Some days, it’s hard to focus on work and get things done. Other times, we’re so overwhelmed with tasks that we don’t even know where to begin.

Fortunately, with a slight adjustment in our approach, we can kick the procrastination, and get more done.

In this video, Creative Director, Matthew Encina, shares his top three productivity tips to get more done and manage your time like a pro. As a Creative Director for both Blind and The Futur, he’s got plenty to juggle day-to-day. Here’s how Matthew balances both roles, manages big teams, and oversees projects.

Tip #1: Keep a prioritized to-do list

Already in the habit of creating daily to-do lists? Take your lists a step further by prioritizing tasks.

The highest-value tasks should sit at the top of your to-do list. In Matthew’s case, some of his higher value tasks include new business developments, client meetings, and project postings.

Low maintenance tasks should sit towards the bottom of your list. They shouldn’t take very long to do, and aren’t as high of a priority.

You’ll want to set realistic goals and deadlines with your daily or weekly to-do’s. This way, when the end of the week rolls around, you won’t feel defeated or discouraged if you didn’t check off every task.

Tip #2: Track your time

Some days, you feel like you have too much on your plate, and not enough time to get it all done. But when the clock strikes 6PM, you realize you actually haven’t done anything. Yikes.

Just as you’d prioritize your higher-value tasks on your to-do list, you need to prioritize the time you commit to each task.

How much time are you spending checking your email? Or scrolling through LinkedIn? While they may be necessary parts of your work day, they could be eating up time that should be spent on more important things.

There’s a saying that goes, “what gets measured gets improved.” Make a habit of tracking your time, and be honest about what you report. Try to eliminate time-wasting tasks from your workday.

Tip #3: Track your projects

If you’ve got 10 projects that you’re working on all at the same time, you need to keep track of each one. Because you have to jump from one project to the other throughout the day, it’s important to create a process that keeps your workflow smooth and efficient.

Whether you work solo or with a team, track your projects with a system or habit that you and/or your team can commit to.

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