10 Ways To Increase Productivity

While online freelance workers earn more than office-based employees, we do not receive the same benefits normally offered by their employer. Due to this, it is important for us to be more productive while working to make sure we do not experience any issues during lean months. The following are ten things you can do to increase productivity and save enough for the rainy days.

1. Monitor the time to do tasks

Increase Productivity – image credits: pixabay.com

This is one very important thing for you to do as an online freelance worker.  There are instances when we would end up concentrating on one task to much that we forego other tasks. While the easiest way to do this is to simply glance on the clock on your laptop or monitor, you can also use online apps to track the time you spend on each task. Using these tools allow you to monitor the time you spend working on your project as well as the time you spend on social media.

2. Follow a 90-minute work schedule

Elite athletes who followed 90-minute training schedules have greater productivity compared to those who work for more than 90 minutes at a time. The same goes with musicians who practice the 90-minute work schedule. This is based on studies conducted by the University of Florida researchers. The same study showed that those who limited their work to four and a half hours performed better than those who worked at longer periods. 

Follow a schedule – image credits: pixabay.com

While the last point may not be quite applicable to online freelance workers, particularly to newbies, the 90-minute work schedule allow you to take a break and relax for a while. You can actually see a similar schedule when you go to school where breaks are scheduled in the morning before students take their lunch. The same thing goes with BPO workers who are normally given two 15-minute breaks aside from their one hour lunch break.  You can do something similar so you will not experience a burn out.

3. Take a break

Have a Kitkat– image credits: KitKat Facebook Page

This point is connected with the previous point. Taking a break is important for online freelance workers so we can maintain our sanity or something to that effect. Taking a break also enhances concentration. Studies have shown that short breaks during long tasks also ensure you will maintain a certain level of performance.  On the other hand, when you work on difficult tasks without taking a break, you will end up with a lower performance level. Due to this, have a break have a KitKat.

4. Exercise often

Studies have shown that exercising helps keep your brain healthy. A study conducted by Dr. Alex Dregan of King's College London showed “exercise represents a key component of lifestyle interventions to prevent cognitive decline.”  The study was published on the Psychological Medicine journal. A similar study published on the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine also showed that exercise also improves productivity. 

Exerpeutic Aero Air Elliptical – image credits: amazon.com

So, aside from keeping yourself physically healthy, you also become more productive when you exercise. While this is one of the things online freelance workers fail to do regularly, you should set a schedule for you to exercise. It may be as simple as taking a walk in the park or getting your own exercise equipment. You can get an exercise ball or a simple jump rope. If you want to get a better work, you can get an Exerpeutic Aero Air Elliptical. 

5. Set your own deadlines

While working as an online freelance worker, I normally work at my own pace. While my clients set a deadline for the projects, I make my own deadlines that are normally earlier than the ones set by my clients. This allows me to manage my stress levels since I can focus on the project and work towards accomplishing my goals.

Increase Productivity – image credits: pixabay.com

You can do the same for open-ended projects or project-based work. While you make your own deadlines, it is important for you to stick to them. Avoid procrastinating. You may even surprise yourself and end up being more focused on your work. You may also accomplish more work than the time when you did not have your own deadline. It all boils down to time management

6. Be proactive rather than reactive

Schedule Emails – image credits: courtesy of Peter Parcon

Since you are already setting your own deadlines, you can now plan the things you need to do during the day. You should make a schedule and stick to it. Schedule the time you will check your email or answer interview invitations on online job sites.  You should not let these tasks determine the work you have to do during the day. This way, you will end up nipping any possible issues in the bud and increase productivity.

7. Reduce interruptions

Many online freelance workers work at home. Due to this, family and friends normally know where to look for them. When they drop by unannounced, you may end up with a messed up work pattern. Even as this may not be an issue if you have your own schedule, it may cause your productivity level to go down. To avoid this, you can tell your family and friends not to disturb you during certain hours unless it’s a matter of life or death. 

At The WorkPlace Café – image credits: courtesy of Peter Parcon

While I do not usually have this problem since I work in a coffee shop or at the WorkPlace Café, there are instances when a former colleague or former student (yes, I used to be a teacher) would suddenly show up at the place. In these instances, I normally stop working for a while to chat with them, especially if I haven’t seen them for a very long time. But, they would normally get the hint, especially when I tell them “I work anywhere as long as they have a power outlet and good internet connection. In fact, I’m working on a project right now.” But, this rarely happens since I normally work in different coffee shops during the week.

8. Turn off notifications

Close Social Media – image credits: courtesy of Peter Parcon

One way for you to reduce interruptions is to turn off notifications. You can close your social media accounts, unless you are using it for the project. Close any tabs not related to your work. Log out of your email and set your phone on silent mode. This way, interruptions will be kept to a minimum. 

9. Have something nice to look at

Put Flowers On The Table – image credits: pixabay.com

Studies have shown that when you have something nice to look at, your productivity level goes up. Aesthetically pleasing sights can increase productivity by 15 percent, so it may be a good idea to decorate your workspace. You can set up some plants or a flower vase on your table. You can also put a picture that brings a smile on your face whenever you look at it. 

10. No one is perfect

As an introvert, I have the tendency to expect my work to be perfect. But, in recent years, I learned that not all tasks are perfect since nothing is really ever perfect. Instead, you should work to the best of your capabilities. This way you will not short-change your clients. If you aim for perfection all the time, you will end up focusing on a single task and sacrifice other tasks that you need to accomplish. But, you should also not turn in mediocre work. You should strive to give your best in the work you do to ensure your client will give you two thumbs up for it.

Top Rated Freelancer – image credits: courtesy of Peter Parcon

While being productive may require you to put in more hours at work, you can also be productive by working smart. Going through the suggestions above will allow you to work smart and increase your productivity as an online freelance worker.