10 Instant Productive Working Habits

Productive habits promote your effectiveness and efficiency at work. Here are the things that you can do to be more productive:


1. To-do list: It is the best productivity tool to organize a day’s work. The tasks are prioritized and you just follow the list accordingly. There is no panic situation or stress as you are in full control.

2. One task at a time: The only way to get things done smoothly once and for all is to concentrate on one task at a time. Your mind is focused and you are unlikely to make mistakes.

3. Tickle file: This file has two sections. One section is divided into 31 slots to cover 31 days of each month. The other section has twelve slots for twelve months in a year. At the end of a month, say, December, you transfer and file items relating to January into their respective dates. Upon completion of the to-do list for the day it is, again, filed in the January folder and ready to be used next year. This file complements your daily to-do list. You don’t have to remember the things you have to do but you will get things done by checking the file every day.

4. Mindful: When you are at work leave your personal problems at home. Just immerse yourself in your work. Forget about the blunders made yesterday and the things to be done tomorrow. Live and work at the moment.

5. Think: Make it a habit to think of the work you do every day, be resourceful and creative to find better working methods for effectiveness and efficiency.

6. Dress to kill: Your smart and clean appearance will instantly project an image of confidence. Others will be impressed by your packaging.

7. Speak slowly, clearly, and precisely: Communicate in a strong voice, but talk in a pleasant tone so that others can understand your message easily.

8. 80/20 rule: 80% of your achievement is derived from 20% of your work done. Identify and concentrate your effort on the 20% to boost productivity.

9. Build trust: The first impression is important. Make sure that you can deliver the first time what you have promised to do. Trust can only be earned and it is a long-term effort. The best policy is to under-promise and over-deliver

10. Manage your emotions positively: Be aware of your emotions and avoid expressions of anger or resentment. Be cheerful at work and greet others with a broad smile.


Your productive habits will complement your expertise and your people skills to propel you to greater height in your career.