A lot of people think being productive is just being able to do the work assigned within a deadline. However, productivity is about creating a balance between work and personal life. It’s also about how much time a person takes out in a day for herself/himself along with contributing to the effectiveness in each task. It is about overall satisfaction with oneself. Here are some tips to help you get there:

Top Three Extrinsic Tips:

• Set clear goals: it is important to know what is important and why is it important. Always write a to-do list. It helps to get a clear view of the things we need to do. Then divide your tasks into high, medium and low priority tasks. You can color-code your tasks. Try and avoid colors like red to write high priority tasks as that may evoke feelings of stress and
• Note your progress: aim to complete only high priority tasks. If you can do medium priority tasks-great and if you happen to complete low priority tasks as well-then it’s a BONUS!
• Spot the hindrances: it could be that time of the day, could be the place you study at or could also be the people around you. Take no more than 10 seconds to amend the same because self-care is NOT selfish!

Top Three Intrinsic Tips:

• Perspective Change: try and look at things as they can be as opposed to seeing things as they are. Visualizing can add value to everything and can help you be more positive. E.g. “Why try, there is no use.” “Let’s try, there is a possibility of success.”
• Small steps: you need not reach 0 to100 at one go. Remember, the first step, even a small one is the most crucial. Journeys cannot be completed until the journey is started! Action defeats fear. Your confidence is like a gem. If you don’t polish it regularly, it will stay buried. Remove the dirt of self-doubt and let your potential shine!
• Refocus: In between work and deadlines, it is important to take out time for yourself. Take out time for a hobby or an activity you’ve been delaying for a period of time. Give time to family, friends and social groups as well as yourself. Taking a break in between is always good to refocus your mind and energy.

Franz Kafka once said, “Productivity is being able to do things that you were never able to do before.” I hope you are able to utilize this time of quarantine wisely and gain the rhythm and start working on your goals which you have always desired to!

Saniya Bedi
Research Scholar

Faculty of Behavioural Sciences
SGT University, Gurugram
Counseling Psychologist & Career Counsellor