2016 is coming to a close but there is still time to cut a few bad habits from your lifestyle!
Let's start with the theme, productivity! The little things can make all the difference when it comes to being productive and these 10 bad habits are game changers:
1. Using your phone, tablet or computer in bed.
I'm the #1 offender of this one. Whether it's checking emails, scrolling through social notifications or even online shopping, whatever it is, it's not good. Yes, there is scientific reasoning to why you shouldn't be lying in bed on your phone. Long story short, your eyes mistake this light from these devices for sunlight, halting the production of melatonin (which makes you sleepy), and makes you feel more alert.
We're sorry to say this, but yes, most your evening devices, laptops, tablets and mobile phones emit this light and interfere with your Zzzs. Cut the cord and put them down.
2. Impulsively surfing the internet.
Do you constantly check your phone or Facebook notifications? Do you have to have constant updates on a game during your working hours? Flow isn't just for yoga, it's in your daily work life too. Fact, it takes you 15 consecutive minutes of focus before you can fully engage in a task. Fact, when you click out of that work to check your Snapchat, it will take you another 15 minutes to get back to that flow.
Think about it, how much MORE could you get done if you solely focused and didn't get distracted by the internet?
3. Checking your phone during a conversation.
Sounds extremely rude, right? You're right it is. Nothing turns people off like a mid-conversation text message or even a quick glance at your phone. When you commit to a conversation, focus all your energy on the conversation. You will find that conversations are more enjoyable and effective when you immerse yourself in them.
4. Using multiple notifications.
Buzz... buzz... buzz... Sound familiar? Multiple notifications are a productivity nightmare. Studies have shown that hopping on your phone and e-mail every time they ping for your attention causes your productivity to plummet. Getting notified every time a message drops onto your phone or an e-mail arrives in your inbox might feel productive, but it isn’t. Instead of working at the whim of your notifications, pool all your e-mails/texts and check them at designated times (e.g., respond to your e-mails every hour). This is a proven, productive way to work.
5. Saying “yes” when you should say “no.”
It can be so easy to say "yes". It makes others happy, you're being helpful, you're taking on more responsibility. But it can also mean that you get overwhelmed, burnout, stressed out, and fall short on other responsibilities.
“No” is a powerful word that you should not be afraid to wield. When it’s time to say no, emotionally intelligent people avoid phrases like “I don’t think I can” or “I’m not certain.” Saying no to a new commitment honors your existing commitments and gives you the opportunity to successfully fulfill them. Just remind yourself that saying no is an act of self-control now that will increase your future self-control by preventing the negative effects of over commitment.
6. Thinking about toxic people.
There's one in every crowd. That person that makes your blood boil, makes you see red. Don't let them get the upper hand. Each time you find yourself dwelling on them, practice being grateful for someone else. Write it down and while you're grateful for them. It's a simple task that will keep your head out of the gutter.
7. Multitasking during meetings.
Half of your attention is a whole mistake. Especially in meetings. You were invited there for a reason, maybe for your opinion, ideas, approval but most importantly your full attention. If you're not contributing and still attending then you need to re-think habit #5. The one where you say no? Multitasking during meetings hurts you by creating the impression that you believe you are more important than everyone else.
8. Gossiping.
Gossipers derive pleasure from other people’s misfortunes. It might be fun to peer into somebody else’s personal or professional faux pas at first, but over time, it gets tiring, makes you feel gross and hurts other people. There are too many positives out there and too much to learn from interesting people to waste your time talking about the misfortune of others.
“Great minds discuss ideas, average ones discuss events and small minds discuss people.” -- Eleanor Roosevelt
9. Waiting to act until you know you’ll succeed.
We tend to freeze up when it’s time to get started because we know that our ideas aren’t perfect and that what we produce might not be any good. But how can you ever produce something great if you don’t get started and give your ideas time to evolve? Author Jodi Picoult summarized the importance of avoiding perfectionism perfectly: “You can edit a bad page, but you can’t edit a blank page.”
10. Comparing yourself to other people.
It's time to let your self-worth come from within. When you find happiness or doubt from comparing yourself to others, you are no longer the master of your feelings. Now, they control it. When you're celebrating an accomplishment, don't allow others opinions take that away from you. While you may not be able to hold back your reaction to their feelings, you don’t have to compare yourself to others and you can always take people’s opinions with a grain of salt. That way, no matter what other people are thinking or doing, your self-worth comes from within. Regardless of what people think of you at any particular moment, one thing is certain -- you’re never as good or bad as they say you are.
Read the full Entrepreneur article HERE.
Let's finish out the year strong and prep for 2017 with these bad habits cut out of your daily routine. Stay productive, focused, and positive this year and we'll do the same!