Most people confuse productivity with aimlessly trying to accomplish as many tasks as they can during the day, when in fact being busy is the opposite of being productive.

A Google search of the word “productivity” will yield this definition: “the effectiveness of productive effort, especially in industry, as measured in terms of the rate of output per unit of input.” The keyword here is “effectiveness.”

As an entrepreneur or business owner being effective is crucial to the success of your business. Here are some key points to remember that will help you navigate between being busy and productive:

Stop Multitasking

It’s easy to get caught up in doing multiple things at once. You have five unrelated tabs open while seesawing between them all. Zigzagging your way through your day will make it seem like you’re getting a lot done, but in reality, you will end up with five partially done tasks when the day is complete. Focus on one task at a time and put your best foot forward when working on it.

Get Your Mind Right

Your mind can’t be all over the place if you’re going to be productive. For example, how many times a day do you think, “I have so much to do,” or “I’m so stressed, I need a vacation?” Sure, you’re stressed out, and need a vacation, but complaining to yourself isn’t going to aid in you being productive. Instead of all the negative self-talk, try encouraging yourself with thoughts like “What is the best way for me to accomplish this?”

Set Weekly Goals

By setting weekly goals, you allow yourself to zoom out of the daily grind and see the big picture. You can then break your weekly goals into smaller daily goals. This method also helps you avoid being busy for the sake of being busy and instead allows you to see how to be more effective in achieving a broader vision.

Take A Break

Sure, you can sit for hours staring at a computer screen, flipping back and forth through tabs, but this isn’t effective, especially if you are a creative. Get up and do something unrelated to the task at hand and come back with fresh eyes. You will much more effective when you don’t force yourself to your breaking point.

Turn One Day Into Three

Impossible, right? We all have the same 24 hours in a day as Beyoncé, but I bet you’re thinking, there is no way you can turn one day into three days. Well, here is the trick. By chunking your day into morning, afternoon, and evening, you’re able to pack three days of productivity into one day. Assign one goal for each time of day, and boom, you’re Beyoncé.

Maintain Good Vibes

Most people think productivity is only about time, but maintaining positive energy is just as important. To be more productive, start your workday off with something that sets the tone, whether it’s trap music or listening to your favorite motivational speaker.

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