Now you have
set a goal for yourself, let's figure out how to achieve it.
One of the best tips to be more productive at work is to maintain a personal daily TODO task list.
Many of you may have already using this method. Keep in mind, this list is your
own. This is not a list your Project Manager gave you. This list could be an
electronic copy or a printed paper or even a part of your notebook. I personally
like to have my own hand written list. Do not have 100s items on it. It should
not have more than 10 or 12 items in it.
Keep this list at your desk as a reminder.
Make sure you prioritize the items and put an estimate of
time (in hours) next to it. Your goal is to beat this time.
Now, every time you finish an item in this list, check it.
Check it with a pen or pencil. This is what will make you feel that you have accomplished
something.
Once you are done with couple of items, don't forget to take
a 5-10 minutes break. This break could be a tea/coffee, water, walk or just
move around. You need this to give your mental and physical system a break.
Writing is
good for you
Many of us do not like to write. But writing has many
advantages. Not only writing helps you focus but also helps you to be patient.
Writing also helps you remember topics you write about.
I remember during my B. Sc. 2nd year papers, I was
having difficult time to focus and memorize some Physics Formulae. That day, I
started writing what I was trying to remember. Since that day, anything I learn
or try to focus, I start writing. Dustin Wax wrote a good article on Why We
Remember What We Write that explains how our brain function differently when we
write and listen.
Writing also has very positive affect on out health, brain
and even self-esteem. You may want to check out 10 Reasons
why writing is good for you. And if you
are a developers, writing has many personal and professional benefits. Check
out my previous blog Why Every
Developer Should Write.
Why Focus is
very important
See, software development is not physical work, it is mental.
To get best out of you, you must be present 100%. You must be into it. You must
like it. If your mind is not 100% into it, you should not be doing it. Don't
force yourself. Take a break and come back little later. You may want to read
my blog to see if you are a
programmer material or not.
TODO List
Template
I've created a PDF and Doc template for TODO list. You may
download it here in Downloads section:
More in
this series: