Work smarter, not harder. As a startup owner, you may not run a normal work schedule. But that doesn’t mean you have to risk burnout. In the U.S., 53% of employees are overworked or nearing burnout. Smart startup avoid this by doing more with less time. This guide will help you understand how they do it.
#1- Stop multitasking
Multitasking has become more common than ever before because the majority of Americans own smartphones. With nearly unlimited access to the internet, smartphones help you do multiple things at the same time. But contrary to what many people think, multitasking can be harmful. Multitasking makes you inefficient, not productive. Focusing on one task at a time will allow you to get more done and achieve more in the long-term.
#2- Meditation is not just for hippies
Talk about meditation and people automatically assume you are some sort of new age hippie. But meditation can actually help you a become a better entrepreneur by giving you a mental breather. Meditating twice a day for a few minutes can enhance your mental stamina, improve your memory and boost focus.
#3- Don’t make work your life
As an entrepreneur, it’s simple to allow work to take over your life. Entrepreneurs are more likely than anyone else to compromise their work-life balance because of looming deadlines or a desire to get more done. This is okay every so often but it does come with some serious consequences.
When you make work your life, it brings you closer to burnout than ever before. You may occasionally feel like a robot, but you’re not. You will never feel more human than when you approach that burnout phase. The easiest way to avoid overworking is to limit your time. Create a sense of urgency and stop working at a certain time of the day.
#4- Schedule your productivity
Everyone has certain times when they feel most productive. Some people work best in the morning or and others function better late at night. You probably already know when you are most productive so you should take advantage of that.
Schedule your work day so you are completing the most draining tasks during your most productive period.
It’s unbelievable how many people will work best at night yet force themselves to get up early in the morning. By only working during your most productive periods, you will grow your startup quickly and waste less time.
#5- Make startup work fun
Fun is something that entrepreneurs so often fail to take into account. Work should be something that you enjoy. As an entrepreneur, you have no excuse to not have fun at work because you are in control of what you do.
You don’t have to throw a party every day, but little things like working from a coffee shop or dressing casually once a week can make work more enjoyable. By improving morale and making sure work isn’t a drag, you will get more done in less time. Time really does fly when you’re having fun!
The takeaway
Do not underestimate the importance of time management. Go out of your way to do more in less time. You will become more productive and ultimately create a better company.
What productivity tips do you recommend?