5 Tips for staying productive

Productivity is a buzz word these days. Everything is about being more productive or staying productive, and not always in the best sense. Many things make productivity hard. Distracting office mates don’t help. But one of the things that has the largest negative effect is a ‘Negative Nelly.’

The negative person drags down both their own productivity and that of everyone around them. Often, they have a good reason for being negative. Relationship problems, financial stresses and fear of being laid off can all send a person into a downward spiral. If you find yourself becoming the negative person, then it is time to learn how to be positive regardless of the situation.

First of all, set reasonable goals. That intimidating stack of work on the desk becomes much more manageable if it is broken up into smaller pieces. In the modern workplace, there is often a lot of pressure to get as much done as possible, with definitions of ‘possible’ that often, simply, aren’t. By keeping your goals reasonable and being willing to work hard whilst staying firm on what you can do, the stress of everything piling up is reduced. Keeping organized is also very helpful. Make to-do lists and check items off, and consider using a time management method that ensures you take regular, short breaks.

Second, use the two little words that mean almost as much as ‘I love you’ regularly. All too often, the things people do are taken for granted. Saying thank you lifts both your mood and the recipients, and makes it more likely that people will thank you in return. Appreciating the work done even by the most insignificant people makes you appear more positive. If a person shows gratitude often enough, they will soon begin to feel it.

Third, put on a smile. Even if you don’t feel like it, the evidence is that people who smile often are happier. Take some time out of each day for those things that make you laugh. Laughter reduces stress and may even improve physical health.

Fourth, don’t complain. If other people insist on being the one who complains constantly, then avoid that person. For every situation, try to find the positive, even if it is a stretch. The server is down? Well, good time to tidy your desk and sort through that stack of physical mail that’s been sitting there for what seems like forever.

Fifth, remember that mistakes are to be learned from. Dwelling on mistakes breeds negativity very quickly indeed. Sometimes, this can be hard, especially if an employer or supervisor insists on bringing a mistake up over and over. The important thing with mistakes is that you do your best not to repeat them. If you find yourself doing so, then it may be time to think of a new approach to that particular task.

By doing all of these things, you will improve not just your own productivity but that of everyone around you. Negative thoughts drag a person down and they slow down everything they do. Positive ones reduce stress and brighten the world. Next time you start to feel yourself spiral down into negativity, look for the positive and try on a smile for size. It might just fit.

Now that you are staying productive,  “The Difficult Path of Productivity”

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