Boost your productivity: Tips to get more out of your day

Do you feel like your to-do list is never-ending? Are you constantly battling the feeling that you’re not getting through your tasks as effectively as you’d like? If you want to work smarter, not harder, so you have more time for the things you enjoy, you’re not alone.

Productivity isn’t about working longer hours – it’s about maximising your time so you can accomplish more with less effort. By using your time well, you can increase your impact at work and enjoy more balance in your life.

In this blog, we’ll explore practical strategies to help you overcome common productivity barriers – read on to start making positive changes to get more out of your day!

Common barriers to productivity and how to overcome them

Feeling overwhelmed

Procrastination often creeps in when tasks feel too big or complex. Instead of getting stuck in that feeling of overwhelm, break large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Use time management techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working in 25-minute bursts, followed by short breaks, to stay focused and avoid burnout.

You could also try time-blocking, where you assign specific blocks of time to tasks, or the Eisenhower Matrix, which helps you categorise tasks based on urgency and importance. For example, focus on urgent and important tasks first, then move on to less pressing items. These methods can provide a clear structure to your day, helping you avoid procrastination and get more done.

Tools like Todoist and Notion can help keep you organised, but remember, it’s not about having every productivity app out there. Stick to the tools that work best for you and use them consistently.

Distractions

With constant notifications from emails, social media, and apps, it’s easy to get distracted. Did you know that every interruption can cost you over 20 minutes to regain focus? Try turning off non-essential notifications and check your emails at set times during the day instead of constantly.

Apps like Freedom and StayFocusd can block distracting websites, allowing you to concentrate on the task at hand. You’ll be surprised at how much more you can get done when your focus isn’t being pulled in different directions. Another great tip: set up your phone or computer’s “Do Not Disturb” mode during key working periods to avoid interruptions.

Lack of role clarity

Sometimes, it’s hard to be productive when you’re not sure what’s most important. Without clear priorities, it’s easy to spend your day feeling busy but not actually getting much done. So, take time to clarify your role and tasks.

Having regular check-ins with your manager or colleagues can help ensure you’re on the right track. Get clarity on what are the most important things you need to focus on, and what is going to help contribute to your team and organisation’s goals? Once you know, you can tackle your top priorities first, making sure you’re working on what will have the biggest impact.

Counterproductive work environment

Your workspace plays a bigger role in your productivity than you might realise. A cluttered, uncomfortable workspace can make it hard to focus. Whether you’re working from home or in an office, take the time to set up a clean, organised, and comfortable environment. Even small changes, like adding plants or playing focus-enhancing music (like white or brown noise), can make a big difference in how you feel and perform during the day.

Burnout

We all want to be as productive as possible, but working non-stop without taking breaks will only lead to burnout. Over time, this leads to unmanageable fatigue and a serious drop in productivity – which is the exact opposite of what you’re trying to achieve! Prioritise your well-being by scheduling regular breaks, getting enough sleep, and staying active. Mindfulness practices like meditation can also help you manage stress and maintain focus.

Remember, working smarter means giving yourself the time to recharge so you can be your best self both at work and outside of it.

Simi Rayat’s take on productivity

Leadership coach, Psychologist and Author of Productivity Joy, Simi Rayat, will be gracing the Corporate PA Summit stage in Sydney and Melbourne in 2025. Simi has a wealth of experience empowering individuals to be more effective and make an impact at work.

However, Simi doesn’t prescribe to hustle culture – she fundamentally believes that productivity is a tool to help you free up valuable time, enabling you to focus on the things that contribute to your organisation’s success but also your personal fulfillment.

Attendees of Simi’s sessions can expect to walk away with a comprehensive toolkit of strategies to streamline their daily tasks and create a more impactful workday. She will offer practical tools and techniques to help you overcome procrastination, stay focused, and maintain productivity, even in challenging work environments. You’ll also gain insights into how to integrate wellness and self-care into your routine, so you can show up as the best version of yourself each day.

Find out more about Simi’s upcoming sessions in Sydney and Melbourne.