Introduction

Productivity is a measure of efficiency of a person completing a task. We often assume that productivity means getting more things done each day Wrong. Productivity is getting important things done consistently. And no matter what you are working on, there are only a few things that are truly important.Being productive is about maintaining a steady, average speed on a few things, not maximum speed on everything.Your diaphragm is pressing against the bottom of your lungs, which hinders your ability to breathe easily and deeply. Sit up straight or stand up and you’ll find that you can breathe easier and more fully. As a result, your brain will get more oxygen and you’ll be able to concentrate better.

Simple Ways to Be More Productive Every Day

Step 1: Manage your energy, not your time. If you take a moment to think about it, you’ll probably realize that you are better at doing certain tasks at certain times. What type of energy do you have in the morning? Afternoon? Evening? Determine what tasks each energy level and time of day are best suited for.

Step 2: Prepare the night before. If you only do one thing each day then spend a few minutes each night organizing your to–do list for tomorrow. When I do it right, I’ll outline the article I’m going to write the next day and develop a short list of the most important items for me to accomplish. It takes 10 minutes that night and saves 3 hours the next day.

Step 3: Don’t open email until noon. Sounds simple. Nobody does it. It took me awhile to get over the urge to open my inbox, but eventually I realized that everything can wait a few hours. Nobody is going to email you about a true emergency (a death in the family, etc.), so leave your email alone for the first few hours of each day. Use the morning to do what’s important rather than responding to what is “urgent.”

Step 4: Turn your phone off and leave it in another room.Or on your colleague’s desk. Or at the very least, put it somewhere that is out of sight. This eliminates the urge to check text messages, Facebook, Twitter, and so on. This simple strategy eliminates the likelihood of slipping into half–work where you waste time dividing your attention among meaningless tasks.

Step 5: Work in a cool place. Have you ever noticed how you feel groggy and sluggish in a hot room? Turning the temperature down or moving to a cooler place is an easy way to focus your mind and body. (Hat tip to Michael Hyatt for this one.)

Step 6: Sit up or stand up. When you sit hunched over, your chest is in a collapsed position and your diaphragm is pressing against the bottom of your lungs, which hinders your ability to breathe easily and deeply. Sit up straight or stand up and you’ll find that you can breathe easier and more fully. As a result, your brain will get more oxygen and you’ll be able to concentrate better.Step 7: Develop a “pre–game routine” to start your day.My morning routine starts by pouring a cold glass of water. Some people kick off their day with ten minutes of meditation. Similarly, you should have a sequence that starts your morning ritual. This tiny routine signals to your brain that it’s time to get into work mode or exercise mode or whatever mode you need to be in to accomplish your task. Additionally, a pre–game routine helps you overcome a lack of motivation and get things done even when you don’t feel like it.

Conclusion

Boosting productivity requires a combination of effective time management, focus, and self-discipline. By setting clear goals, prioritizing tasks, and eliminating distractions, you can maximize efficiency and achieve more in less time. Leveraging tools, automation, and healthy habits—such as breaks, exercise, and proper rest—further enhance performance. Ultimately, productivity is about working smarter, not just harder. Consistently refining your strategies and maintaining a balance between work and well-being will lead to sustained success and fulfillment.

References

Enhancing productivity is a common goal, and numerous blogs offer valuable insights on this topic. Here are some reputable blogs you might find helpful:

1. Zen Habits: Authored by Leo Babauta, Zen Habits delves into simplifying life, mindfulness, and productivity. The blog emphasizes minimalism and focuses on habits that lead to a more meaningful and productive life.

2. Cal Newport’s Blog: Cal Newport, a computer science professor at Georgetown University, writes about deep work, focus, and digital minimalism. His insights help readers cultivate meaningful productivity in a distracted world.

3. A Life of Productivity: Chris Bailey dedicated a year to exploring productivity experiments, documenting his findings on this blog. He offers practical advice based on personal experiments and research.