Trying to get more done in a day? Check out these 6 tips for boosting your productivity and getting more done in a shorter time frame.

If you find that you are not getting the most out of your day and that you are struggling to stay productive, there are a few tips you can try to help you get more done. Having a to-do list before you leave for work can help you keep on track, and a chunk of time set aside each day to relax is also a good idea.

1. Multitasking slows you down

Multitasking can cause problems with your focus, mental well being, and productivity. Whether you work in a team or on your own, multitasking slows you down and can cause you to make mistakes. In order to avoid these pitfalls, you must learn how to stay focused.

One of the first things you must do to get focused is to create an environment that encourages focus. This can be as simple as clearing away clutter and limiting your distractions. If you are working in a group, set up blocks of time to do your tasks.

Another way to be more productive is to create a list of tasks. When you have a lot of work to do, you may find it helpful to split up the tasks into manageable chunks and then devote a set amount of time to each one.

Switching between tasks is also a major productivity killer. Researchers have found that switching between tasks costs 40% of a person's productivity. It can take up to 20-30 minutes to re-acquaint yourself with a new task. To reduce these expenses, try to keep each task short.

Multitasking can also make it difficult to filter out irrelevant information and organize your thoughts. Your brain is not designed to handle a wide range of tasks at once.

Multitasking also affects your memory. Studies show that people who multitask have trouble processing information. They also have lower IQs.

2. Set a personal deadline

One of the ways to keep yourself productive is to set a personal deadline. Generally, a deadline is considered the best way to get things done. This is because it forces you to consider all of the steps involved in a task, which can help you achieve your goals.

Setting a deadline can also help you be more organized. You can make sure that you are only spending your time on the important tasks, instead of letting anxiety affect the quality of your work.

A deadline can be useful on its own, but it is often used in conjunction with other productivity techniques. For example, a Napoleon technique can help you stay on top of your to-do list. However, if you want to get the most out of a deadline, it is important that you set one that is accurate.

One of the most common causes of procrastination is a lack of incentive. It is a good idea to find a reward that will motivate you to complete a task.

Using a deadline will also allow you to assess whether you have time to complete any extra tasks. If you miss a deadline, you can expect to be penalized. Having an accountability partner can help you manage your deadlines.

The secret to a successful deadline is to take some time to plan. Make sure that you know who you are working on a project with, and that you estimate how much time you need to finish the job. Once you have a deadline in place, you can inform your team about it.

3. Divide email into two groups

How do you get your email inbox under control without resorting to an unproductive frenzy? The answer is to divide your email into two groups. The first is for emails that aren't time sensitive, and the second is for emails that are. In doing so you'll be able to stay on top of your game. You'll be able to focus on the important stuff, and leave the petty nonsense to someone else. For more on how to manage your inbox, check out my free eBook. There is more to life than tweeps and toes, but you can't do it if you don't know what to do with the rest. So learn from my best tips, tricks, and hacks. Having an efficient and professional customer support staff is crucial to your business success. A good support team will be able to keep the big bosses in line, and you in the black.

4. Make a to-do list before leaving work

Creating a to-do list before leaving work is a good way to keep you on track with your daily activities. You can also use a to-do list to help you prioritize your tasks and avoid getting distracted. A to-do list can be as simple as writing down what needs to be done. To make it more effective, you can set realistic goals and deadlines for each task.

If you have a hard time getting started on the tasks that need to be done, break them down into smaller, more manageable parts. This will ensure that you get them done on time.

If you can, set aside a block of time during the morning or afternoon to respond to emails. By limiting your email check times to once per hour, you will be able to focus on your most important tasks.

Whether you write down your tasks on a paper, a computer, or a smartphone, a to-do list can be an extremely helpful tool. The idea behind a to-do list is to prioritize the most important items first. Doing so will prevent you from getting overwhelmed by low-priority tasks.

A to-do list should be short and to the point. Start with achievable goals that you can complete within a day. For example, if you are a student, you might want to write down a set of goals to learn how to write an essay.

5. Include a chunk of free time every day

The best way to get a leg up on your competition is to include a chunk of free time into your schedule. This is especially true if you are self-employed. While many business owners would argue that their workday is a matter of choice, you can't deny that your productivity is on the line if you don't make the effort to include a bit of quality time into your day. Thankfully, there are plenty of online tools that make this task easy as pie. You just need to choose the best one for you and your family. It's not a hard thing to do, and you won't regret the rewards. Plus, you will be a happier more productive person when you get home after a long, hard day at the office. After all, your company deserves a happy worker.

One of the best ways to go about this is to hire a virtual assistant, or if you prefer, ask your spouse or significant other to do your bidding. While this isn't the most fun thing to do, it is a sure fire way to ensure your best workday in a long, long time.

6. Avoid distractions by keeping your workspace uncluttered

If you are looking to increase your productivity, one of the best things you can do is keep your work area clutter free. By minimizing the amount of clutter you create, you will be able to concentrate on the task at hand and not get distracted by the little things.

Keeping a clutter-free workspace can be accomplished with a little bit of forethought and some careful planning. This can be done by dedicating a specific space to work, preferably a quiet room, and keeping a tidy workspace. Aside from maintaining a clean and organized workspace, you can also choose to avoid distractions by putting a "do not disturb" sign on your desk.

It's also a good idea to learn more about how your work projects and tasks relate to your personal goals. Understanding how your work projects and tasks contribute to your larger picture will help you stay motivated.

Using the right tools will go a long way in helping you achieve your objectives. Using a software program to track and manage your projects is a surefire way to ensure that you are completing your tasks on time and on budget. When considering how to optimize your workspace, consider how the location of your office affects your productivity. You could also consider a designated home office that keeps you away from the distractions of a shared home.