Do you remember when you were in school? Did your teachers tell you that the best way to approach your homework and other projects was to do the hardest task first? They may have also told you to tackle the homework subject you dislike the most first, before moving on.
This same approach will help you get more done in less time, helping you to become a more productive person today.
Start with the Harder Tasks First
The way we think about productivity affects how much work we accomplish in a day. But it’s easier to get started than it is to stay focused on a task that takes a long time to complete.
Instead of beginning with a task you enjoy or that is easy, start with one you dislike or one that is more difficult. At the end of your workday, you may be surprised at how much you’ve accomplished. You will make feel that the day has gone much smoother and more productive than before.
So, start with the hard tasks first. When you focus on the hard things first, you can have an easier rest of the day.
If you’re thinking about what to do in an hour or two, you’re in for a long, frustrating day. Instead, break the problem down into a series of short steps. You’ll have a better chance at success when you tackle smaller, more manageable tasks.
This will help you build momentum and keep you motivated throughout the day.
Start with the Disliked Tasks First
Productive people usually begin their days by doing those things they dislike doing.
If you have a list of tasks on your desk that need to be completed today, try tackling the tasks that you dislike first. Not only will this allow you to tackle them in a more productive way, but it could also prevent you from being distracted by the other tasks you find interesting.
If you want to increase your productivity, do those tasks that you hate doing first.
Which Approach do I start with
Either approach will increase your productivity.
When you do not look at your workday as a long, uphill battle, you will naturally get more accomplished. Getting the disliked tasks out of the way first thing in the morning, will guarantee better results with all your tasks.
No matter which one you chose, you will get more done, be more satisfied, and feel less stressed.
Why Do These Approaches Work
When you start the beginning of your day you generally have more energy in the morning. With more energy, you can tackle the hardest or unliked tasks first. You won’t be as drained or frustrated with these tasks first thing in the morning.
If you begin with tasks you enjoy, you are more inclined to look ahead at the tasks you dislike more negatively throughout the day, dreading doing them, and they never get done.
When you do harder tasks first, you will not only have more energy left for the rest of the day, but you will also appreciate the other tasks more when you get to them.
While it is only human nature to want to do what you like first, having the harder things on the horizon can slow you down and drain your energy.
Plan the night before
Plan what you will for the next day. Have a plan in mind of what you want to do and when.
The plan in mind of what you want to do and when can be extremely helpful. It helps you to avoid wasting time and energy on things you don’t really want to do. It also allows you to keep your priorities in check.
Having a plan in mind of what you want to do and when can help you to achieve your daily goal and have a more productive day.
This helps your mind know what to expect the next day.
If you want to be more productive and achieve the absolute best results in everything you do, take the advice from your schoolteachers and tackle the hardest jobs first.
Your productivity will increase, and you will end each day with a refreshing feeling of accomplishment.
Simple Ideas to Get Started in the Morning
- Eat a healthy breakfast
- Spend a few minutes looking over your schedule
- At the beginning of each week look ahead at what’s on the calendar
- Set a few goals for the day
- Read positive affirmations in the morning
Productivity for Busy Professional Series
You can go to the main page of this productivity series here, all professional articles here, or other articles below:
- What should you do first
- Create a Game Plan
- Tasks for Your Goal
- Reduce Your Distractions to Focus
- Take Care of Yourself
- Exercise Self-Discipline
- You Can Do the Impossible
- Increasing Your Motivation
- Don’t Let Setbacks Get You Down!
- Be Goal-Oriented
- Organization to Productivity
- Don’t Let Setbacks Get You Down!
- Be Goal-Oriented
- Organization to Productivity
- When You Need to Delegate for Productivity
- Avoiding Burnout
- Supplies are a Factor when it comes to productivity
- A Positive mindset to stay productive
- Resisting negativity
- Productivity with You Coworkers
- Reward Yourself for Your productivity accomplishments
- Resist Overextending Yourself
- Destress
- Setting and Ranking Your Priorities
- Communication Skills
- Productive Strategies are Appropriate Everywhere!
Cathy Gray
Cathy Gray is a natural adventurer in her personal and professional life. She adapts to overcome while maintaining an infectious laugh that will make you smile.
Professionally, Cathy currently works for an industrial hose and hydraulics company. While she was a green-horn in the hose business, she spearheaded the company’s eCommerce site from the ground up from a blank canvas to live and selling within 6 months. She continues to grow the company’s online and digital presence while increasing sales year over year.
Articles
My articles categorized into 3 areas: adventures, professional, and inspirations.
I also have a few guides:
Goal Setting Guide
Ultimate Guide to Choose the Right eCommerce Platform
Productivity Strategies for Busy Professionals
Professional
Professionally, I do marketing, websites, and ecommerce, with a background in operations and graphic design.
Adventure
Topics include but not limited to: hiking, caving, weekend excursions, food, places, and/or general randomness.
inspiration
General inspiration that has helped me get through the darker times in life the last few years. And it has evolved to spread it.
Cathy is a dynamic one-person powerhouse overseeing marketing and ecommerce operations in Marietta, GA where she is a is a pivotal member for a prominent industrial industrial hose, hydraulic, and rubber solutions provider.
Beyond the workplace, she finds solace and inspiration in adventurous and exhilarating pursuits like skydiving and caving to roughing it weekend camping trips with friends and family.
With a unique blend of professional expertise and a zest for life’s adventures, Cathy is committed to driving success both in and out of the office. And of course with that cup of coffee in hand!