Picture someone constantly stressed, rushing around, and scheduling every minute of their day. That person might seem super busy, but they are probably not at their most productive and could be headed toward burnout. True productivity requires a different approach. According to Laura Mae Martin, Google’s productivity expert and author of “Uptime: A Practical Guide to Personal Productivity and Wellbeing,” to increase productivity, you need to be thoughtful about how you design your days: what to do, when to do it, where to do it, and how to do it well.
What to Do to Increase Productivity
You can’t accomplish everything you want in life—there simply isn’t enough time. To increase productivity, you need to choose your priorities. Focus on a handful of essential goals—perhaps three.
“Think about ‘Future You,'” Martin advises. “What will you be glad you prioritized? Make a to-do list reflecting those priorities and learn to say no to other things.”
When to Do It to Increase Productivity
Not all blocks of time are equally productive. Your optimal time for high-performance work depends on how you’re wired. For instance, if you’re a morning person, you might hit your productivity peak at 9 a.m. and see it wane by 4 p.m. Schedule your most demanding tasks during your peak hours and save less taxing tasks for when your energy dips.
“This might be the most crucial aspect of productivity,” Martin says. “Identify your ‘Power Hours’ and protect them for focused work.”
Where to Work to Increase Productivity
The pandemic era highlighted the importance of choosing the right environment for work. Once you’ve identified your most productive hours, decide on the best location to maximize your efforts. Depending on your personality and job, you might be more productive at home or in a collaborative office space. Use ‘state dependency’ to your advantage by associating specific environments with certain tasks.
“Perhaps you always sit at a desk for calls and meetings and use a chair across the room to catch up on emails. This way, your brain knows what to do next,” Martin suggests.
How to Do It Well to Increase Productivity
Take email management, for instance. Handling emails thoughtfully can make a significant difference. Martin, who maintains ‘Inbox Zero’ despite her demanding job, advises against checking emails constantly.
“Think of it like laundry,” Martin says. “You wouldn’t fold one shirt at a time throughout the day. Set specific times to process your emails, sorting them into categories like read, review, or respond.”
The same principle applies to smartphone usage. While smartphones are useful, set boundaries by locking apps after certain hours or placing your phone in another room at night.
“Make your smartphone work for you, not against you,” Martin says.
Increasing Focus to Boost Productivity
Improving focus is key to increasing productivity. Distractions can severely hinder your efficiency, so it’s essential to create an environment that minimizes interruptions. Consider using techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working in focused bursts with short breaks in between, or practicing mindfulness and meditation to enhance your concentration. By cultivating a strong focus, you can accomplish more in less time and with greater quality.
Conclusion: Strategies to Increase Productivity
Increasing productivity isn’t about being constantly busy. It’s about being strategic with your time and energy. By focusing on what truly matters, optimizing your peak hours, choosing the right environment, and managing tasks efficiently, you can boost your productivity without burning out.
For more tips on how to increase productivity, consider reading additional resources and connecting with productivity experts. External resources like Forbes Productivity Tips and Google’s Productivity Tips can offer more insights.
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