It’s true, there isn’t enough time in the day to accomplish everything we set out to do. We’ve all been there, wished there was more than 24 hours in a day and no matter what we wish for it’ll never come true. The only way we can get more out of each day is to make small changes in our daily routine to be more productive.

Everyone will tell you they have poor time management skills, and although it’s not always true, it’s the idea of getting more out of a day that always persists. The bottom line is there will always be something else we want to accomplish, no matter how productive we are, or think we are. Time is money, time is life, and in essence, the one thing we can’t control has the biggest effect on our lives.

When looking at being more productive, the following small changes can help you be just that.

10. Listen to Music

Certain types of music helps clear the mind. Softer music like classical, instrumental or even sounds of nature have proven to increase productivity by as much as 30%. Music played should be more of a background and will help keep you focused instead of focusing on other external distractions.

9. Tackle Unwanted Tasks First

Many people put off what they don’t want to do until later in the day, and believe me, i’m one of those people. Start out your day doing the least desirable tasks first and get them out of the way and then move on to the tasks you enjoy the most.

8. Take Regular Breaks

Sounds simple, but taking regular breaks is one of the most overlooked ways of being productive. This helps minimize burnout which is something we all face and almost sounds counter-productive when looking at your overall available time. It’s a fact, you will not always work at optimal productivity, so working in shorter bursts during times when you’re most productive and take breaks during your least productive times is a must.

7. Take Advantage of Your Most Productive Time of the Day

Everyone has their own sweet-spot and it’s different with everyone. Whether you’re a morning person or a midnight owl, taking advantage of your most productive time of the day will allow you to be the most productive. One you figure this out, arrange your entire schedule around this time and optimize your schedule accordingly.

6. Take Notes with Pen and Paper

Resorting to the basics and taking notes on pen and paper will free you from distractions on your phone. While smartphones have apps that some believe make you more efficient, they offer too many distractions which takes your mind off the things that really matter. With pen and paper in your back pocket taking notes will take every bit of 15 seconds instead of 30 minutes while checking your Facebook messages in between.

5. Constant Reflection

Constantly reflect and ask yourself, “are you doing everything you can to be more productive?” If you’re being honest with yourself, odds are you’ll answer no. Revisit yesterday, day before and the day before that to see what could have been done differently and make those changes tomorrow.

4. Listen to Podcasts or Stream YouTube

Streaming Podcasts or YouTube while driving in your car allows you to take advantage of “dead time” during each day. A great deal of education comes from these two sources and both are a great way to maximizing productivity instead of loosing the time to music or talking on the phone.

3. Eliminate Distractions

Sounds easier than it really is, but eliminating distractions such as cell phones, turning off the TV, and other things that consume so much of our time is a necessity. According to a recent study, those between the age of 18 – 24 spend about 3 hours per day on smartphones browsing the internet, messaging on Facebook and sharing pictures with others that is ultimately a waste of time. Entertaining and fun yes, but has no bearing on truly being productive in life.

2. Jump Right-In

Starting any task is the key, and although it sounds like a foregone conclusion it’s the most difficult key to accomplish. Taking that first step includes waiting for the perfect time, place, or environment to get started, but we all know there’s not always the perfect time, place or environment. Jumping right-in is just that, and once you start you’re more likely to develop a rhythm which could last for hours.

1. Do what You do Because You Want to, Not Because You Have to

Probably the single best way to increase productivity is dependent on your level of interest. Many people get inter-twinned doing something because they feel they “have to” instead of because they “want to”. Whether it’s your job or some form of entertainment, if you are actively engaged you’re certain to be more productive.