Entrepreneurs are notorious for taking on more tasks than they can handle, as, when it comes to launching and running a company, there is usually no other way to get things done. While this may be true, remember that there are still countless hacks that you can employ to make your work life a little easier. To prove this, we’ve compiled a list of fifteen ways entrepreneurs, and even “wantrepreneurs”, can improve their productivity starting today, according to Sajid Rahman.
Sajid Rahman is an advisor and mentor for OPEN, the first accelerator program for rural entrepreneurs in Bangladesh, as well as Director of the Bangladesh Founder Institute.
- If you are working in a large company or dealing with one, do not underestimate the inefficiency that has been built over time - plan accordingly.
- Accept ignorance and you will save everyone's time.
- Limit your options by defining boundaries - what you want, what you are going to accept from others, etc. - the fewer the number of options the better it is.
- Focus on the process of getting things done rather than the results. This eliminates anxiety and you improve yourself with every iteration.
- Always be ready to experiment - that is the way to kill boredom and get most out of your time.
- Hang on to your goals/projects longer than others and you will end up achieving more.
- Ignore your boss and reply to emails in blocks of time rather than throughout the day. There is no hurry!
- Stop saying "let's take this offline" at meetings.
- Most (probably 90%) of what you hear/read is meaningless, so don't waste time paying attention.
- Do a technology audit of all the apps and gadgets in your life and eliminate those that are not helping you do things better.
- Build a habit that will help to still your mind - a long walk, run, meditation, etc. - whatever works.
- Start saying "no" to most of the requests; every "yes" has a significant opportunity cost.
- Go do interesting things.
- Be busy but do not be in haste; the idea is to move through the day without losing the flow.
- When interacting with others, focus on the good things the other person brings to the table and ignore the rest.
(Multitasking Woman image by Shutterstock)
Applications to the program are open now, and anyone interested in launching a technology company is welcome to apply to the Bangladesh Founder Institute at http://fi.co/apply/dhaka.
