While I’m sure we’d all agree that seminars, workshops, and online courses are great resources for acquiring skills and techniques for increasing our productivity, the cost and time commitment can often render these options prohibitive; that leaves us to search for something that is both cost-effective and doesn’t take a lot of time.
Here’re 6 simple tasks and activities you can do outside of work that will help you be more productive on the job and just might help with other areas of your life as well, and each action takes less than 15 minutes.
1) Move your body.
The benefits of exercise are well documented; moving your body and elevating your heart rate serves to release endorphins, to give you more energy, to improve and maintain the function of your muscles and bones, and leaves you with an overall sense of well-being. Additionally, there are notable benefits associated with cognitive abilities, and as such, I’ve encouraged countless clients over the years to add a 15-minute jog or brisk walk to their morning routine.
Everyone who’s tried it, without exception, reported benefits ranging from inspired ideas on the way to the office, to eureka moments for solving challenges, to a better outlook on life. I encourage you to do the same. (Why wouldn’t you want better ideas, more energy, and extra mental fortitude on a daily basis?)
2) Capture the moment.
Many people lead hectic lives, and I am definitely one of those people. Regardless of your lifestyle, it is difficult for most of us to find a few moments of peace and quiet during the day, but there’s probably an oasis somewhere between wake-up time and bedtime. For me, it’s the early morning–- and for a few minutes every day, while my family is still asleep, I take time for myself to just sit on the deck with a cup of coffee. During these brief moments, I clear my head by breathing deeply, soaking in the morning sun, noticing the trees and the different types of songbirds I’m hearing. Not only does this simple ritual help me appreciate the moment, it also serves to ground and center me before I dive into my work.
I’ve also learned to use this same technique to calm my nerves and get my head in the game before a big presentation or an important client meeting.
3) The Critical List
After I’ve calmed my mind, I spend the next 10 minutes with a note pad, jotting down the 3 most critical tasks I need to accomplish that day. What do I mean by critical tasks? Those would be the actions that most directly and effectively move my business in the right direction. Not all items on a typical to-do list will achieve this, so it’s important to only include items you deem critical. Some of my critical activities include: Prospective client follow-up calls, newsletter campaigns, and developing programming content—and if I don’t remain watchful, I am likely to fill my day with less-critical activities.
There might be items on your list, such as sales calls, you habitually tend to avoid. Be mindful of this tendency, and keep moving forward! Make your own Critical List, and be sure to give yourself a timeframe for getting each item done!
4) Shut up and listen.
This 10-minute activity is great way to train yourself to be a more present listener, and it can have a huge impact on how you interact with clients and colleagues. You’ll need a partner for this one, and it’s advisable to practice with a good friend or significant other BEFORE experimenting with clients.
To start, you’ll want to carve out a relaxed 10-minute window when you’re not scheduled to be anywhere for at least a half-hour. (A relaxed state of mind is key.) Prepare yourself to open a conversation on a topic your partner cares deeply about. You can ask them about a special project they’ve been planning, or perhaps a field of study they’re passionate about; you can even ask them to tell you about an interpersonal conflict they’ve been trying to work out. The important thing for them is that they genuinely care about the topic, and the important thing for you is that you are 100% focused on them with no distractions whatsoever: Pure listening.
This exercise is great for honing skills that can be used in a multitude of ways, such as diplomatically resolving issues, heightening your awareness of sales opportunities that unexpectedly present themselves (i.e. opportunities which might otherwise elude you)–and deepening relationships with people you care about.
5) Feed Your Head Good Food.
We all know what happens if we feed our bodies a steady stream of junk food. Conversely, we are also aware of the benefits of healthy food options.
What would happen if you started changing the way you feed your head? What would happen if you were to steer clear of pettiness and negativity in your daily interactions, and did your best to only engage in productive conversations? What would happen if you were to commit to a steady regimen of motivational articles and productive videos, and dispensed with ingesting mind-dulling television programs and nutrition-free websites?
I’m not suggesting you disconnect from the world completely; I am suggesting, however, that you increase your awareness of how you feed your head, and be willing to revamp your “diet” for the better. It’s kind of a no-brainer (ha!) that this sort of adjustment would have a profound effect on your attitude and general outlook. How might that change things for you the next time you’re presented with a new opportunity at work?
6) Pay it forward.
This is the quickest and simplest activity on the roster, and it can totally make someone’s day! Think of a person who is currently facing a particular challenge at work. Then take a minute to send them an encouraging text or email, and let them know you’re thinking about them and have total confidence in their strength and capabilities! This simple gesture takes no time at all, and will absolutely give them a lift, and it’ll give you a good feeling as well!
(Note to self: Feeling good = increased energy = clearer thinking = greater productivity for you AND them.)
You probably don’t have time to take on all six of these activities at once, but I encourage you pick at least two, and give them a whirl for an entire week. Notice how these simple actions have a positive influence on your productivity and general outlook in the days that lie ahead of you.
