How to Achieve Your Full Potential

Once you've developed your full potential, it is time to work toward achieving it. It will take planning, time, and effort, but you can do it! Achieving your full potential is about committing yourself to the process of self-improvement, not a single task. Sail your own ocean, and you never know what you might find.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Setting Yourself up for Success

1. Define the best version of yourself. At its heart, achieving your full potential is about being the best person that you can be. Since everyone is different, only you can define the terms of success for yourself.^[1] Therefore, it is important to know yourself.
   
   • Write down your values, strengths, and weaknesses.^[2][3]
   • Is there something I have ever wanted to do/achieve/accomplish, such as dancing, singing, writing, or playing a sport?
   • Have I been thinking I could improve in any way, such as being kinder, or politer, more assertive?
   • Are there any physical aspects of myself I could work on, such as losing weight, gaining weight, or building muscle?
   • Try to define your vocation. Voco in Latin means calling. What is the universe calling you to do? So the first steps are to determine your likes and things that are calling you and things that attract you.^[4]
   • Follow your dharma. Dharma, on the macro level, means how the universe is operating. On the micro level, it means your relation to the universe. Try to think of things that fill your heart from your soul.^[5]
2. Set goals for yourself. Setting goals is an important part of achieving success.^[6] Research shows that setting specific goals helps people get what they want.^[7] Take advantage of this fact by setting both short and long term goals for yourself.
   
   • Write down a list of everything you want to achieve.
   • Check over your list and seriously consider whether or not it is realistic.
   • State your goals positively. Instead of “I want to be less worried about my appearance,” write “I want to be confident about my appearance.”^[8]
   • Be specific. The more specific you are, the easier it will be to define success.
3. Work toward your goal every day. Once you have confirmed that your goal is achievable and realistic, get to work so it can become a new pattern and process.^[9] Your goal may take time to achieve, but you have to begin somewhere.
   
   • Commit to the process. When you focus on the process, rather than the endpoint, you will find it much easier to stay on track. ^[10]
   • Note that your long-term goal does not have to be set in stone, word-for-word. Times will change, people will change, and therefore, your goals will change. It's not an exact science, so you don't need to treat it like one. Allow yourself some room to grow.
   • Create a checklist of things you should do every day to work towards your goal. Do those things every day without fail.

[Edit]Beginning Your Journey

1. Find your inspiration. It can be a person, a landmark, or your lucky charm. Whatever it is, it will make you smile when you wake up in the morning, and it is the last thing you want to see before you fall asleep at night. Discover what or who it is and treasure it.
   
   • To find inspiration, try disconnecting from your usual routine.^[11]
   • Listen to music.
   • Spend time in nature ^[12][13]
   • Carry around a small notepad with you. Write down inspirational moments so you can remember them later.
2. Create short-term goals. Breaking your goals into small steps also makes you more likely to achieve them. Achieving short-term goals will help you stay motivated along the way to achieving your long-term goals.^[14]
   
   • Write your short-term goals down on a calendar. Use the calendar to hold yourself accountable for achieving your short-term goals.
   • In order to get yourself in a mindset for success, make your first few short-term goals easy to attain.^[15]
   • That being said, once you get going, do challenge yourself. Whenever you feel like something is getting too easy to do, take it up a notch. Once you get in the habit of pushing yourself, it will be easier to continue making progress on your goals.
3. Be confident. Being confident will help you achieve your goals. Although believing is not enough on its own, negative thoughts will slow you down. The old adage is true: fake it until you make it!^[16]
   
   • Take care of yourself. Dress well, brush your hair, sit with good posture, and groom regularly.^[17]
   • Think positively. When you have a negative thought, rephrase it positively.
   • Do not compare yourself to others. Instead of dwelling on how you stack up to other people, focus on yourself and your goals.^[18] You must determine what your levels of success are, without living by anyone else's standards. Do not let your levels of success be inflicted upon you.^[19]
4. Accept changes as they happen. On the way to developing your full potential, things in your life will change. If you become stuck in your ways, your personal development will stagnate.
   
   • Focus on the things that you can influence and then do them.
   • As before, remember you are engaging in a process.
   • Adapt to new circumstances by setting new goals.
   • Be open to learning new things. ^[20]

[Edit]Achieving Your Potential in the Long Term

1. Accept your failures. Setbacks and failures will happen; they're a natural part of life. Failures are simply a way of showing you what works and what does not. They will help you figure out what you are capable of, and what needs work as you move toward achieving your goal(s).
   
   • Do not take failure personally. Failure to achieve a goal does not mean you are a failure as a person.
   • Move on. After you have learned from your failed attempt, let the failure go.
   • One way to keep your morale high is to look at any setbacks as learning opportunities. Failing once does not mean you will fail in the future. In fact, having failed, you are now more prepared to succeed the next time.
   • Visualize your past successes. This can give you the mental boost you need to get past the stress of your failure.^[21]
2. Get support. Whether you are dealing with addiction, obsession, or any crisis, it helps to have external support. This could mean friends, family, coworkers, or buddies at the gym. You do not have to do it alone.
   
   • Tell someone you see frequently about your goals.
   • When the people in your life know about your goals, they can help you achieve them and hold you accountable. Sometimes our willpower fails us, but the people around us can help. ^[22]
3. Trust your intuition. Intuition comes from experience and instinct. Although you must be open to change, you should also be willing to trust your own experience and knowledge.
   
   • Trust your experience, but be open to new experiences too.
   • Your intuition can help you make better decisions.
   • Remember that intuition and contemplation are not mutually exclusive. You can use your intuition to help inform your decision-making process, even when you are not relying on it fully.^[23]
   • Intuition is a helpful tool for making quick decisions. This can free you up to work on other important goals. You do not need to dwell on every decision, but acting on intuition does not mean making the decision lightly either.
   • In your journal, keep a list of the times your intuition helped you. Reference your journal when you are working through a problem.
4. Never stop. Achieving your full potential is a lifelong process. You will achieve many goals along the way, but always stay committed to the process of self-improvement. Our abilities are not static and fixed.
   
   • Even after you achieve your goals, continue to abide by the checklist you created earlier. This will help you continue to progress even further than you thought you could.
   • Failure is not absolute. Samuel Beckett wrote: “Try again. Fail again. Fail better.”^[24] Follow this simple premise and you will be able to continue to work toward achieving your full potential.

[Edit]Tips

• Remember that this is a simple guide. You'll have to twist and tweak this to fit your specific goals in mind. As mentioned before, everyone's full potential is variable, so find yours and work toward it in the best way that you can.
• Love yourself. Don't expect people to respect and accept you if you can't respect and accept yourself!
• Smile and be positive. It's a phrase that's used way too much, but that's because it's true. Smile at a stranger on the street just once, and your mood will lift. Whether you're on your way to the court or the office, keeping a generally kind and accepting attitude will be inspiring to you and everyone around you.
• Know the difference between developing your full potential and achieving it: You'll develop full potential as you find out what it is and how to go about working toward it. Achieving it is doing your best to get as close as you can to the potential you envision.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• How to Develop Your Full Potential
• How to Live Life to the Fullest
• How to Set Goals
• How to Set Goals for Life
• How to Accept Life the Way It Is
• How to Achieve Short Term Goals
• How to Accomplish a Goal
• How to Enjoy Life
• How to Live in the Moment
• How to Be the Best You Can Be
• How to Develop Emotional Intelligence

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ [v162168_b01]. 24 June 2022.
2. ↑ https://hbr.org/2008/07/reaching-your-potential
3. ↑ [v162157_b01] 17 June 2022.
4. ↑ [v162157_b01] 17 June 2022.
5. ↑ [v162157_b01] 17 June 2022.
6. ↑ [v162168_b01]. 24 June 2022.
7. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/notes-self/201308/how-set-goals
8. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/notes-self/201308/how-set-goals
9. ↑ [v162168_b01]. 24 June 2022.
10. ↑ https://hbr.org/2011/02/nine-things-successful-people
11. ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/living/need-inspiration-here-are-9-ways-to-find-it/230064
12. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/communication-success/201402/how-unleash-your-creativity-and-find-inspiration-today
13. ↑ [v162157_b01] 17 June 2022.
14. ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/living/why-our-brains-like-short-term-goals/225356
15. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/communication-success/201402/how-unleash-your-creativity-and-find-inspiration-today
16. ↑ [v162157_b01] 17 June 2022.
17. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4535518/
18. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/confidence.html
19. ↑ [v162157_b01] 17 June 2022.
20. ↑ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/7-reasons-why-continuous-learning-important-amit-nagpal/
21. ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/4-visualization-techniques-that-can-propel-your-success/283241
22. ↑ https://extension.psu.edu/using-social-support-to-help-our-healthy-behavior-goals
23. ↑ https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/minds-business/intuition-its-more-than-a-feeling.html
24. ↑ Samuel Beckett, Westward Ho! (1983)

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How to Know if a Hug Is Romantic

Decode the real meaning behind that hug from your crush

Hugs can be so ambiguous! If you received a hug from someone and you're wondering what it meant, we're here to help. We talked to romance and relationship experts to get the scoop on figuring out if a hug is romantic or platonic (some of the signs they shared are actually pretty surprising!). Keep reading to figure out what that hug really meant so you know how to move forward.

[Edit]How to Tell if a Hug is Romantic

If the hug is only a short, light squeeze, it's probably just a friendly gesture. But if the person hugs you tightly, puts their arms around your waist, presses your lower bodies together, or holds on for a long time, there's a good chance the hug is romantic.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Physical closeness

1. The tighter the squeeze, the more affection the person has for you. The affection of a tight hug can be friendly or romantic, though, so it’s probably best not to judge based on pressure alone. The exception is if they gave you a super limp or loose hug since that usually implies neutral feelings rather than romantic ones.^[1]
   
   • Consider how much space was between your bodies. Did they press their body against yours? If so, they might have romantic feelings for you. If they pressed their hips or pelvis against yours, they’re almost certainly into you.
   • A loose or rigid hug is a little different than a gentle hug. A warm, gentle hug could be a sign of tenderness or friendship.^[2]

[Edit]Arm placement

1. Did they use one or both arms to hug you? One arm around the neck or shoulder is usually a buddy hug. If they hug with both arms around your neck, consider other things like how tightly they squeezed you and what other body parts were touching during the hug. If they came in under your armpits and put both arms around your upper body, that’s pretty friendly.^[3]
   
   • On the other hand, putting both arms around your waist and pulling you closer can definitely indicate romantic feelings.

[Edit]Hand position

1. Generally, the lower the hands, the higher the physical attraction. If their arms encircle your waist and they press their hands against your lower back, that might be a romantic hug—especially if they draw your lower body closer to theirs. It’s harder to tell if they press their hands against your upper back, though, since friends often do that.^[4]
   
   • If they touch your butt or stroke your hair, they’re probably into you! Dating Coach Cher Gopman affirms that “a little bit of hair touching…is a sign of flirting.”^[5]
   • Gentle touches on the “hands, back, or any part of your body are also a good indication” that your hugger may want something more, adds dating coach and matchmaker Laura Bilotta.^[6]

[Edit]Body positioning

1. Is this a face-to-face, around-the-shoulders, or from-behind hug? Hugs from behind are usually romantic. A hug from behind is a really familiar gesture between two people who trust each other a lot. If you received this kind of hug from someone, you're probably already pretty close to them and reasonably sure that there are romantic feelings there.^[7]
   
   • If they approached you from the side and put one arm around your waist, this is definitely a "buddy hug." This kind of hug can be really sweet, but it doesn't necessarily indicate romantic feelings—although that doesn’t mean those feelings aren’t there!
   • A face-to-face hug with torsos touching can be more ambiguous. This stance is the standard hug position, so it may just be a polite, friendly, obligatory hug. However, physical closeness while standing face-to-face may also be romantic, so take into account the other factors below to suss out this hug’s meaning.

[Edit]Body language

1. Was their body rigid or did it melt into yours? A stiff or rigid hug indicated neutral feelings. If the hugger felt stiff or there was an all-around awkward vibe during the embrace, they may be uncomfortable with hugging or they may have felt obligated to hug you because everyone else was hugging.^[8]
   
   • However, if the other person felt loose, relaxed, and held you tight throughout the hug, it’s more likely that they have romantic feelings for you. They also may have been leaning closer to you in the moment before and after the hug.

[Edit]Contact between body parts

1. If only your upper body parts touch, the hug is probably neutral. If your upper bodies and chests touch, that's usually a friendly hug. If your chests and pelvises touch during the hug, though, there's probably some sexual attraction there!^[9]
   
   • It’s a little harder to tell if they give you a full-frontal hug and press their cheek to yours. The cheek press implies that you’re close to each other, but it can be a friendly gesture if you haven’t seen your friend in a long time

[Edit]Hand movements

1. Circular back rubs are more affectionate while patting is pretty neutral. It’s hard to judge on hand movements alone, but the back pat is usually reserved for friends, especially if they pat your back quickly once or twice. Slow circles or gentle caresses on your upper or lower back usually indicate there’s some romantic or sexual interest there.^[10]
   
   • A lot of back-patting usually means they’re consoling you or feel sad for you for some reason. It generally doesn’t indicate romantic feelings.

[Edit]Eye contact and smile

1. Prolonged eye contact and a wide smile often indicates interest. If your hugging partner holds your gaze for a prolonged period of time before or after a hug, they may be sending a signal that they’re interested in being more than friends. According to Gopman, “giving strong eye contact and showing that you're really present in the moment is a major signal for flirting.”^[11]
   
   • Romantic interest can also be expressed through “flirty eyes” that are “open a little wider than normal, almost giving an enthusiastic expression,” adds Bilotta.^[12]
   • Similarly, a wide smile before or after the hug can indicate how much they care about you. While you can’t judge romantic affection based on smiling alone, the bigger the smile, the happier the other person is to see you.
   • If the smiling continues well after the hug, they definitely feel affection for you, but it could be interpreted as friendly or romantic.
   • Little or no eye contact usually means that there aren’t romantic feelings. However, the other person could just have a big crush on you and be feeling nervous!

[Edit]Length and timing

1. The longer the hug lasts, the more likely it is that there are romantic feelings. Take timing into account, too. A quick squeeze is usually platonic. Friends often give each other hugs as greetings or when they part. If you’re in the middle of hanging out and the person reaches out to hug you, even just as a quick gesture, that’s usually more significant and could mean they're into you.^[13]
   
   • Friends usually hug to greet each other and to say goodbye, so you can’t really consider one of these hugs to be romantic.
   • However, if the hug lasts for more than a few seconds without the other person loosening their grip, that’s a stronger sign of potential romantic feelings.^[14]

[Edit]Reason for the hug

1. Hugging at special events is typical for platonic relationships. Special events can be happy (like a graduation) or sad (like a funeral), but either way, friends usually hug each other at these times. You can also tell by looking to see what everyone else is doing—if everyone is hugging at the event, don't assume the person has romantic feelings for you.^[15]
   

[Edit]Frequency

1. Have you hugged this person recently? If you just saw them yesterday and they hugged you, then, too, it's more likely that they have feelings for you. It's harder to tell if it’s been a while since you've seen them, though. A friend might give you a big, platonic bear hug if they haven't seen you in a while.^[16]
   

[Edit]Words

1. Outside of the hug itself, the person’s choice of words may reveal their intent. If your hugger lets out some words of affection before, during, or after your hug, those words may deepen the intention of the embrace and reveal whether or not it’s romantic or friendly. For instance, closing out a hug with “Nice seeing you” feels much more friendly and platonic than “Hey, that hug felt amazing,” a phrase that dating coach John Keegan recommends as a way to express romantic attraction after an embrace.^[17]
   

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• Also, hugging your partner can be a nice form of non-sexual physical touch, so both of you know that you value each other and each other’s bodies for more than just sex.
• Don’t assume a particular meaning behind a hug if you don’t know for sure. Body language isn’t an exact science! Everyone has different comfort levels with their bodies and physical touch, and different people give different types of hugs. If you’re not sure and really need to know? Just ask the person if they ever think about you romantically.
• There are some benefits of hugging someone romantically when you’re dating or in a relationship. Hugging in an intimate way can increase your bond, since being in prolonged proximity to each other can sync your breathing, heart rates, and nervous systems.^[18]

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.2466/02.17.21.CP.1.13
2. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201603/7-basic-rules-hugging
3. ↑ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.2466/02.17.21.CP.1.13
4. ↑ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.2466/02.17.21.CP.1.13
5. ↑ [v161196_b01].17 May 2019.
6. ↑ [v161292_b02]. 26 February 2020.
7. ↑ https://www.marriage.com/advice/relationship/types-of-hugs/
8. ↑ https://time.com/5379586/people-hate-hugged-science/
9. ↑ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.2466/02.17.21.CP.1.13
10. ↑ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.2466/02.17.21.CP.1.13
11. ↑ [v161196_b01].17 May 2019.
12. ↑ [v161292_b02]. 26 February 2020.
13. ↑ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.2466/02.17.21.CP.1.13
14. ↑ https://www.berkeleywellbeing.com/hugs.html
15. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201603/7-basic-rules-hugging
16. ↑ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.2466/02.17.21.CP.1.13
17. ↑ [v161147_b01]. 18 November 2019.
18. ↑ https://www.berkeleywellbeing.com/hugs.html

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How to Improve Time Management Skills

Getting work done, meeting deadlines, and being productive 100% of the time is difficult for everyone. It’s even harder if you struggle with time management. Luckily, there are several ways you can improve your time management skills. These range from simple changes in your day-to-day to complete overhauls in how you schedule your life! This article explores the many time management techniques you can use to get things done more efficiently, including making a daily schedule, getting rid of distractions, and organizing the perfect workspace.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Set clear and measurable weekly goals.

1. Write down everything you would like to accomplish. Review your list and prioritize what absolutely has to get done that week, such as a task with a looming deadline. Setting specific goals helps keep you motivated and will make you feel extra accomplished when you’ve achieved everything you set out to do.
   
   • Challenge yourself to complete more than you think you can, but don’t go overboard. If you have a massive research paper due on Friday, it’s probably not the time to add organizing your entire home and writing a novel to your list.
   • Instead, try setting the goals of finishing your research paper, organizing your closet, and writing ten pages of your novel.

[Edit]Create a daily schedule to organize tasks.

1. Use a calendar or a piece of paper for scheduling. Map out exactly how you want to use your time each day, leaving nothing out of your schedule. Include how much time you would like to spend on each task. For example, start your schedule with something like, “7:30 AM - 8:00 AM: Wake up and eat breakfast.” Follow that with the first major task of your day, such as “8:00 AM - 8:30 AM: Answer emails.”^[1]
   
   • You may not follow your schedule exactly, as life can sometimes surprise you with how long a task will take. Regardless, a schedule is a great guideline for keeping you on track to reach your weekly goals.
   • Try using a paper planner or writing out a weekly schedule to keep yourself on track.

[Edit]Prioritize daily tasks by importance.

1. Pick the hardest or most pressing task of the day to do first. Let’s say you’ve got a colossal amount of homework to do, and you don’t know where to start. Review the due dates of your assignments as well as the difficulty level of each one, and prioritize accordingly. Getting a difficult, time consuming assignment out of the way first will make you feel accomplished and ready to tackle the rest of your to-do list!^[2]
   
   • For example, if you have a massive math assignment due tomorrow and some quick vocabulary worksheets due at the end of the week, start with the math homework.

[Edit]Concentrate on one task at a time.

1. It’s hard to get things done when you’re doing too many things at once. As you cross things off your to-do list, keep your mind focused on the task at hand. Shut out thoughts about your other responsibilities, and avoid going back and forth between unrelated duties. It’s much more efficient to tackle one responsibility at a time. ^[3]
   
   • For example, instead of answering emails and returning phone calls at the same time, answer all of your emails before you make your phone calls.
   • Switching back and forth between tasks is more work for your brain and slows down the process.

[Edit]Minimize distractions and interruptions.

1. Give each task your full attention. Turn off any distractions such as email, phone, and social media notifications. You should also eliminate noise, such as a nearby TV or radio. Set aside time when you don’t want to be disturbed and don’t address any interruptions unless it's absolutely necessary.^[4]
   
   • For example, if you plan to write for 45 minutes, don’t answer your phone or respond to any emails during this time. Once the 45 minutes are up, you can check your email.
   • Social media is a big distraction. Schedule social media time throughout the day and stay away from it unless it is during a scheduled time block.

[Edit]Take short breaks so you don't burn out.

1. You can't work or be productive 24 hours a day. Schedule breaks throughout your day to give yourself some time to rest and relax. A break allows you to recharge and come back to a task with a fresh perspective. Try to do something on your break that is completely unrelated to your task, like drawing a picture, strumming a guitar, or playing a game of chess on your phone! You may also consider:^[5]
   
   • Calling a friend
   • Taking a walk
   • Meditating or doing some stretching

[Edit]Delegate tasks that others can handle for you.

1. You don't have to do everything yourself! Allowing another person to take care of something gives you a chance to devote yourself to your other tasks while still getting everything done. Be sure you delegate to someone reliable and trustworthy! You don’t want to worry about whether the person will actually get it done.
   
   • Remember that delegating is a sign of strength and intelligence, not weakness. Everyone has to ask for help sometimes!

[Edit]Track your time with a journal or app.

1. Carry a notebook and write down everything you do and for how long. Alternatively, download a free time tracking app like Due Time Tracking, Calendar, or TopTracker to keep tabs on how you spend each minute.^[6] Make sure you are honest. At the end of the day, review how you spent your time. Do this every day for a week to get a good picture of how you typically spend your day. At the end of the week, consider making changes if you find you spent way too many minutes (or even hours) checking social media or surfing the web.^[7]
   
   • It’s best to track your time for a few days in a row to get an honest look at your schedule. Some days you may attend a birthday dinner or a doctor’s appointment, which aren’t everyday tasks and could throw off your schedule.

[Edit]Review your task list at the end of each day.

1. Take note of what you completed as well as what still needs to get done. Cross off the tasks you finished and make a new to-do list for the next day, starting with what you didn’t accomplish. Making time for this extra step each night helps you celebrate what you achieved while keeping your goals for the next day in mind. It can also help you get a better idea of what tasks take the most time. Use that information to reassess how much time you should give yourself to complete certain tasks.^[8]
   
   • It’s completely okay to find that you didn’t get all of your tasks done! Remember that tomorrow is a new day. Keep pushing yourself to meet your goals!

[Edit]Motivate yourself with rewards.

1. At the start of a task, promise yourself a reward at the end of it. For example, if you have a writing assignment you need to complete but are in no mood to do, allow yourself to go on a 20-minute walk to a nearby park once you’re done with the assignment!
   
   • Make sure your reward is something that you really enjoy.
   • Your reward should never cause a setback or get you off track. For example, going to the movies or taking the rest of the day off after completing a 30-minute task may not be a good idea.

[Edit]Say no to extra projects if your plate is full.

1. It’s easy to take on more than you can handle. Be realistic when agreeing to new responsibilities, keeping what you have to get done already in mind. For example, if your schedule is fully booked with classes and soccer practice during the school week, it may not be the best time to join another club.^[9]
   
   • Learn to say “no." If you cannot say no, be honest about your time constraints. For example, if someone asks you to get something done by the end of the day, you may say, “I'm a little overloaded right now, but I can have it to you by the end of tomorrow.”
   • Over-scheduling can also lead to stress. When you are stressed, you become less productive.

[Edit]Take advantage of your downtime.

1. Make a quick list when you’ve got extra time. For example, try using the bus ride to work or school to do some extra planning. This is especially helpful if you find yourself particularly stressed out about your responsibilities during your leisure time!^[10]
   
   • Don't devote all of your downtime to planning and organizing. This could become stressful and do more harm than good. You still need some time to relax!
   • If you have 10 minutes of downtime, start by devoting 2 or 3 minutes to getting organized.

[Edit]Organize your workspace to improve productivity.

1. Declutter your desk or find a quiet, calm space in your home. If your desk is brimming with papers, envelopes, pens, and garbage, anyone would be a little stressed or distracted! Tidy up your workspace so that you eliminate any potential distractions. Throw away any garbage, dust off your laptop and desk, and try organizing your papers in a folder or binder.^[11]
   
   • You don’t have to eliminate all your personal touches, though! Add a few pictures to look at when you’re looking for a jolt of happiness, or consider a cute pen holder or desk plant to give your space some pizzazz.

[Edit]Why Is Time Management Important?

[Edit]Tips

• Try to wake up early so you have a head start.
• Always keep deadlines in mind.
• Give yourself some time off to relax and collect yourself.
• Try to get enough sleep each night. This way, you will be active enough to achieve your goals and work efficiently.

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.nshss.org/resources/blog/blog-posts/time-management-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-important/
2. ↑ https://www.calcoast.edu/news/prioritizing-your-life-how-what-when-why-guide
3. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/health/tips-to-improve-your-time-management-skills
4. ↑ [v161450_b01]. 30 June 2020.
5. ↑ https://workplace.msu.edu/breaks-during-the-workday/#:~:text=Benefits%20of%20breaks%3A&text=Improves%20mental%20health%20and%20well,especially%20for%20long%20term%20goals
6. ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_journaling_can_help_you_in_hard_times
7. ↑ [v161450_b01]. 30 June 2020.
8. ↑ https://www.usa.edu/blog/ways-journaling-benefits-students/
9. ↑ [v161450_b01]. 30 June 2020.
10. ↑ http://psychcentral.com/lib/6-tips-to-improve-your-time-management-skills/
11. ↑ https://academicresourcecenter.harvard.edu/productivity

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How to Develop Productive Habits

It can be kind of challenging to force yourself to start a bunch of productive habits out of nowhere. Luckily, with a few minor changes to your environment and workflow, anyone can set the stage for success. All it takes is a little bit of preparation and a healthy dose of positive thinking to become the most productive version of yourself.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Use a daily planner.

1. Mapping your day out will keep you focused on what’s important. Being productive has more to do with organization than effort, so put 5-10 minutes aside every night (or morning) to map out how you’re going to spend the day ahead of you.^[1] Fill in the morning with your most time-sensitive or important tasks and set aside time for emails, organization, and breaks.^[2]
   
   • Set concrete goals for each day. Choose 3 important tasks that you want to accomplish and reserve at least 90 minutes to tackle these goals.^[3]
   • If you want to build your daily schedule in the morning, get up 5-10 minutes earlier than you normally would to make time for it. Productive days don’t start with a rushed morning schedule!
   • Break the day down into sections so that you don’t spend hours in the same place or doing the same thing. Moving around regularly and mixing things up will make it easier to sustain focus throughout the day.^[4]

[Edit]Stay off of your phone.

1. Unless you’re waiting on an important call, keep your phone on silent. It’s super easy to get distracted by random texts, notifications, and social media. If you catch yourself procrastinating on the phone, stop.^[5] You’re most productive when you’re focused and engaged in what you’re trying to accomplish, so minimizing the most obvious distractions is essential.^[6]
   
   • If you’re compulsively checking social media, there are apps you can download to lock you out of your account part of the day or after you’ve been scrolling for a while.
   • You can always leave your phone in another room or in a desk drawer if you really want to zero in on something.

[Edit]Declutter your home or workspace.

1. A clean desk and an organized home will help you stay focused. Chaos has a way of drawing your attention away from whatever task you’re trying to complete.^[7] At the end of each day, spend a few minutes throwing out the trash, putting things away, and organizing your workspace or home to get rid of clutter. If you wake up to a clean home or show up at work to a minimalist desk, it’ll be easier to build healthy habits.^[8]
   
   • The phrase “out of sight, out of mind” works the other way as well. People tend to be attracted to whatever is in front of them. If there’s a stack of important files you need to address sitting on your desk, keep them out and take everything else off of your desk.

[Edit]Complete important tasks before lunch.

1. Most people are more productive in the morning, so do key tasks early. If your goal for the day is to go grocery shopping, don’t put it off until 8 pm when you’re likely to be tired. If you want to pitch a new service to a few important clients, make those calls or schedule those meetings before noon. This way, you won’t have to fight off any afternoon sluggishness when you’re trying to get stuff done.^[9]
   
   • Not only will you get the most important stuff done by scheduling your day this way, but that early feeling of accomplishment will help you maintain momentum throughout the day.
   • If you’re struggling to maintain your energy later in the day and you aren’t at work, take a short rest. A 20-minute nap is a great way to put yourself back into a productive headspace.^[10]

[Edit]Focus on one thing at a time.

1. Multi-tasking is rarely a productive way to go about things. You’re more likely to get things done if you dedicate all of your energy to a single task at a time. Turn the radio off at work, shut the TV off while you study, and don’t split your time between answering emails and other work-related tasks.^[11] When you switch back and forth between different activities, you lose a lot of energy as your brain recalibrates for the new task. This kind of juggling is not a healthy habit for productivity.^[12]
   
   • You’re most productive when you’re in that flow where time is flying and you’re just totally consumed with what you’re doing. It’s a lot harder to get into that state if you’re constantly jumping between 2-3 different things.^[13]

[Edit]Find the value in the boring stuff.

1. It’s hard to be productive if you think you’re doing something pointless. Start pushing yourself to find the significance in every single thing you do before you start. For example, if you’re just filling out a timesheet for work, remind yourself that you’re helping your company keep you accountable. In turn, this helps you stay productive at work, and you want to be productive! You can even tie all of that back to your company’s mission and remind yourself why that’s important as well.^[14]
   
   • Finding value in the little stuff also improves your overall attitude. If you walk around all day feeling like you’re wasting your time, you’re never going to get anything done!

[Edit]Take a short break every hour.

1. Set aside 5-10 minutes to recharge your batteries every hour. Stand up and stretch, step outside for a breath of fresh air, or walk around the hallway for a few minutes. Aside from the fact that this will help you come back to the task at hand feeling recharged, it will also give your body a break from sitting or staring at a screen for too long depending on what you’ve been doing.^[15]
   
   • Many productive folks are big fans of the Pomodoro technique. This is where you work in a series of intense bursts by spending 25 minutes focusing on a task and then taking 5 minutes off. This can be a great option if you find yourself losing momentum after every 35-45 minutes or so.

[Edit]Make a daily 5-minute investment.

1. Start small and let tiny behaviors snowball into regular habits. Force yourself to spend just 5 minutes a day on a new behavior. Next week, double it. For the next week or two, stick to that 10-minute-a-day rule. After a few weeks, your brain will be so used to spending 10 minutes on this task that it’ll become a habit. This is a phenomenal way to get yourself to build small procedural habits, like working out in the morning or meditating every afternoon.^[16]
   
   • It may be hard to push through that first week if you aren’t used to doing something, but stick with it! It will only get easier over time.
   • Completing your tiny habit at the same time every day will also help turn your behavior into a habit.

[Edit]Relax on your days off.

1. If you never take some time off, you’re going to burn yourself out. Make sure that you set aside time to hang out with your friends and family, catch up on that book you’ve been meaning to read and do things that you actively enjoy. If you’re constantly pushing yourself to accomplish task after task, you’re going to run yourself into the ground. Chilling out on your days off is important if you’re going to be productive!^[17]
   
   • If you’re going to try and implement a new system or habit, take a vacation or long weekend off to get some relaxation in. There’s some evidence that it’s easier to build a new habit after a prolonged period of relaxation.^[18]

[Edit]Take care of your body.

1. Eat a healthy diet, keep a regular sleep schedule, and exercise regularly. Do your best to stick to a balanced diet full of lean protein, vegetables, and whole grains. Aim to get 8 hours of sleep every night and try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.^[19] Try to get at least 150 minutes of exercise a week in the form of running, biking, or weightlifting to relieve stress and feel great about yourself!^[20]
   
   • It’s impossible to build productive habits if you don’t feel good. Taking care of your body is important for your overall health, but it’s also extremely key if you want to be a productive person.
   • Take care of your mind and soul as well! Meditation and yoga are great ways to stay mentally and emotionally healthy.

[Edit]Reward yourself for building productive habits.

1. As you’re improving your overall productivity, reward yourself for sticking with it. After you fill out your planner for the day, take a minute or two to enjoy a warm cup of coffee. Once you finish filing those reports in the morning, eat a small piece of candy. Giving yourself regular, small rewards for sticking with your productive habits is essential to making those habits permanent.^[21]
   
   • Time your breaks so that you take them right after you’ve finished a productive task. Breaks are a great way to reward yourself and you need to take regular breaks anyway. That’s a win-win!

[Edit]Daily Habit Tracker

Daily Habit Tracker

Daily Habit Tracker

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• It can take a few months for a behavior to gain momentum and turn into a habit. Don’t give up just after a few days!^[22]
• Create a “clocking out” ritual by doing the same thing every day before you stop working. People talk about the importance of starting the day, but finishing your work the same way every day will help you compartmentalize and maintain a clear headspace.^[23]
• There’s very little evidence that working longer hours will make you more productive. People tend to naturally spread their tasks out over a longer period of time if they have it in their head that they’re working late, so don’t worry about being the last one out of the office!^[24]

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://hbr.org/2019/03/what-makes-some-people-more-productive-than-others
2. ↑ [v161148_b01]. 14 March 2019.
3. ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/goal-setting/
4. ↑ https://www.apa.org/topics/behavioral-health/healthy-lifestyle-changes
5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/automatic-you/202005/learn-how-avoid-distraction-in-world-thats-full-it
6. ↑ [v161148_b01]. 14 March 2019.
7. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-truisms-wellness/201607/the-powerful-psychology-behind-cleanliness
8. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/focused.html
9. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/tracking-wonder/201702/create-morning-routine-works-you
10. ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/napping
11. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/science-clear-multitasking-doesnt-work/
12. ↑ https://www.apa.org/research/action/multitask
13. ↑ [v161148_b01]. 14 March 2019.
14. ↑ [v161148_b01]. 14 March 2019.
15. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/stretching.html
16. ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/changing-habits/
17. ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/taking-breaks/
18. ↑ https://www.npr.org/2012/03/05/147192599/habits-how-they-form-and-how-to-break-them
19. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/healthy-eating.htm
20. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/guidelines/adults.html
21. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/psychology-rewarding-yourself-with-treats
22. ↑ https://www.waldenu.edu/programs/business/resource/eight-great-work-habits-that-can-help-you-stand-out-to-management
23. ↑ https://www.usa.edu/blog/time-management-techniques/
24. ↑ https://hbr.org/2019/03/what-makes-some-people-more-productive-than-others

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