How to Be the Most Productive Employee

With all of today's technological distractions, it's a mystery how anything gets done. And while you may have your routines, there are conscious steps you can take to ensure that you get all of your work done. Show initiative like this in the office, and you're sure to catch your boss's eye.

Don't Put It Off Until Tomorrow
How many times have you told yourself, "I'll just show up early tomorrow to make up for it"? The truth is, when that alarm rolls around, we completely forget about what we had to do. Sometimes, we're just tired. That's why you should always leave the office having done the things you wanted to accomplish. Don't wait until tomorrow to do it. You're going to want to start fresh. Even if you have to stay a little late, it will benefit you in the long run.

Give Yourself a Schedule
Lists can be great, but they mean nothing if you don't follow through. Instead, assign yourself a schedule to follow. Plan your entire day out in an online calendar. That way, nothing slips your mind. According to The Week, scheduling forces you to confront the reality of how much work you have to do. Be practical in how long things will actually take. Give yourself more than enough time so that if something else comes along to interrupt you, you won't be thrown for a curve ball.

Get a Good Night of Sleep
We get more work done with a full night of sleep before. When you sleep well, you'll feel more motivated and energized to get moving. Coffee can only do so much. The same thing goes for proper nutrition. Skipping meals or indulging in the wrong kind of food won't allow you to make it through the day without a headache and a bad mood (sometimes both). Be sure to treat your body and mind well so that you can be the best employee possible. 

Try Getting Up an Hour Earlier
You'd be amazed at what you can do with an extra hour. For instance, you could enjoy your breakfast at home instead of eating it at the office while trying to simultaneously do work. Or, you could head into the office early and might even be able to leave before your usual time. 

Write Yourself Notes
Have you ever mentally noted something only to forget it a couple of minutes later? Well, now is the time to break that habit. If something comes to mind like a note, reminder or idea, be sure to jot it down on one of your Post-It Notes. This is a great way to keep yourself in check throughout the day, and you'll get the satisfaction of throwing out the paper once your task is complete. 

Get It Right the First Time
There's not a more appropriate idiom then the one that goes, "If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?" Cutting corners may sound good at the time, but the truth is it will only hurt you down the road. Asking for a deadline extension is better than turning in something that isn't your 100 percent effort. 

Utilize Your Commute
There are more productive ways to use commute time than listening to music or watching YouTube videos. In fact, you could use the time to look over work-related papers or respond to emails. That way, you get some work done before you even walk into the office.  

Hint: Only use the morning of your commute to be productive. In the evening, destress by reading a book or enjoying some other form of entertainment.