6 Productivity Hacks for Working From Home

As Fullstack continues to host events and classes virtually, we want to ensure that we’re continuing to support the next generation of software developers by providing valuable tools and resources.

Our Fireside Chat series on YouTube (subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss out), hosted by co-founders and co-CEOs David Yang and Nimit Maru, offers career advice, job-seeking tips, and more.

The latest video features a conversation between David and Nimit about how to maximize your productivity.

Whether you’re working from home or learning remotely, the six hacks below will help you increase your output and add value, no matter what your role.

1. Plan with Measurable Targets

Their first tip? Making sure the goals you set are measurable.

“A lot of times we create goals that are very generalized, like, ‘hey, I want to work out more,’ ‘I want to learn how to code this year,’ and we don’t set something that’s measurable against that,” Nimit says. “If you can gamify it somehow … it can make you a lot more productive.”

In addition to setting measurable goals, take time to reflect on your progress, thinking about what you did well and how you can improve.

This applies in the classroom too. At Fullstack Academy, we work with you from day one to understand your goals and help you achieve them. Learn more about the Fullstack Experience.

2. Focus on Systems Vs. Goals

The next tip is to take your goals to the next level by putting effective systems in place.

“Systems are a way to encapsulate: What are the behaviors I’m going to do that will get me there and will continue to be healthy for me once I get there?” David says.

When you create a system, you’re creating a framework for how you will act both to reach your goals and to continue to sustain the results of achieving them.

“Amateurs have goals. Professionals wake up every day and work on their systems. If you want to be a professional, you just have to commit to doing it,” David says.

At Fullstack, the system we’ve put in place to help our students achieve their goals is the Fullstack Method.

In all our immersive programs, the Fullstack Method helps students learn how to work in an agile environment by teaching them how to pair program and how to learn any employer’s tech stack.

In addition, our programs have a set schedule so students are practicing consistently and increase their understanding of JavaScript and coding fundamentals. For our prep course, Bootcamp Prep, we offer a Live format, so students are encouraged to sign in and keep learning.

3. Hold Yourself Accountable

Once you’ve created functional systems to support your goals, it’s time to hold yourself accountable by using commitment devices to increase your chances of reaching your goals.

“A really simple one that actually works well for me is just a browser/website blocker,” Nimit says. He also recommends Beeminder, an app that combines self-tracking and monetary incentives to help you stick to your goals.

You can also hold yourself accountable by sharing your goals and expectations with your friends and family.

“My sister is actually training for a marathon right now, and once she committed to it on Instagram, it became a thing for her,” David says. “I think she just completed her first half marathon practice run. It’s incredible.”

If you’re interested in learning how to code, share that goal with a friend, family member, or coworker. Not only will they help you stay accountable, but they’ll also be there to support you throughout the process. To start learning today, try our Intro to Coding course.

4. Prioritize Tasks That Impact Your Goals

After you’ve created an accountability strategy, prioritize tasks that impact your goals.

“I got this tip from Marc Andreessen. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, this is what I go back to,” David says. “At the end of every night, before you go to bed, sit down and take an index card, and just write down: What are the three big things I have to get done tomorrow that are going to move forward my goals?”

Once you identify those priorities, make sure to organize your day around them and avoid letting other tasks distract you.

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Delegate + Automate

When it comes to productivity, “figure out how you can delegate and automate more of your day,” Nimit says.

If you have a team, focus on helping people specialize and increase efficiency and know when to step back and delegate tasks. Remember: Part of advancing in your career is spending less time on day-to-day tasks and more time on big-picture ideas.

When it comes to automation, focus on automating things that create value for your organization as a whole. “There are a lot of cool tools out there that help you automate actions on websites,” Nimit says. “All that stuff can be helpful if it’s applied well.”

6. Take Mental Health Breaks

Finally, one of the most important tips to increase your productivity is to prioritize your mental health.

“As I’ve gotten farther in my career, I’ve realized … you can sprint in the short term, but you pay for it in the long term,” David says.

What that means is that’s it’s important to take time for yourself and your health even when you’re working on important projects and meeting deadlines.

Take opportunities during the workday or in between class sessions to go for a walk, stretch, or even take a few minutes to meditate. This time will help your brain refresh and process more efficiently while also preventing burnout.

Next Steps

We hope these six productivity hacks help you use your time more efficiently and inspire you whether you’re learning or working. If upskilling or changing your career is one of your goals this year, one of our software engineering programs could be a great fit for you.

Fullstack offers full-time and part-time programs in web development and cybersecurity. Find the program that fits your schedule and start learning today!