5 Overlooked Ways To Be More Productive At Work in 2012

   philosophy / productivity / self-improvement / work      Posted on March 28, 2012 by Nick

Productivity noun is an immeasurable attribute that everybody seems to have the solution to. Because of this, we tend to get the same redundant advice from every author or columnist like: "Get on a routine", "Keep your desk clutter free", "Leave at a specific time", "Blah blah blah". Instead, think of specific things that are likely to slow you down that may seem normal because you do it so often.

1. Focus On Being Good At What You Do

If you are extremely good at what you do, your job will become much easier and enjoyable. Instead of trying to rush and get things done, focus on improving your craft.

2. Close Those Unneeded Tabs In Your Web Browser

Consider how many tabs you truly need open and close the ones you don't need (Command+W/CTRL+W is your best friend). Obviously, some users keep more tabs open than others. I understand everybody has their reasons but if you have more tabs open than you can see on your screen without scrolling,  you are probably reaching that counter-productive threshold. But on the other hand, this could vary depending on your job and how your use the web browser. I'm a Web Developer so I'm constantly flipping through web pages thus, I need my tabs organized and simplified. While a more casual user open tabs and never close them until they shutdown their computer. The point is, close some of your tabs and you will happier.

3. Break The Routine

Every expert says being in a routine makes you more productive. Well I'm here to tell you to forget all that. It's true that having a consistent schedule helps with productivity. However, if your don't shake things up once in a while, you will find yourself bored and less motivated thus, less productive. If you usually go to get lunch at noon, wait until 1pm instead. Do you usually go to the gym after work? Go to the gym in the morning instead. These small changes will have a huge impact on your productivity.

4. One Password

Use a password keeper application like One Password. It allows you to store all of your passwords from websites and applications on your local machine. Then you can access them all using one password of your choice. In a world of social media, online banking and everything personalized and accessed using a password, this can substantially increase productivity.

5. Don't Close The Facebook Tab

With it's 845 million active users, it's no surprise to anyone that you may visit Facebook occasionally during the day. Unless you work at a company that blocks Facebook, it is perfectly fine to leave the Facebook tab open. If your company will cut your pay because someone saw you on Facebook, its probably time to get on the other side of the fence. So what does this have to do with productivity you ask? If you leave it open and get it out of your system, your less likely to keep checking it. Period