Having another cup of coffee isn't necessarily the smartest way to boost your energy and get more done at work. Here are seven ways to make sure you get the most out of your work day.
1. Set a routine of having one exploratory conversation each week to continue building your network. Your network is your most valuable resource, and knowing the right people to consult increases your efficiency in countless ways. These conversations can take as little as 10 minutes and are worth the investment.
2. Set specific times to check email, rather than checking it intermittently throughout the day. It's well-proven that being a slave to your inbox cuts your ability to focus and complete other tasks. Turn off your email push notifications so you're not lured off-task by new messages. Schedule regular times to check and respond to emails, and make these sessions as efficient as possible with apps like The Email Game, which prompts you to zip through unanswered emails as quickly as possible.
3. Plan tomorrow before you leave the office. After you quickly organize your desk, jot down three tasks you want to accomplish the next day. This is a small but transformative step that will help you make the most of your morning. Rather than meandering through the first hour of work checking emails, news and favorite blogs, dive right in on one of your priority tasks — getting something done right off the bat will set the tone for your day.
4. Exercise daily. It's been proven to help your cognitive function and ability to focus, and you'll just feel better. Dr. John Ratey, author of "Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain," says the brain has an elevated capacity to focus for two to three hours after exercise. A brisk walk at lunch may allow you to set a better pace for the afternoon.
6. Keep track of what you've done. We all know how good it feels to cross an item off your to do list. Studies now show that giving yourself credit for tasks accomplished can fuel your drive to do more. Don't just focus on what's ahead or how much you need to do. Instead, make sure you acknowledge how much you're getting done each day.
7. Maintain a clear sense of your priorities. What are the three things you're doing to advance your career this year? Devote your time to pursuing your central goals and don't spread yourself thin on projects and commitments that aren't in line. Learning to say no is the best thing you can do for your productivity.
Andra Newman is co-founder of QuadJobs.
