Have you been struggling to accomplish your goals only to end up achieving very little? Many people start with a plan and a list of things they wish to do but only find themselves stuck with an even longer list.  Although we all wish to be more productive at work, many of us get distracted or even struggle to finish even the simplest tasks. The key to improving productivity at work starts with better time management.

I have worked with many young executives and millennial entrepreneurs at npower and helped them to improve productivity even on their 12-15-hour day shifts. Although millennial entrepreneurs have the entire day to themselves, many still struggle to manage their time wisely. Whatever your work is, you need a solid work plan and time table to manage your workday for improved productivity. Discussed below are a few tips you can take on to improve productivity and work smarter.

1.            Don’t Multitask Unless You Have To

Do not be fooled into handling two or more tasks at once, no matter how simple or small they seem. Although you might think you are capable of juggling between phone calls and lunch, or presentations, your mind isn't programmed to handle such. According to Earl K. Miller, a neuroscience professor, trying to multitask puts a lot of pressure to your mind and body. Instead of multitasking, focus on one task at a time, then move to the next. You'll be able to accomplish more that way.

2.            Train Yourself To Take Breaks

Working for long hours or burning the midnight oil even when you feel tired doesn’t mean you will accomplish more. It only results in fatigue whereby your productivity will reduce significantly. Taking a 15-minute break between tasks, however, helps boost your mood and concentration. If possible, take a walk (5-minute) within the office, or spend around 15 minutes of your time grabbing the mid-afternoon coffee.

3.            Set Realistic Goals

You can't accomplish everything in one day or one go. Setting a long list of goals and objectives will only induce fatigue even before you can start. Nonetheless, breaking up these goals into smaller tasks will help you accomplish much more. Breaking up tasks and setting realistic goals gives you better control hence improved productivity in the long run.

4.            Handle Larger Tasks When Your Mind Is Fresh

Many of us will shy away from bigger goals or assignments in favor of smaller ones. Although you might not feel confident enough to handle such a task in the morning, this is the best time to do it. Taking on larger assignments while your mind is still fresh, makes it easier to tackle them accurately and faster as compared to when your mind is already burned out. Taking on larger tasks means they won't bleed out into the next day's work.

Understand when you are most productive and handle such tasks during that time. Some people work better in the morning, while others will need to pick up the pace to be able to handle such strenuous and demanding tasks.

5.            Take on the 'Two-minute Rule'

According to Steve Olenski, taking on small tasks that require less than 2 minutes of your time will help you accomplish more in one day. Such tasks can be done during the tiny windows between significant tasks.

In addition to this, make it a habit of starting on a project/assignment in under two minutes. This is the only best way you can beat procrastination, especially if you have to work on a big project. Although you might not be able to complete the task in record time, the tasks will be done before you notice it.

It's hard to maintain the same pace when working on assignments all through the week. Some days will be slower than others. Nonetheless, learning to refocus your energy during these slow days should help you get things done faster than you imagined.