the situation and prioritize the tasks you are working on. Take a few minutes to get your thoughts together and refocus. Deep breathing brings fresh oxygen to the brain and will do wonders for your ability to concentrate and stay on task.

Minimize Distractions

One of the biggest drains on productivity is constantly being distracted. Phone calls, background noise, texts, and other distractions can slow down your progress and cause frustration. Lower the volume on your phone or wear noise-canceling headphones to minimize any outside noises. If you are working from home, make it clear to your family that your work is important, and you need to be able to finish your project. Set time limits so you can take breaks when they are needed.

Create a Comfortable Workspace

Your productivity will suffer if you aren’t comfortable. Create a workspace that has everything you need to work efficiently. A sturdy office chair, organizable supply storage, and an ergonomic desk that is easily adjusted to your needs will maximize your comfort and make it easy for you to complete your projects in a timely fashion. Your productivity will improve and you will be able to stay focused on the task at hand. It’s also a good idea to keep a fan or small space heater on hand to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Use Natural Lighting

Use natural lighting whenever possible. Fluorescent lights can throw off the natural rhythms of the body and may cause headaches. While you may need a bright LED light occasionally to see small details, it’s a good idea to use natural lighting whenever you can. Natural lighting relieves eye strain and provides many health benefits. Open a window to let the light shine in and fresh air flow through the room. Take a few deep breaths and enjoy a little bit of nature during your work day.

Work Smarter, Not Harder

Work smarter, not harder is a phrase we are all familiar with. Look for ways to improve efficiency. Take advantage of shortcuts that eliminate wasted time. Hire an assistant if you find yourself spending more time on maintenance tasks than you do working on your important projects. You may only need help for a few hours a week. Having another set of hands will boost your productivity more than you realize and may actually allow you to increase your workload across the board.

Practice Self-Care

Most importantly, your productivity will suffer if you don’t take care of yourself. Practicing self-care includes getting enough rest each night, eating a healthy diet, and being as active as possible. Visit your doctor for a yearly checkup and your dentist for a dental exam. If you want to be at your peak at work, you need to maintain your health and well-being. Eliminate stress by going for a walk or meditating for a few minutes. Take advantage of your short breaks by stretching and breathing deeply. Listen to your favorite music to elevate your mood

When you want to boost your productivity, look around for things that might distract you. Look for ways to fine-tune your workday. Incorporate things you enjoy and make work fun! If you love what you do, your tasks will go more quickly and the pride you have in your work will show. Increasing your productivity will come naturally when you learn how to effectively manage your time and surround yourself with things that make you feel at home.

About the Author

Ashley Nielsen earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration Marketing at Point Loma Nazarene University. She is a freelance writer who loves to share knowledge about general business, marketing, lifestyle, wellness, and financial tips. During her free time, she enjoys being outside, staying active, reading a book, or diving deep into her favorite music.