2 Must-Try Harvard Business Review Productivity Hacks
If you’re a busy professional, you’re probably always looking for ways to increase your productivity. There are countless books, articles, and apps out there that claim to have the secret to doing more in less time, but not all of them are created equal. To save you some time and effort, we’ve scoured the Harvard Business Review archives to find two productivity hacks that are backed by research and easy to implement.
Hack #1: Use Time Blocking
Time blocking is a simple productivity hack that involves scheduling your day in advance, allocating specific chunks of time to different tasks. This technique has been shown to be effective because it helps you focus on one thing at a time, reduces procrastination, and makes it easier to stay on track throughout the day.
To get started with time blocking, follow these steps:
1. Identify your most important tasks for the day or week
2. Estimate how much time each task will take
3. Schedule those tasks into your calendar, creating time blocks for each one
4. Break up your day with short, scheduled breaks
By following this technique, you can reduce decision fatigue and eliminate distractions, allowing you to be more efficient and effective with your time.
Hack #2: Practice Reflective Journaling
Journaling is a well-known tool for managing stress and improving mental health, but it can also be used to boost productivity. Reflective journaling involves taking a few minutes at the end of each day to reflect on what went well, what didn’t, and what you can do better in the future.
Research shows that reflective journaling can improve critical thinking skills, enhance self-awareness, and promote learning and growth. To get started with reflective journaling, follow these steps:
1. Schedule 5-10 minutes at the end of each day to reflect on your day
2. Write down what went well, what didn’t, and what you can improve in the future
3. Be honest and specific in your writing
4. Look back at previous entries to track progress
By practicing reflective journaling, you can identify patterns in your work habits, learn from your mistakes, and make adjustments that can improve your productivity over time.
Conclusion
Productivity isn’t just about working harder, it’s about working smarter. By implementing these two Harvard Business Review-backed productivity hacks, you can make the most of your time, reduce stress, and achieve your goals more efficiently. Give time blocking and reflective journaling a try and see how they can transform your workday!
