5 Productivity Hacks That Actually Work

We all want to be as productive as possible. But we’re also human. We get distracted. We procrastinate. We don’t bring our “A game.” So in an era of high expectations, it’s critical to develop “productivity hacks” to make the best out of every single day. Here are my top 5.

1. Realize when you’re not as your productive best – and have discipline to pull the plug.You start to write that report, finish that business proposal, and it’s just not clicking. You pour another cup of coffee… and still nothing. You could try to power through, but in most cases, that’s the worst thing you can do: You’ll just feel more frustrated and unproductive. And that’s where pulling the plug comes in. Pivot to something else, even if it doesn’t seem “conventionally” productive. For me, it’s exercise, walking my dog, or cooking. But for you, it might be something different. Just find your thing and have it in your back pocket.

2. Discover where you’re most productive and work there – even if it’s unconventional. For example, one of my go to places is the back seat of my car, parked on a side street. Another super productive place for me is a noisy coffee shop (with my noise canceling headphones on). Or, strangely enough, I often feel creative working in hotel lobbies. But that’s me. Where are you most productive? Is it at your desk? On the couch? In your office? On the floor? Find out what works for you (even if it’s weird) and go with it.

3. Keep a catalog of your old ideas (you never know when they’ll be useful again). I do this all the time, and it’s been a treasure trove of innovation for me. The key, of course, is to put them in a place you can find them! So, start a file on your computer. Find a notebook you like and keep track of things there. You’ll be surprised at how useful this will be for you over time.

4. Learn to say no (judiciously). Be smart: say yes to opportunities that help you grow and learn, help your organization move forward in a positive direction, and that put you in a position for career success. But when something comes up that doesn’t hit any of these boxes, learn to say no. Or at the very least, learn to pause before immediately saying yes, and then regretting it later.

5. Schedule meetings with yourself. We spend our days working on other people’s agendas. But how about our own agendas? Schedule time every day with yourself – and make it an actual meeting – blocked off in your actual calendar. And whatever you do, don’t bump these meetings just because something else comes up. Consider them sacrosanct. Dedicate the time to your own creative endeavors; to personal learning; or to whatever will help you move forward in your own career (and that you simply don’t have time to do during the day to day).

There’s no off-the-shelf set of tips for being productive. It’s highly personal and can ever change over time. But by focusing on the process and tinkering with the elements involved, you’ll be well on your way to finding your own tips to catalyze your career and productivity.


Originally published on Inc.com

REACH NEW COVERAVAILABLE NOW
Reach A New Strategy to Help You Step Outside Your Comfort Zone 

According to Andy Molinsky, an expert on behavior in the business world, there are five key challenges underlying our avoidance tendencies: authenticity, competence, resentment, likability and morality. Does the new behavior you’re attempting feel authentic to you? Is it the right thing to do? Answering these questions will help identify the “gap” in our behavioral style that we can then bridge by using the three Cs: Clarity, Conviction, and Customization. Perhaps most interesting, Molinsky has discovered that many people who confront what they were avoiding come to realize that they actually enjoy it, and can even be good at it.

Learn more

Related Posts

How to Not Be Trapped Inside Your Comfort Zone

How to Not Be Trapped Inside Your Comfort Zone

I’ve recently been fixated on a fantastic radio podcast about young entrepreneurs in New York and Silicon Valley called “Start Up,” which tells the tale of going from nothing to building a company from scratch.

Read More

Reinventing the Feedback Sandwich

Reinventing the Feedback Sandwich

One of the most challenging parts of becoming a manager or a leader is delivering feedback. 

Read More

How to Not Let Fear Drive Your Decisions (Hint: Ask these 3 Questions)

How to Not Let Fear Drive Your Decisions (Hint: Ask these 3 Questions)

As Helen walked up the stairs and towards Dean Johnston’s office, she realized she had probably walked up these same stairs a thousand times – though never for a reason like this.

Read More

The 1 Thing You Need to Be An Effective Global Leader, According to Carlos Ghosn

The 1 Thing You Need to Be An Effective Global Leader, According to Carlos Ghosn

Many of us have lived, worked, or studied abroad, and if you haven’t, you’ve certainly read one of the many articles describing cultural differences.

Read More