People may say that night is a bad time for productivity, but I have always been quite productive at night.
In fact, research has shown that after midnight is the best time for physical activity.
Some argue that productivity is a linear process. It starts at 10 am and then just continues to decline for the rest of the day.
That seems unlikely to me.
One of the best ideas for a new product or business comes after 3 am.
My productivity is always better when I am tired because I am better able to focus and think clearly.
I always achieve a lot at night, and it is actually rare that I finish something I start before midnight.
I will then have the energy and enthusiasm to write some emails, answer emails, tweet, read other people’s work, or just simply pass out to sleep.
Why do people procrastinate?
It is easy to convince yourself that you will do something later, or that it is too hard.
However, once you are relaxed and enjoying what you are doing, you will realize that what you have done before was not hard at all.
Do you know who is most productive at night? Night owls, or people who live the nightlife.
They have no problem finishing what they started and starting new things.
Why do you need to work with the right people?
There is a big problem that many people face when they start working with other people.
They just do not know how to get the best out of the people around them.
I find that the people who are best at getting things done, often have one or more very strong personality traits.
Do you want to be more productive? Then this is for you: Create the environment you need.
Create the environment that helps you get your work done, and treat others the way you want to be treated.
Effective communication
I think most people are reluctant to communicate with others.
It is hard to get the right message across sometimes, especially if someone is not on the same page as you.
However, there are some techniques that you can use to help you communicate more effectively.
Focus on what matters
Instead of sharing other people’s problems, focus on solutions.
How can I help you? If you focus on how you can help, it will be easier to communicate.
If you focus on what the other person wants, you could end up communicating more than you intend.
It can also be difficult to explain the idea if the other person does not understand the meaning.
No excuses
Never make excuses for why something does not work.
“I did not get time to finish this project today”.
“I need to check this one more time”.
“I had a power failure”.
If something does not work out, own it and deal with it as soon as possible.
Surround yourself with people who support you
There is a lot of debate about the optimal size of your team.
Some experts say that you should have a small team and work on one product, while others say that a bigger team is the key.
For me, I believe in having a team of 3 people or less. But in many cases, smaller is better.
I find that the amount of work I can get done with a small team far outweighs the extra burden and challenges that a bigger team creates.
Focus on your core message
Always focus on the core message of what you are trying to communicate.
You need to be clear and succinct about what you are trying to do.
For instance, what are the objectives and intentions of the product or service that you are designing?
Are you trying to help people reach their goals, or are you trying to add more fun and value to the existing products in the market?
Just be clear about what you are trying to achieve.
Be flexible
People can’t read your mind.
They need to know what you want, and that you are flexible enough to adapt to changes and make adjustments.
Because things are constantly changing, you must be flexible.
Always strive to be better than you were yesterday.
Trust your instincts
One of the most successful people I know creates products and services based on what she feels is a market trend or an opportunity she sees.
At the end of the day, the customers are the experts and are the ones who have to choose what they want.
If you feel that there is something that needs to be done, then go ahead and do it.
If you do not have enough information, go back and collect more information and gather more information before moving on.
Dedicate time to your work
Many people do not dedicate enough time to their work.
We work too many hours that we do not take the time to enjoy the fruits of our labor.
I have been guilty of this too many times and it is time that I commit to dedicating a certain amount of time to my work.
It will help you stay motivated.
You will always have that “huge mountain” that you want to climb that will help you stay motivated and drive.
Expectations
When you release your product or service to the market, you must set expectations.
You need to make sure that customers know what to expect when they purchase your product or service.
Having a strong goal helps you to be on the right track to success.
And expectations will help you to manage your time well and be more productive.
