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How to Develop Effective Work Habits in 2023   

The holidays are over, and it’s back to work. However, the new year brings with it new reflections and resolutions in our personal lives, careers, and even work ethics. The workplace is continuously changing, and in today’s competitive world, you should not just work hard but also effectively. 

Much can be said about hard work, but it is almost insufficient since professionals nowadays are expected to make the most of every opportunity and achieve more with less.

Most of the time, figuring out how to achieve success and putting in the necessary work are on opposite ends of a different universe. It is a common misconception that knowing what to do and being willing to do it effectively go hand in hand. They do not, and as for sheer will, it can only go so far.  

The most effective way to turn your life around is to develop habits and they are formed through repetition. According to research, developing a new habit requires many weeks of regular practice of a new set of actions and even longer is required for a new, healthy habit to take shape.

Consider reprogramming your mind so that you always act in your best interests without having to will yourself to do the smallest things productively and then, imagine applying that in the work environment. 

Building a productive habit is the way to go, and these are some of the approaches to consider that might greatly improve the quality and effectiveness of your work.

1.  Do Not Hit the Snooze Button. 

Set up your alarm clock across the room. It will force you to get up out of bed and start your day on the first ring, or at least we hope it will. How you start your day has a huge impact on how most of your day might unfold, so try to be mindful of that. 

Starting your day well is important for a variety of reasons, including the fact that the frame of mind with which you begin your day can influence your mood throughout the day. You’re not alone if looking at your alarm clock makes you groan. When that blaring tone awakens you from your sound sleep at 4 a.m., it takes everything you have not to throw it across the room. However, hitting the snooze button does more harm than good. 

If you do that for even five minutes, your body will believe you are falling back asleep. When you wake up for the second time, you’ll be groggy and unmotivated. 

2. Stay Hydrated. 

You hear it all the time: Drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Water is very vital to the body. It aids in the delivery of oxygen, the regulation of body temperature, the elimination of waste, and much more. 

While some vegetables and fruits (such as watermelon) contain a significant amount of water, experts advocate consuming as much water as possible. Furthermore, when your body is adequately hydrated, you will feel more energized. Add fresh fruit to your water for a refreshing twist of flavour. 

3. Take Mental Breaks. 

Working on the same activity for hours on end might sometimes lead to a dead end/creative block. Your thoughts may not flow, or you may be unable to get any work done effectively. When this occurs, it is important to take mental breaks. Please note that this does not imply mindless scrolling on social media. Just take a few steps away from the situation at that moment.  

To remind yourself to take frequent breaks, use a Pomodoro timer or set an alarm on your phone. Short breaks between tasks have been shown to enhance productivity by allowing you to focus and feel successful while tracking your progress. 

4. Respect and Meet Deadlines. 

Completing work on time shows accountability and the ability to stick to the deadline. However, if you find it difficult to follow through, you could create short-term goals for yourself. Prepare a to-do list and schedule your work ahead of time to better deal with the target date. This can be used as a plan of action to help you focus on the task at hand. 

Furthermore, achieving and appreciating small wins will set the foundation for greater success. 

Read Also: How To Cope with Loss in Business

5. Learn How to Manage Time.  

If you take a long lunch break, gossip, or discuss personal issues at work, it wastes excellent office hours. If you have caught social media fever, it is important to know that only you can stop yourself from getting into trouble at work. 

You can also lose focus, which might disrupt your work-life balance. To establish a healthier working habit, prioritize your duties, avoid multitasking, and minimize distractions in your workspace. Adopting a project management tool to track how much time you spend on tasks and projects might also be helpful, especially for remote workers. These apps can also help you improve your core work skills and handle personal duties more efficiently. 

6. Take Care of Yourself. 

It is easy to get lost in work that you forget to do the little things that would help to make you happy, healthy and even boost your morale. Make out time to do the activities you like to help you de-stress and focus on what’s important to you. 

Also, take note of what you eat because it has a considerable influence on focus and energy. Healthy eating is about preparing your food to control the ingredients, organic food, veggies/fruits, and less junk/takeout, which might prevent you from overeating and falling asleep. Assess your posture, eyesight, and blood flow. In these areas, self-awareness can save you from a plethora of aches, pains, and injuries. 

7. Declutter and Keep your Workspace Clean. 

A well-organized workspace can help with concentration and planning. It’s also essential to clean your desk on a regular basis. You do not want to stay stuck in a physical mess while working. 

Create a personalized organizational system to arrange assignments and tasks. Use cleansing wipes or antiseptic spray to wipe down the surface of your desk and gadgets. 

8. Avoid Procrastination. 

You’d probably prefer to read through your social media feeds during office hours and then finish off a project you dislike. However, putting off crucial tasks simply makes matters worse, and then you miss the deadline. 

Do not let the dread of deadlines overwhelm you. If a task is bothering you, you might as well finish it. Stay focused on the task at hand and always finish what you start. 

9. Be Organized. 

At work, you don’t have to be the “go big or go home” type of organizer. Start by clearing up a crowded daily schedule, taking important notes, and setting work checklists, and then continue to make progress from there. 

You can also use task management software to manage your tasks and build this positive work habit. These tools might help you stay organized by monitoring deadlines and tracking tasks. 

Habits can be formed and developed. While this is not an exhaustive list, practising the above until they become second nature to you will undoubtedly make your work life easier and more effective.

About GetFundedAfrica

GetFundedAfrica is building Africa’s largest tech-enabled marketplace which connects African founders with global mentors, coaches, corporates, investors and government. Whether you want to raise funds ranging from $100k to $50m or you simply want to grow your business, sign up for free at www.getfundedafrica.com

Silas Ugochi

Silas Ugochi is a Staff Writer and Content Creator at GetFundedAfrica. Ugochi is an educated content writer who relishes using her skills to help GetFundedAfrica's Media Team achieve the goal of sharing the success stories of African entrepreneurs. When she isn't writing articles, she can be found listening to music, reading, or DJing.

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