An Underrated Productivity Tool!

The Little-Known Habit That Makes a Difference

Hi! I’m Sumanth, I’m on the Customer Success team here at Fyle. My role involves helping clients transition smoothly onto our platform, ensuring they’re equipped and confident in using Fyle to its fullest.

Moving into a customer-facing position brought a whole new set of challenges like managing client calls, follow-ups, and daily tasks was a juggling act! But I discovered a simple, powerful tool that transformed my productivity and helped me stay organised and stress-free. I can’t wait to share it with you in this blog!

The Power of Simplicity: A Productivity Tool You’re Overlooking

We're surrounded by endless productivity apps and systems, all promising to make our lives easier.

But what if the real magic lies in something way simpler?

I’m talking about a tool so basic, it’s often ignored or underestimated. But trust me, once you start using it, you'll wonder how you ever managed without it.

This little helper has become a lifesaver for me, and by the end of this blog, you’ll want to give it a shot too!

Why "Underrated" Matters

We all know the word "underrated," right? It’s usually thrown around to describe something that should be getting more attention than it does.

But what does it actually mean? Well, to make sure we’re on the same page, I turned to ChatGPT (because hey, I love a quick definition!). It basically means something that’s more valuable than people realise. And today, I want to talk about one such hidden gem that fits this description perfectly.

Spoiler alert: it’s simple, but it has completely transformed how I approach my daily work.

Not a Fancy Gadget, But It Works Like Magic

If you’re still reading, you might be thinking, “Okay, this must be about some fancy software or high-tech gadget that I’ve never heard of.”

Nope! This tool I’m talking about is so simple that most of us overlook it completely. But don’t be fooled by its simplicity - it packs a punch when it comes to improving your productivity. And the best part? It doesn’t cost a single penny. It’s as accessible as a notebook or a phone screen, and the benefits it brings will surprise you.

How I Discovered It - A Personal Journey

I stumbled upon this tool when I moved into my current role as an Implementation Specialist.

Transitioning from an operations role to one that’s customer-facing was a big leap for me. Suddenly, I had a million things to keep track of, from client calls to tasks that needed immediate attention.

I remember feeling overwhelmed, not because I couldn’t do the work, but because I didn’t know where to start. That’s when I was introduced to this simple tool.

In the beginning, I used it just to scribble things down, but very quickly, it became clear how much easier my day became with it.

The more I used it, the more it grew with me - evolving from a basic tool to a structured guide that kept me on top of everything, both short-term and long-term.

The Big Reveal!

Drumroll, please... I’m talking about the simple, yet mighty To-Do List!

That’s right - the simple To-Do List is truly the unsung hero when it comes to boosting productivity. It doesn’t need any fancy software or complex tools.

In fact, you can create one practically anywhere- on a sticky note, your phone, slack or even in a notebook. And yet, despite how accessible and easy it is to use, it’s often underestimated.

But here’s the thing: this humble list has the power to transform the way you work and live.

The Game-Changer: Keeping Me Organised

The first change I noticed was how organised I felt. Before, my mind was constantly jumping from one task to another, worrying about what I might be forgetting.

With the To-Do List, I had everything in one place. I started creating a plan at the end of each workday, listing out what needed to be tackled the next day.

It wasn’t just about organising my tasks; it was about organising my thoughts. Each task was prioritised, and suddenly, my overwhelming workload seemed manageable.

Stress Reduction? Check.

Using the To-Do List also had a significant impact on my stress levels. Instead of juggling tasks in my mind, I had everything laid out in front of me.

I could clearly see what was urgent and what could wait. This clarity gave me peace of mind and made my days feel less chaotic.

I found myself focusing better on the task at hand because I wasn’t constantly worried about what I might be missing. It helped me breathe a little easier!

Boosting Productivity in Small Steps

One of the biggest misconceptions is that productivity means getting everything done all at once. But through the To-Do List, I learned that breaking tasks down into smaller, manageable steps is where the magic happens.

Instead of feeling the pressure to complete a huge task, I could break it into parts, checking them off one by one. Each small step felt like progress, and at the end of the day, even the smallest tasks felt like wins.

Accountability and the Satisfaction of Crossing Things Off

One unexpected benefit I got from using my To-Do List was accountability. It’s easy to forget something if you don’t write it down, but with my To-Do List, nothing slipped through the cracks.

Plus, the act of crossing off a completed task brought me a sense of accomplishment.

It might sound silly, but seeing those checkmarks at the end of the day made me feel like I was really getting things done!

Motivation? You Bet.

It’s funny, but something as simple as crossing off tasks gave me motivation like nothing else. It became a bit of a game - how many tasks could I cross off today?

It wasn’t just about getting through the work; it was about making progress and feeling good about it. Each day became an opportunity to challenge myself and see how much I could get done.

Planning Like a Pro

One of the biggest long-term benefits I’ve gained from using a To-Do List is better planning. This tool didn’t just help me in the moment; it helped me see the bigger picture.

It allowed me to map out both short-term and long-term goals, ensuring that I wasn’t just caught up in the day-to-day but was also making strides toward my larger objectives.

My Routine - How I Do It

So, how do I actually use this tool in my daily routine? Before I end my workday, I always jot down the tasks I need to tackle the next day.

This simple habit has been a game-changer for me. It allows me to start each day with a clear sense of direction. Since my role is customer-facing, I always leave a little room for ad-hoc tasks that might pop up unexpectedly. By doing this, I’m never blindsided, and I can handle new challenges without feeling overwhelmed.

Give It a Shot!

Look, I know this tool sounds simple, maybe even too simple - but that’s exactly why it works. Sometimes, the best solutions aren’t the most complicated ones. If you’re not already using a To-Do List, I highly encourage you to give it a try.

It’s an easy habit to adopt, but the impact it can have on your productivity, stress levels, and overall sense of control is massive.

If you're anything like me, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without it!

For more on my journey, take a look at A Day in the Life of an Implementation Executive at Fyle.

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