Many professionals find themselves chasing the lofty goals of maximizing their productivity. While many people have this goal, not many find ways to achieve it. For those who sit down to work and find that time flies away, don’t fret, some professional strategies can help. If you are coming up short with your output and efficiency goals at work, here are a few tips.

Stop Multitasking

If you feel like you have too many things to do in one day, multitasking may seem like a natural path. While this may seem like the most efficient and effective way to approach numerous projects, it works against you. Multitasking is not something that your brain was built for and this can result in diminished, focus, output and creativity, to just name a few ill effects.

Reduce Distractions

Because there are often too many things to do and too many notifications throughout the workday, it can be all too easy to get distracted. If you want to be more productive, try reducing the distractions around you. Whether you close your office door, turn off unnecessary desktop notifications or silence your phone, there are plenty of ways to reduce the pings and alerts that distract you from your work.

Set Achievable To-Do Lists

Setting goals and expectations for yourself can be useful tools in your journey to improve your output. Designate a to-do list for everything from daily tasks to long-term projects, and break down your lists into achievable and manageable tasks. This can help keep you on track every day and throughout long-term projects. For those who struggle with procrastination, consider sharing your goals with a colleague or your manager to help hold you accountable.

Keep Up a Conducive, Clear Workspace

Your physical environment plays a substantial role in your attention and efficiency throughout the day. A cluttered, poorly lit workspace can leave you distracted and unfocused. Conversely, the right setup can give you space for improved creativity and productivity. Don’t let clutter and junk get in the way of you achieving your goals.

Set Yourself for Success and Be Kind to Yourself

The reality is that improving your output and efficiency takes time. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself that you unintentionally set yourself up for failure. Start with grace and self-compassion for yourself, paired with small, consistent changes. If you want to make lasting changes and major improvements to how you approach your professional life, you need to give yourself time and grace to make those changes.

While these five strategies are a great starting point, if you want to improve your professional life, commit to these every day and you can make major improvements.