There are dozens of tools out there that claim to boost performance on the job. But do they really work? How to choose the one tool that will take the working process to the next level?
Today, we will talk about science-backed tools that are worth using. We will discuss the most common performance-related issues and explain how advanced technology can address them.
Can you call yourself a “media multitasker”? Are you capable of writing a monthly report and replying to incoming emails at the same time? We have bad news for you. Your “multitasking ability” negatively affects your performance.
You get distracted more often than your co-workers, who tend to perform one task at a time. And what about the quality of your work? It’s likely lower than it could be.
The truth is that the processing capacity of the human brain is limited. Trying to perform a few tasks simultaneously, you just waste your potential.
Well, you probably have heard lots of stories about highly effective people who can perform a few tasks simultaneously. Social scientists believe that these people do not multitask – they have the ability to quickly switch their attention from one task to another and fully concentrate on one specific task.
Do you want to improve your performance instantly? Say “no” to media multitasking. Use tools like FocusMe and Freedom to block access to social media platforms and other sites that distract you. It will allow you to boost your concentration so that you will be able to deliver better results.
Every day you write dozens of emails, reports, and other documents. And whatever your writing skills level is, you need to proofread all the texts you create. Typos are inevitable, and you should do your best to catch and correct them.
But there is a problem. Our brain works in a way that makes it difficult for us to spot our own mistakes. The human brain constantly uses previous experiences to interpret new ones, and that’s called generalization. Unconsciously we build mental maps compiling the sights, smells, and sounds to free up our brain to think about more important things.
To put it simply, our brain is operating on instinct, and sometimes it works against us. When you’re trying to proofread your own writing, you become blind to details. Since your text already looks familiar to your brain, you can’t spot a misspelled word.
If you want to improve your texts’ quality, you should trick your brain into pretending that you’re reading your writing for the first time. You can try to change the font style or background color to change the way your text looks.
Or, you can use proofreading tools to ease your work. Check out best essay writing services, and grammar checkers like Grammarly. It will be wise of you to opt for automatic proofreading to save your time and boost your performance.
Do you write to-do lists? No? It’s time to fix it. Find a to-do list tool that works for you and start using it on a daily basis.
Here is what scientists say about the benefits of using to-do lists.
The first benefit is all about eliminating intrusive thoughts. Once you add a specific task to your to-do list, the idea related to this task stops circulating in your mind and distracting you from work.
Let’s say you need to buy food for your cat and book a table for your anniversary. If you do not write down these two tasks, they will come to your mind repeatedly. You will be unable to concentrate on the job that needs to be done.
But if you add these two tasks to your to-do list, the magic will happen – you will free up your mind and fully focus on your current job.
Another benefit of to-do lists tools is that they allow you to prioritize your tasks and make a plan for a day. Using such tools, you can manage your time more effectively and improve your job performance.
There are lots of to-do list tools and apps out there. You can use Todoist, TickTick, Remember The Milk, or any other tool that appeals to you.
We can’t stay focused on one task for too long because that results in cognitive boredom. Our brain needs breaks. We need to have some time to rest and unwind during the workday to perform at our best.
In other words, the effectiveness of your work decreases when you concentrate on one task for a few hours in a row.
Let’s say you need to write a monthly marketing report. It will take you around four hours to complete the task. In the first 25 minutes, your concentration levels and your performance will be the highest.
But with every next half an hour, your performance will be lowering. You will start getting tired and experiencing boredom. As a result, you will write fewer pages per hour, make more typos and other mistakes.
What can you do to keep your productivity at the highest level? One of the easiest ways is to try out the Pomodoro technique with the use of tools like Pomofocus or TomatoTimer. Here is what you should do:
Pomodoro timer apps will help you stick to a well-optimized work-and-rest schedule and boost your performance. You will start using your time more wisely and get more tasks done within fewer hours.
Use new technologies to your advantage to excel in your career. Be open to innovations, and choose science-backed tools that work for you.
Leverage grammar checkers, timers, to-do list tools, and anti-distraction apps – and you will accomplish your goals.
