subject: Develop a Routine to Improve Productivity [print this page] A routine can help you dramatically increase your productivity. It can seem boring, predictable or lame, but developing a routine is a proven method to improve productivity. You can compare a routine to a train track. There is only one direction to move on the rails - forward. You can harness this energy and become extremely effective. And, like a train, even if you derail you always know how to get back on track.
There are many instances in which creativity and productiveness increases, and the only change has been creating a routine for oneself. It may not seem like a big change, and some may think of routine as a "rut" that stifles creativity, but the truth is that the opposite of often true.
There are a many reasons why routines improve productivity:
Routines mean you never have to set aside time for a task - you have a schedule and know when you need to be working.
Creative juices get flowing much faster when you have a scheduled time set aside for them.
Routine means that you know when you need to be working, and that you will have time for relaxing later.
Developing a routine is not hard. Set aside a specific time for working, and don't let other responsibilities infringe. It might be hard to keep the routine up at first, but bear in mind that habits take three weeks to form, so stick to it. And above all: don't procrastinate. Procrastination is the enemy of routine.
You might even find that having a routine increases your creativity when you're not working. Many experts recommend carrying a small notebook in order to be able to jot down your brain storms. You can even work on them later - during your allotted time - which means work isn't infringing on play.
Look at making a routine as a challenge. Set a routine for yourself and track your productivity. Then track your productivity while you aren't on a schedule and work whenever you want. You may be surprised at what a difference it makes.
