How to Increase productivity: 10 Strategies for Freelancers
If you're a freelancer, productivity is key.
You only have so many hours in the day to get your work done, and if you're not productive, you'll fall behind. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 strategies for increasing productivity as a freelance worker.
Follow these tips and you'll be able to get more done in less time!
Contents:
- The Pareto Principle
- Eat Your Frog
- Don't Pursue Perfection
- Remove Distractions
- Do One Thing at a Time
- Optimize Your Time with Apps
- Create a Routine
- Define Your Goals
- Face Your Fears
- Find Time to Relax
1. The Pareto Principle
Also known as the 80/20 rule, this principle states that 80% of the results come from 20% of the effort. As a freelancer, you need to focus on the tasks that will give you the most results.
Don't waste your time on busy work - instead, focus on the tasks that will move you closer to your goals. The Pareto Principle can be applied to many areas of productivity. For example, if you're working on a project, identify the 20% of tasks that will give you 80% of the results.
Focus your efforts on those tasks and let go of the rest. You'll be surprised at how much more productive you can be when you focus on the right tasks!
2. Eat Your Frog
This is a productivity technique that was popularized by author Mark Twain. The idea is simple: if you have two tasks to do, start with the one that you're least looking forward to. Getting it out of the way first will make the rest of your day much easier. And, as an added bonus, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment when you finish it!
So, next time you have a list of tasks to do, start with the one that's giving you the most resistance. You'll be glad you did!
3. Don't Pursue Perfection
When you're working on a task, it's easy to get caught up in the details and try to make it perfect. However, pursuing perfection is a surefire way to kill productivity. The truth is, most things don't need to be perfect - they just need to be good enough.
So, next time you're working on a task, resist the urge to make it perfect. Aim for good enough and move on! You'll be surprised at how much more you can get done when you stop chasing perfection.
4. Remove Distractions
One of the biggest productivity killers is distractions. When you're trying to focus on a task, it's easy to get sidetracked by things like emails, social media, or even just your own thoughts.
The best way to combat distractions is to remove them from your environment. Turn off your email notifications, log out of social media, and find a quiet place to work. You'll be amazed at how much more you can get done when you're not constantly being pulled away from your task! Distractions are everywhere - but that doesn't mean you have to let them win. Remove them from your environment and take back control of your productivity!
5. Do One Thing at a Time
It's easy to fall into the trap of trying to do too many things at once. However, multitasking is a productivity killer. When you try to do two things at once, your brain doesn't have time to focus on either task and you end up doing both poorly.
The best way to be productive is to focus on one thing at a time. Start with the most important task and give it your full attention until it's done. Then move on to the next task. You'll be surprised at how much more you can get done when you're not trying to do everything at once!
There's a lot of pressure to be able to multitask - but that doesn't mean it's the best way to get things done. Focus on one task at a time and you'll be more productive overall!
6. Optimize Your Time with Apps
There are a ton of productivity apps out there that can help you optimize your time. From to-do list apps to time-tracking apps, there's an app for everything! The best way to find the productivity app that's right for you is to experiment.
Here are a few of the most popular ones:
- Trello
- Evernote
- Google Calendar
- Wunderlist
- Habitica
- Booking Calendar
Try out some of them and see which one works best for your needs. You may even find that you don't need an app at all - sometimes, a simple pen and paper can be just as effective. Don't waste your time with an app that doesn't work for you - keep trying new ones until you find the perfect fit!
7. Create a Routine
One of the best ways to increase productivity is to create a routine. When you have a set time for each task, it's easier to stay on track and get things done. For example, if you know you need to write for two hours every day, you're less likely to procrastinate and more likely to get your work done.
Creating a routine will help your brain know when it's time to focus on work and when it's time to relax. Try setting aside some time each day for specific tasks and stick to it! You're more likely to be productive when you have a set routine - so try setting one up and see how it goes!
8. Define Your Goals
It's hard to be productive if you don't know what you're working towards. Before you start a task, take a few minutes to define your goals. What are you trying to achieve? What is the end result?
When you have a clear goal in mind, it's easier to stay focused and get the task done. You can't be productive if you don't know what you're working toward - so make sure to set some clear goals before you start!
9. Face Your Fears
One of the biggest productivity killers is fear. When you're afraid of failure, it's easy to put off important tasks. But the only way to achieve your goals is to face your fears and just start working! The more you do, the more confident you'll become. And soon, you'll be able to accomplish anything you set your mind to!
Don't let fear hold you back from being productive - face your fears and start working towards your goals! You can't be productive if you're constantly hiding from your fears. Face them head-on and take back control of your productivity!
10. Find Time to Relax
It might seem counterintuitive, but taking some time to relax can actually help you be more productive. When you take a break, it gives your brain a chance to rest and recharge. Then, when you start working again, you'll be able to focus better and get more done. So make sure to schedule some time for relaxation into your day!
It's important to find a balance between work and relaxation - too much of either one will lead to productivity problems. Take some time to relax each day and you'll be surprised at how much more productive you become!
Final Words
There are a lot of productivity strategies out there, but these are some of the best. Try out a few and see which ones work best for you. And don't forget to keep experimenting - you never know when you'll stumble upon the perfect productivity method!
What are your favorite productivity strategies?