T.M. Kayode

Hi there,

Today, I’m going to give you tips that I actually use to have a productive day. I find that when I use a combination of these tips, I am better prepared to have a more productive day. To start off, I would like to say that a productive day can vary between individuals and could also depend on the season you are in. So bear that in mind. That said, I would define a productive day as one where you achieve what you planned for the day. And with that, here are my tips:

No Social Media in the Morning

Now, this is a tough one because it is very easy to get into the casual scroll of the streets of Instagram and stay there. You tell yourself you are trying to learn what others are doing, but the question is, are you really? For me, social media can be draining. I can easily get sucked into the tips and tricks that are shared and never even get to implement them in my life, so what’s the point? My plan now is to have my first dose of social media by noon during lunch and then turn my phone upside down when it is time to work so I don’t see the notifications. Let’s spend more time in the real world getting things done.

Have a To-Do List

I have changed my to-do list approach for a while now. Now, I write down all the things I want to do, separated into High Priority, Mid Priority, and Low Priority. The things I need to get done that day are in the High Priority list. This way, I can see a bird’s eye view of all the activities I have to do—some may not even be for this month. But because it is somewhere on the list, I don’t forget it, and I can move it from Low to High when the time comes. Also, I carry over all that I haven’t done in the past day to the new day.

To Eat or Not to Eat

Unpopular opinion: I get very sleepy if I eat breakfast and I’m not able to be as productive. But hey, this may not be you. You just have to figure out the effect of food on your productivity. Are you someone who needs to eat something to get work done effectively? Then by all means, eat something. If not, skip it and wait for lunch.

Create a Sense of Urgency

Why are you doing this work? Why is your task important? Is there a deadline that needs to be met? What would happen if you do not meet your deadline? Even if you do not have a deadline, can you create a sense of urgency by creating a scenario in your mind that forces you to take action?

Accountability Partner

Having an accountability partner can be a game-changer for productivity. Find someone who is as committed to their goals as you are to yours. Share your daily or weekly goals with each other and check in regularly to discuss progress. This not only helps you stay on track but also provides mutual motivation and support. When you know someone else is counting on you to report your progress, you’re more likely to stay focused and complete your tasks.

Using WhatsApp Desktop

Using WhatsApp Desktop can streamline your communications, especially when you need to coordinate with colleagues or team members throughout the day. It’s more efficient than constantly picking up your phone, and it keeps all your messages in one place. You can quickly share documents, links, and updates without interrupting your workflow. Just remember to mute notifications when you need deep focus time. I find that after I respond to a WhatsApp message on my phone, I am more likely to see another notification that takes me out of my work.

To Listen to Music or Not

This one depends on your personal preference and the nature of your tasks. Some people find that music helps them concentrate and keeps them energized. If you’re one of those, create a playlist of your favorite tracks that won’t distract you. On the other hand, if you find music distracting, it might be better to work in silence or use white noise to help maintain focus. For me, when I am trying to work on something I haven’t done before, I like to work in silence. However, if it is something that I have done multiple times, then I may listen to a podcast on the side. For music, I prefer to listen to one song on repeat for the whole day. It may be a bit weird, but I love it.

Go to Bed with What You Want to Do in Mind

Before you go to bed, take a few minutes to review your to-do list for the next day. Visualize the tasks you will need to do when you wake up. Even if it is just figuring out the clothes you will need to iron or the items you need to pack into your bag. Whatever will be part of your morning routine—visualize. I find that this helps you to not be confused about what needs to be done in the morning.

And those are my tips for having a more productive day. What do you do to have a productive day?