Photo by Tran Mau Tri Tam ✪ on Unsplash
Are you a freelancer trying to boost your productivity? Do you want to take your career to soaring heights? If yes, you’ve come to the right place, because here we will take a close look at the seven methods that can give you marvelous results in terms of enhanced freelancer productivity.
But before we look at them, let’s spend a few minutes checking out the place of productivity in the freelance world and its major challenges.
The Importance of Productivity in Freelancing
In today’s competitive freelancer economy, freelancers must be productive, as this directly impacts their success and overall health. If you, as a freelancer, learn to manage your time and resources and perform your tasks effectively, you can be successful.
Independent contractors like you who aim to optimize their potential and try to have a good work-life balance should understand the importance of productivity at work.
The 7 Unique Methods to Boost Productivity: A Primer
No one knows better than you the importance of productivity in a dynamic world, such as freelancer, and how it has a big impact on your success.
You know that to come out the winner in the cutthroat world of freelancing, you need to be original in your thinking and use innovative methods to increase your production.
Doing this can help you uniquely position yourself among the top few successful freelancers whose objective is to be as productive and effective as possible.
In this blog, we’ll look at the seven most effective techniques that can boost your productivity. It will give you better results at work, you’ll enjoy a better work-life balance, and your client will be extremely happy with you.
#1. The Two-Minute Rule
The Two-Minute Rule was devised by David Allen, and discussed in his book, Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity.
He propagates the theory that to get rid of the habit of procrastination, you should do small tasks. He says that if one can do small tasks in two minutes or less, they should be done without any delay.
This will get you out of the habit of piling up little tasks that you save up for later. This habit keeps you from concentrating on bigger tasks and reduces your overall productivity.
So, to keep your productivity levels high, handle small tasks immediately.
#2. The Pomodoro Technique
This approach is based on the idea that working in short, focused spurts of 25 minutes increases productivity. Each interval is called a “pomodoro” and helps boost your productivity. It also helps you fight procrastination.
You can work in as many pomodoros as you like in a day. However, with each one, you give yourself a five-minute break. At the end of four straight pomodoros, take a 20-30 minute break.
This technique helps you stay focused and not be daunted by the size of your project. Each short break keeps you away from burnout and refreshes your mind so you’re better focused for more work.
By working in short bursts, you eliminate distractions and remain focused. Overall, to do more in less time.
#3. Batch Working
When you group together a few similar tasks and complete them in focused sessions, it is called batch working. Using this method, you needn’t juggle a variety of tasks like writing, emails, editing and hopping on calls to clients, collaborators and vendors.
Instead, you dedicate certain time slots to tackle types of tasks together. It also takes away the need to multitask so you manage your tasks and projects easily. You can also handle large volumes of data at a time and so reduce the time taken to complete them.
#4. Identify the Most Important Task of the Day
If you’ve been putting off handling that daunting project, then here’s a way out. Handle the project that daunts you and causes you to procrastinate before doing anything else.
Not only will you feel better for doing this but you will also do a wonderful job.
When you prioritize your tasks for the day, you know exactly what to do at the start of your day. This negates any loss of time and you work efficiently. You can also structure your day around it, and work steadily at it to meet your deadlines.
Identifying your most important task also helps you do some deep work and achieve high-quality results and happy clients.
And, of course, who can deny the deep sense of achievement you experience after handling a titan with confidence and focus?
#5. Technology: The Game-Changer
Technology can be a huge game-changer for you with a wide range of tools to boost your productivity, streamline your workflows, and do more in less time.
With project management tools like Asana or Trello, you can organize tasks, set deadlines and track your progress so you never miss a deadline.
Zoom and Slack are ideal for communicating with your associates and clients, hold virtual meetings and collaborate.
You can also avail of cloud storage solutions using Dropbox or Google Drive. Access files from anywhere and organize them the way you want to.
And then, there are also automation tools that help you automate repetitive tasks which could save you a lot of writing time.
By using such tools, you could harness the power of technology and automate your processes for high-value work.
This will increase your overall productivity and make you a successful freelance writer.
#6. Set Clear Goals and Priorities
As a freelancer, I know how easy it is to get lost in the whirlwind of multiple projects and daily administrative tasks. These tasks prevent you from your main objective of completing your projects on time and in accordance with the brief.
To avoid such situations, set clear goals and priorities. I usually break down my projects into smaller tasks and complete each one. Doing this can help you plan your day effectively and track your progress.
I find that by prioritizing tasks, I focus on the essentials. This helps me optimize my time and energy.
Try this method as with clear goals you create accountability. You are also highly motivated and self-disciplined.
#7. Create a Distraction-Free Workspace
Working in a noiseless environment can be crucial for you. In fact, it can help you maximize your productivity. When you set aside an area solely for work, you create an environment in which you can focus deeply and work efficiently.
A noise-free environment also helps you immerse yourself entirely in your work without any external distractions.
You can help yourself by turning off all notifications, turning off your phone and setting specific work timings. I have found that an organized workspace helps me concentrate better and increases my productivity level.
What’s more, it also fosters creativity and enables you to handle tasks effectively and without switching your attention. Working in such an environment helps you achieve your goals and deliver high-quality work.
Takeaway
Ready to break free from anxious moments and freelancer overwhelm to skyrocket your career?
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the seven methods described above and watch your freelance success soar!
P.S. Ready to unlock even more productivity secrets? Share your biggest challenges in the comments below, and let’s brainstorm together!