My Top 5 Productivity Hacks
You don’t get points for “busy”.
Everyone is busy. Nobody cares.
What matters is productivity.
Is all of your busy-ness producing valuable outputs? Or are you just spinning your wheels?
Here are some techniques that I use to make sure I’m being as productive as possible:
1. Remove Distractions. The quickest way to derail your productivity is to allow distractions to penetrate your focus. So turn your notifications off; social media, SMS, and phone calls too. Don’t check your emails outside of dedicated slots of time set aside to read & respond to them. And if you struggle with your own thoughts sabotaging your focus from the inside out (don’t be ashamed, we all do to some degree), be sure to meditate frequently. It will teach you to observe your thoughts rather than becoming involved in them to the detriment of your focus.
2. Be Proactive, Not Reactive. Don’t start your day by consuming content you have no control over. This means no social or mass media for at least the first 30 minutes after you wake up. Instead, use the time to journal, meditate, read and plan out your day.
3. Take Massive Action. It’s so easy to spend time doing things that don’t move the needle forward. You need clarity around the tasks that will keep you moving towards your goals. I write down the top 5 things that I need to do to ensure I am producing valuable outputs at the start of every day. When I cross all 5 tasks off, I win the day. The goal is to win every day.
4. Focus On Solutions, Not Problems. Solutions are within your control. Problems are not. Solving problems is productive. Complaining about them is not. In fact, often seeking solutions to problems will enhance your productivity in ways that you cannot currently anticipate.
5. Discipline. Once you’re in the flow of productivity, don’t fuck with it. Momentum is possibly the best kept secret of high achievers. Sure, celebrate your wins, but don’t pat yourself on the back so hard that you fall over. Say no to things that may disrupt your momentum. Say yes to things that you know you have to do to keep your momentum going, especially when you don’t feel like doing them.
