It’s normal to feel like you’re not being “productive enough” in life. While it’s not okay to get bogged down on those feelings, it is okay to become proactive about the situation. Unfortunately, increasing productivity isn’t as simple as flicking a switch. It takes hard work, brain re-training, and willpower, too. However, there are some great productivity systems that can help you get things done in life. Here are the top six strategies that can be used to boost productivity levels and help you start tackling that to-do list.

What Are Productivity Systems?

A productivity system is a technique or methodology that can help individuals achieve their goals and to-do list efficiently and quickly. The best kinds of strategies to use are easy to use, structured but with a level of flexibility, and those that can be applied long-term.

1. Getting Things Done (GTD)

This system was developed by author David Allen, who penned a book with the same name. To start, write down every goal and item you want to achieve onto a paper or computer screen. One of the best apps to use for this part of the GTD process is by Evernote.com. They allow for simultaneous syncing of the list across all devices, even with no wi-fi connection.

After writing that down, organize it into six different areas of focus to prioritize. This includes areas of responsibility, current actions, short-term and long-term goals, and general life goals. Then, it’s easy to sort through everything and start working through it efficiently, making real progress, and then ultimately feeling proud of yourself.

2. The Daily Trifecta

This method focuses on the three most important things you want to do by writing them down the previous night. The technique works by certifying that you’ve made quantifiable progress and the day is an ultimate win if those three things are accomplished.

3. Time Blocking Technique

Time blocking involves separating the tasks that need to get done into specific blocks of time, creating a strictly scheduled day. This allows for you to focus on just one item at a time for a set amount of time, ultimately creating an efficient day instead of meandering around from task to task. The best time intervals to start with are an hour and a half per task.

4. Eat That Frog Method

This may sound strange, but it’s ultimately based on a famous quote by Mark Twain. “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning, and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.” The principle is to get rid of the biggest and most significant task first thing in the morning. That way, it’s done in the morning and doesn’t need to be worried about anymore. This method is perfect for those who experience a crash or energy lag later in the day. It’s kind of like eating the vegetables first to get them out of the way.

5. Seinfeld Calendar System

This is based on a method made popular by famous comedian Jerry Seinfeld. Start by hanging a large calendar on the wall, the kind with the entire year on a single big page. Every day something good is accomplished, put a red X on the calendar. The goal is not to break the chain, which helps keep the productivity levels high.

6. Bullet Journaling

Bullet journaling, or BuJo, for short, is a system developed by Ryder Carroll. After Carroll was diagnosed with ADHD, he developed a way to keep track of his mindfulness and organize the what and the why of daily tasks, making it easier to tackle a large list. In fact, this system uses an entirely different language and methodology than most other productivity systems. It can be used to accommodate a flexible schedule, rather than forcing one that doesn’t work or is too overwhelming.

Try These the Six Productivity Systems

These six productivity systems are all tried-and-true techniques for increasing productivity levels in everyday life. Whether you want to accomplish more during the day, work harder at your career, or simply get the housework done on time, these six systems can be a tremendous help. Try one or all of them today to find the right one for you.