10 Productivity Hacks for Busy Creatives

As a creative, it can be easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of new ideas and inspiration. However, staying productive and meeting deadlines can be a challenge. If you're feeling overwhelmed and unproductive, try incorporating these 10 productivity hacks into your daily routine.

1. Create a schedule - and stick to it. One of the best ways to stay productive is to have a schedule and stick to it. This can help you prioritize tasks and focus on one thing at a time. Consider using a planner or calendar app to help you stay organized.

2. Break large tasks into smaller ones. If you're feeling overwhelmed by a large project, break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This can help you focus on one thing at a time, and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the bigger picture.

3. Use the Pomodoro Technique. The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that can help you stay focused and productive. It involves breaking your work into 25-minute intervals, with short breaks in between. This can help prevent burnout and increase productivity. Try using a Pomodoro timer app such as Toggl or Focus@Will

4. Eliminate distractions. Distractions can be a major productivity killer. Consider using a website blocker app like Cold Turkey to block access to distracting websites, or try using noise-canceling headphones to eliminate background noise.

5. Take regular breaks. Breaks are important for maintaining focus and preventing burnout. Take a short walk, grab a cup of coffee, or do a quick workout during your break. It can help you come back to your work with a fresh perspective.

6. Prioritize your tasks based on importance and urgency. Not all tasks are created equal. Prioritize your tasks based on their importance and urgency, and tackle the most important ones first.

7. Use the Eisenhower Matrix: Eisenhower matrix is a way of prioritizing tasks by separating them into four categories: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and not important or not urgent. This can help you identify which tasks are truly important, and focus on them.

8. Consider batch working. Batch working is a productivity hack that involves grouping similar tasks together and completing them all at once. This can help you save time, increase focus and avoid mental fatigue.

9. Use a project management tool. A project management tool can help you stay organized and on track with your projects. Consider using a tool such as Trello or Asana to keep track of tasks and deadlines.

10. Surround yourself with positive influences. Surrounding yourself with positive influences can help to keep you motivated and focused on your work. Follow people that inspire you on social media or look for a supportive community to join.

By incorporating these productivity hacks into your daily routine, you can boost your productivity, meet deadlines and make the most of your creative talents. Remember, being productive doesn't mean being constantly busy, it means working efficiently, being mindful of the way you spend your time and knowing when to take a break.