Matt Davies
May 19th 2023
Overcoming obstacles to productivity
We'll take a look at the top productivity killers and how to overcome them
As much as we'd all like to be productive 100% of the time, there are certain obstacles that can make it difficult to stay focused and motivated. From feeling uninspired to being bogged down by too many meetings, these obstacles can quickly derail even the most well-intentioned efforts to get things done. In this post, we'll explore some of the most common obstacles to productivity and offer some tips for overcoming them. According to Microsoft’s 2023 Work Trend Index these are the top 5 blockers to productivity, additionally we’ll explore some ways to combat them:
1. Not easily finding the info you need
In today's fast-paced work environment, information is often scattered across multiple platforms and systems, making it difficult to find what you need when you need it. This can be a major obstacle to productivity, as it can lead to wasted time and frustration. To overcome this obstacle, it's important to take a proactive approach to information management. Consider using a tool like Evernote or Trello to keep track of important information and tasks in one centralized location. Additionally, make sure to establish clear naming conventions and folder structures to make it easier to locate files and documents. Finally, ensure management is visible and contactable should the need arise.
2. Feeling Uninspired
Feeling uninspired is another common obstacle to productivity. Whether it's due to burnout, stress, or lack of motivation, feeling uninspired can make it difficult to get started on important tasks. To overcome this obstacle, try mixing up your routine or environment. Take a walk outside, listen to some music, or work in a different location. You might also consider seeking out inspiration from others, whether it's through reading a book or attending a conference.
3. Too. Many. Meetings...
Meetings can be an essential part of collaborative work, but they can also be a major productivity killer. When you're constantly in meetings, it can be difficult to find the time to actually get work done. This can be overcome by being selective about which meetings you attend and ensuring that they have clear agendas and goals. Additionally, managers should consider using tools like Slack or email to communicate updates and progress instead of scheduling another meeting.
4. Lacking clear goals
Without clear goals, it can be difficult to stay motivated and on track. If you're not sure what you're working towards, it's easy to get side-tracked or lose focus. To overcome this obstacle, take the time to establish clear goals and break them down into smaller, achievable tasks. Make sure that your goals are specific, measurable, and aligned with your overall priorities.
Remember, communication is a two-way street. If you are unclear on a task once you’ve been given it, ask! Most managers will tell you they value honesty and productivity above all, and in a world where working from home is the new norm it can be hard to tell when a colleague needs help. Be honest, ask the right questions and save everybody time.
The biggest killer to productivity...
5. Inefficient meetings
Even if you're selective about the meetings you attend, they can still be a major productivity killer if they're inefficient or poorly run. Leaders, you’re up! Make sure that meetings have clear agendas and goals, and that attendees come prepared and ready to contribute. Additionally, consider setting time limits for meetings and using tools like Zoom or Google Meet to make virtual meetings more efficient. Finally decide early on, do you need a meeting or can the content be sent out more efficiently.
Employees, don’t forget to give feedback. If a meeting wasn’t productive then let leaders know so that things can be improved.
4. Lacking clear goals
Without clear goals, it can be difficult to stay motivated and on track. If you're not sure what you're working towards, it's easy to get side-tracked or lose focus. To overcome this obstacle, take the time to establish clear goals and break them down into smaller, achievable tasks. Make sure that your goals are specific, measurable, and aligned with your overall priorities.
Remember, communication is a two-way street. If you are unclear on a task once you’ve been given it, ask! Most managers will tell you they value honesty and productivity above all, and in a world where working from home is the new norm it can be hard to tell when a colleague needs help. Be honest, ask the right questions and save everybody time.
Table of Content
- Introduction
- Meet the expert
- The 5 most comfortable heels to buy in 2023
- Tips to find comfortable heels
- Fun facts
- Conclusion
Meet Our Founder
Katerina Herman is a former writer for a health blog covering the foot and ankle disorders. She is a podiatrist with over 10 years of experience. She has experience treating a wide range of conditions, including dermatology, orthopedics, and sports medicine issues specific to the foot and ankle.
“Foot health problems can affect anyone of all ages. A podiatrist can help restore the health of your feet and prevent problems. The list below offers options that fit your needs, as well as general advice on what to look for when shopping for comfortable heels.”
- Katerina Herman
Top 5 Popular Presents This Year
Go-To Block Heel Pump
A low block heel and forgiving toe box keep your toes comfortable all night long. These classic black pumps check all the boxes when it comes to comfort and timeless style.The shoes feature a block heel that tops out at just the right inch for stability. We recommend keeping your heels under 3 inches. Go-To Heel's almond-shaped toe is a classic design that does not pinch your toes. A rubber outsole provides cushioning when your foot hits the ground, giving your ankle and joints a break. Note that even though these shoes are labeled as
Finley Closed Toe Heel
Light cork makes it easy to walk in heels. Podiatrists advise avoiding flat insoles for most foot types. But it’s especially important for those with flat feet who need a shoe with the right arch to provide the balance and support they need. These lightweight cork heels have built-in arch support and a memory foam footbed to hug your feet. Although the heel height is above the recommended three inches, the toe platform compensates for the height, and they’ve been specially designed to distribute weight evenly and support your unique arch position.
Ziva Kitten Heel
A timeless classic that provides ankle support with the backstrap and a flared heel for added stability. Podiatrists recommend wearing supportive flats for sore feet, but if you want to spice up your outfit with comfortable heels, the lower the better. Our expert suggests looking out for shoes with improved heel midsole cushioning and support. This can help protect the plantar fascia from becoming strained. These kitten heels feature a contoured foot design and deep heel cups that support the fascia in your feet. Note that these shoes are a little narrow - they may not be great for people with wide feet.
Everly Pump
Available in three widths, these pumps feature walkable heels and provide non-slip outsoles. With a pair of pumps like these Naturalizer Everly heels, you may be able to get through the day without any discomfort. They sit below the recommended 3-inch heel height and feature the brand’s signature open-cell foam padding to make it feel like you’re wearing the shoes and not the other way around. Choose from one of three widths (narrow, medium, wide) and strut with a pair of shoes that works for day or night, casual or special occasions.
Round-Toe Chunky Heels
These rounded-toe shoes provide an antibacterial, deodorizing cushion to keep your feet fresh. Anyone who has bunions should pay special attention to the toe box. Rounded or square boxes are better because pointed ones will add more pressure in that area. These heels from Vivaia have rounded toes to prevent worsening bunions, and their upper areas are knitted with flexible stretch. They’re also quite low at a little less than two inches to ease the pressure from your feet. And they have a non-slip rubber sole to help you stay put. If you have wide feet, we recommend selecting one size up for extra comfort.
4 Tips to Find Comfortable Heels
Know Your Right Shoe Size
It may sound silly, but a 2017 survey by the Podiatric Society found that almost half of the women in the UK alone are wearing the wrong shoe size. Your foot sizes change over the years, especially after having kids. When buying shoes, measure both width and length. A lot of people think it's wide or vice versa and it's not, so make sure to check that out before shopping.
The Thicker The Heel, The Better
Avoid thin heels: the stilettos. These heels often cause your feet to wobble around. If you wear stilettos every day, you may want to consider a chunkier heel style and change it up a bit. Chunky heels don't wobble as easily as high heels, which helps prevent your ankle from snapping.
Try a Shoe with More Top Coverage
The more coverage you have on the top of your feet, the better. Sometimes, you can wear high heels all day and they don’t bother your feet as much. In the summer, you can try something with an ankle strap or a large wide strap over the top. If you are worried about blisters and friction, you might want to try something that covers more of the top of your foot.
Opt for Platform Heels
Platform heels are more comfortable than single-sole heels because the actual heel is shorter than the heel height. The platform also reduces the impact of your feet touching the ground, reducing discomfort. However, thicker platform heels can cause your foot to wobble and your ankle to snap, especially if the platform is very thick and the heel is stiletto. The shoe should be a good ratio between a thick platform and a fitting heel.
Fun Facts About High Heels
Men's high heels are made to be comfortable and look good, so they will replace the standard sneaker as an everyday shoe. Men are also likely to buy more expensive shoes in order to get a better fit and style. The market for men's shoes will grow by 10% every year through 2024, according to Business Insider. In 2023, there will be almost 4 billion pairs of men's shoes sold each year—a nearly 50% increase from 2022 levels!
London is the most fashion-forward city in the world. It's also a good place to shop for high heels for men, as many stores specialize in selling them. The men's fashion scene is growing rapidly, and there are many stores that sell high heels for men. You'll find everything from classic black pumps to sexy patent leather boots or lace-up loafers with chains attached — especially,there are even some sparkly pairs available too!
Tokyo is a city of contrasts, where you can find high heels and sneakers at the same time. It’s also home to some of the best nightlife in all of Asia, making it an ideal place for any man who wants to dress up on a regular basis. If you're looking for something more low-key, there are plenty of other options: Tokyo has some great shopping districts as well as traditional markets where you can get your hands on just about any shoes!
Conclusion
High-heels are one of the most popular fashion trends in 2023. There are many different styles, colors and materials to choose from when looking for high-heels that will make you feel comfortable. In this article we will go over five of the most comfortable high heels available on the market today so that you can find your perfect pair!
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