Over the past few years, we have seen an explosion in technology that allows us to do more with our time. Tools such as smartphones, laptops, and televisions have become integral parts of most people’s daily lives.
Many experts refer to these devices as being “smart” because they can perform various tasks for you. For example, your phone can connect to WiFi networks so that you don’t need to take it home every night; instead, you can leave it at a hotel or coffee shop location. It can also remind you when it has detected that you are running low on energy sources like electricity or gasoline.
Other smart gadgets watch TV shows or movies for you, and some even help you manage your bills and pay off debt. All of this is possible due to software programs that control each device. Technically speaking, these apps and tools are referred to as operating systems (OSes).
But what makes one OS better than another? And how much does all of this cost? We will talk about those issues later! For now, just enjoy using tech products that make your life easier and learn something new.
Ways technology improves productivity
We’ve discussed how digital technology can help you run your business more efficiently, but have focused mostly on things like email, social media, and smartphone apps.
There are several other ways that technology helps you be more productive at work. Some are free while others cost some money, but all make an average of $1000 per year or less dependent on what you get out of them.
These tools improve efficiency in the workplace by streamlining processes. For example, using Google Apps means you no longer need to pay for Microsoft Office products as well.
By automating certain tasks, you save time and energy to do higher value activities. This also gives you extra time to focus on bigger projects instead of being distracted every few minutes.
Some of these strategies include making use of the internet, computer programs, phones, and/or tablet applications. Here we will discuss five such tricks.
Use technology to your advantage
We’ve discussed how using technology can help you do your job more efficiently, but what if I told you that it was totally free?
Many of the tools mentioned in this article and other articles in this series are either free or very inexpensive. This includes apps for phones, computers, and tablets, as well as services like Google Apps and Microsoft Office 365.
Don’t assume that all these products are fancy ones with flashy features.
Automate tasks
Technically, being productive does not require having lots of gadgets or apps to help you be more efficient. In fact, some studies show that too much technology can actually reduce productivity due to users becoming overly dependent on digital tools.
Consistency is what makes an effective worker, so why add new things that may break this consistency? If you feel compelled to use certain apps because you think you should, then chances are you’ll never truly make the most of those apps.
By investing in your own self-management skills, you’ll achieve greater overall efficiency. This will give you the chance to do more with your time. You’ll also have to reevaluate how you manage your workload if you want to stay within budget!
There are many ways to automate tasks and get rid of any distractions. Some people begin by creating routines and sticking to them, which helps eliminate mistakes as well as idle time.
Having these automated systems in place gives you time back for other activities. It could even mean earning more money since you don’t need to spend hours preparing files or gathering information before producing something quality.
Create a work schedule
We’ve all been in situations where we have so much to do that it feels like we are constantly being overwhelmed.
In those times, productivity can be quite the challenge.
If you find yourself working long hours without achieving anything, it may be time to make changes to how you manage your time.
There are many ways to organize your workload, but one of the most effective is creating an efficient work schedule. This way of organizing your time can help you focus on the tasks that need to get done while leaving enough time for things like breaks, socializing and sleep.
You can create your own personal workflow that works best for you and your career, but there are some general rules about timing and consistency that will improve your efficiency.
Make it a routine
We’ve discussed how technology can help you in your workplace, but what if we took it one step further? What if we said that there is no true productivity unless you make this change permanent and habit-forming?
That’s where things get tricky.
Research shows that it takes about six weeks to form new habits. That means it will take at least half of November for most people to truly see the benefits of using an app or tool daily.
And even though you may start seeing results early on, it will take some time until those changes become second nature and stick.
So why not do it earlier? Why not try to use an app or tool every day from now through September? Or maybe July…or May?
We know that changing routines is difficult. But thinking ahead and preparing yourself will reduce the resistance and chances of success.
Take breaks
We’ve all got limited time, and we want to get the most out of it, which is why breaking away for a short period every few hours is so important.
This can be for any number of reasons, whether it’s to have a quick chat with a friend, take a walk outside or do something you’ve been wanting to do for weeks.
Whatever your reason, just make sure you don’t overdo it. If you need to get some work done, stay for only an hour at a time.
You should feel relaxed after a break, not stressed out.
Likewise, try to avoid staying up late as this will interrupt your sleep pattern and potentially cause longer term health problems.
If necessary, consider working in shorter bursts throughout the day instead of spending half of your time taking breaks.
Practice meditation
A beginner’s tip is to simply start practicing mindfulness. This can be done through yoga, tai chi or other forms of relaxation.
Mindfulness comes from paying attention to what you are doing at this moment. It looks like observing your breath, thinking about how your body feels, listening for sounds, and being aware of space around you.
Practicing mindfulness takes time, but it will have benefits for you. You will feel relaxed and in control of yourself, which helps with anxiety and stress.
You can do this anywhere and anytime, even while working! There are many apps that can help you achieve this. Some track breathing patterns, others focus on sounds, and some just work on overall calmness.
There are even headsets designed specifically to aid in mindfulness practices.
Learn to prioritize
As we know, productivity is in the eye of the beholder. What seems productive to one person may not be efficient for you or your colleagues.
By this I mean that what works best for someone else might not work as well for you and your teammates because you value different things.
This can get confusing and stressful very quickly.
If you find yourself overwhelmed by all the tasks that need to be done, there are some easy ways to improve efficiency.
You can manage your time more efficiently through good time management practices.
Having enough resources and equipment to do your job effectively also makes doing so faster.
Knowing how to use technology to achieve your goals is another way to save time. In this article, we will look at eight ways technology helps us be more productive.
