“ The three great essentials to achieve

anything worthwhile are: hard work,

stick-to-itiveness, and common sense.
“
Thomas Edison

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At the end of a working day, do you feel like you could have
accomplished more? This is quite common and you do not need to
get stressed. However, this sense of incompleteness doesn't have
to persist. By incorporating effective productivity strategies, you
can leave work feeling satisfied and fulfilled. Boosting
productivity doesn't happen by itself; it often requires
experimentation and adaptation to find the right techniques or
tools that work for your unique needs and preferences.

The most productive individuals aren't necessarily those with the

best self-control, but those who know how to work smart and have
developed good work habits. These habits save time and effort,
reducing stress and discomfort, which are common obstacles to
productivity. In today's demanding world, improving productivity
is essential for managing work, personal goals, and self-care,
ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and successful life.

In this compact quick self-help guide, you will find sixty hacks
which will boost your productivity. Choose and practice the ones
which will work for you and gain control over your life.

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TIME MANAGEMENT

“Productivity is more the product of

focus than time”
Mark Manson

1. Pomodoro Technique
Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break to keep your
focus sharp. This method encourages sustained concentration and
provides regular intervals to rest and recharge, preventing
burnout and improving productivity over time.

2. Time Blocking
Allocate specific blocks of time to different tasks to ensure
dedicated focus. By scheduling your day into distinct periods for

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specific activities, you can minimize distractions and improve time
management, ensuring that each task gets the attention it
deserves.

3. Two-Minute Rule
If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately to prevent
small tasks from piling up. This practice helps you quickly clear
minor items off your to-do list, keeping you organized and
reducing the mental load of pending tasks.

4. Eat the Frog

Tackle your most challenging task first thing in the morning to
build momentum for the rest of the day. Addressing your toughest
task when your energy levels are highest sets a productive tone for
the day and makes subsequent tasks feel easier.

5. Batch Processing
Group similar tasks together and do them in one go to save time
and reduce switching costs. This strategy helps maintain focus by
reducing the cognitive load associated with constantly switching
between different types of tasks.

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ORGANIZATION

“For every minute spent in organizing,

an hour is earned.”

Benjamon Franklin

6. Declutter Your Workspace

Keep your workspace tidy to reduce distractions and enhance
focus. A clean and organized workspace fosters a sense of order
and calm, making it easier to concentrate and find the tools or
documents you need.

7. Digital Organization
Use folders and naming conventions to keep your digital files
organized. A well-structured digital filing system saves time and

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frustration, ensuring that you can quickly locate important files
and maintain a streamlined workflow.

8. Use a Planner
Keep track of tasks, appointments, and deadlines in a physical or
digital planner. Planners help you visualize your day, prioritize
tasks, and manage your time effectively, reducing the risk of
forgetting important commitments.

9. Prioritize Tasks
Use the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks by urgency and
importance. This method helps you identify what tasks need
immediate attention and which can be scheduled for later,
delegated, or eliminated, enhancing productivity and focus.

10. Clear Your Desk

At the end of each day, clear your desk to prepare for a fresh start
the next morning. A tidy desk at the start of the day sets a positive
tone, helps you feel more organized, and reduces the clutter that
can distract you from your tasks.

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TECHNOLOGY

“ Productivity is the art of subtraction”

Josh Spector

11. Task Management Apps

Use apps like Trello, Asana, or Todoist to keep track of your to-do
lists and projects. These apps provide visual overviews of your
tasks, set deadlines, and offer collaboration features, making it
easier to stay organized and on track.

12. Automate Repetitive Tasks

Use automation tools like Zapier or IFTTT to handle routine
tasks. Automation reduces manual effort, minimizes errors, and

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frees up time for more important tasks, improving overall
efficiency.

13. Email Filters and Labels

Set up filters and labels in your email to automatically organize
and prioritize messages. This helps manage your inbox more
effectively, allowing you to focus on high-priority emails and
reducing the time spent sorting through messages.

14. Keyboard Shortcuts:

.Learn and use keyboard shortcuts to save time on repetitive
computer tasks. Mastering shortcuts for commonly used
commands can significantly speed up your workflow and reduce
the effort spent on routine tasks.

15. Focus Apps

Use apps like Focus@Will or Freedom to block distractions and
maintain concentration. These apps help create an environment
conducive to productivity by blocking distracting websites or
providing focus-enhancing music and sounds.

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HEALTH AND WELLNESS

“ My goal is no longer to get more done,

but rather to have less to do.”
Francine Jay

16. Stay Hydrated

Keep a water bottle at your desk to ensure you stay hydrated and
maintain energy levels. Proper hydration is essential for cognitive
function, helping you stay alert and focused throughout the day.

17. Regular Exercise

Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine to boost
energy and productivity. Exercise improves mental clarity,
reduces stress, and increases overall energy levels, making it
easier to stay productive.

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18. Healthy Snacks
Keep healthy snacks handy to maintain energy without sugar
crashes. Nutritious snacks provide sustained energy, help
maintain focus, and prevent the dips in productivity that can come
from consuming sugary or processed foods.

19. Take Regular Breaks

Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique to ensure you take
regular breaks to recharge. Short breaks help prevent burnout,
reduce eye strain, and maintain high levels of productivity by
giving your brain a chance to rest.

20. Get Enough Sleep

Ensure you get 7-9 hours of sleep each night to maintain focus and
productivity. Adequate sleep is crucial for cognitive function,
memory, and overall health, enabling you to perform at your best.

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MINDSET

“ Better than a to-do list is a now or

never mindset.”

Sahil Lavingia

21. Set Clear Goals

Define clear, achievable goals to provide direction and motivation.
Having specific objectives helps you stay focused, measure
progress, and maintain motivation as you work toward your
targets.

22. Positive Affirmations

Use positive affirmations to boost confidence and maintain a
positive mindset. Repeating affirmations can help shift your focus

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from negative thoughts to empowering beliefs, enhancing your
overall productivity and well-being.

23. Visualization
Visualize your success to stay motivated and focused on your
goals. Imagining the achievement of your goals can increase
motivation, reinforce commitment, and help you stay focused on
the steps needed to reach your objectives.

24. Mindfulness Meditation

Practice mindfulness meditation to reduce stress and improve
concentration. Regular meditation helps you stay present,
enhances focus, and reduces the impact of stress, contributing to
greater productivity.

25. Gratitude Journaling

Keep a gratitude journal to maintain a positive outlook and reduce
stress. Writing down things you are grateful for can improve your
mood, increase resilience, and foster a positive mindset, which in
turn boosts productivity.

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EFFICIENCY

“ Find the 20% that matters and execute

like hell.”
Justin Welsh

26. Delegate Tasks

Delegate tasks to others, when possible, to focus on higher-
priority work. Effective delegation frees up your time, allows you
to concentrate on tasks that require your expertise, and helps
develop the skills of your team members.

27. Limit Multitasking

Focus on one task at a time to improve efficiency and reduce
errors. Multitasking often leads to mistakes and reduced

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productivity; single tasking ensures higher quality work and faster
completion of tasks.

28. Use Templates

Create templates for repetitive tasks to save time and ensure
consistency. Templates streamline processes, reduce the need for
constant recreation of documents, and maintain uniformity in
your work.

29. Leverage Peak Productivity Times

Identify your peak productivity times and schedule your most
important tasks during these periods. Working when your energy
and focus are at their highest helps you accomplish more in less
time.

30. Continuous Learning

Dedicate time to learning new skills and improving existing ones
to enhance overall productivity. Staying up-to-date with industry
trends and continuously developing your skills can lead to more
efficient and effective work.

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COMMUNICATION

“ Simple and to the point is always the

best way to get your point across. ”

Guy Kawasaki

31. Set Clear Expectations

Clearly communicate goals, deadlines, and expectations to avoid
misunderstandings. Ensuring everyone is on the same page helps
streamline efforts, reduces confusion, and enhances
collaboration.

32. Effective Meeting Agendas

Create and share a meeting agenda beforehand to keep discussions
focused and productive. Agendas help structure meetings,

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ensuring that important topics are covered and time is used
efficiently.

33. Limit Meeting Length

Keep meetings short and to the point, ideally no longer than 30
minutes. Shorter meetings encourage focused discussions, reduce
time wastage, and help maintain the participants' attention and
energy.

34. Use Asynchronous Communication

Utilize tools like Slack or email for non-urgent communication to
avoid interrupting workflows. Asynchronous communication
allows team members to respond at their convenience, reducing
interruptions and improving productivity.

35. Scheduled Email Checking

Check emails at designated times instead of constantly throughout
the day to reduce distractions. By batching email checking, you
can focus better on your tasks and reduce the constant pull of
incoming messages.

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WORK ENVIRONMENT

“ A positive work environment is the

foundation for productivity and employee
well-being.”
Dax Bamania

36. Ergonomic Setup

Ensure your workspace is ergonomically designed to reduce strain
and improve comfort. An ergonomic setup prevents physical
discomfort, reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries and
enhancing your ability to work for longer periods.

37. Natural Light

Work near natural light to improve mood and productivity.
Exposure to natural light helps regulate your circadian rhythm,

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boost mood, and increase alertness, leading to better overall
productivity.

38. Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Use noise-cancelling headphones to block out distractions in noisy
environments. These headphones create a focused work
environment, helping you concentrate better and reduce the
impact of background noise.

39. Personalize Your Space

Add personal touches to your workspace to make it more
enjoyable and inspiring. A personalized workspace can boost your
mood, increase comfort, and make you feel more connected to
your environment.

40. Temperature Control

Maintain a comfortable temperature in your workspace to stay
focused and productive. An optimal temperature helps you stay
alert, reduces discomfort, and prevents the productivity dips
associated with being too hot or too cold.

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CREATIVITY

“ Over the long run, the unglamorous habit

of frequency fosters both productivity and
creativity.”
Gretchen Rubin

41. Brainstorming Sessions

Regularly schedule brainstorming sessions to generate new ideas
and solutions. Collaborative brainstorming can lead to innovative
ideas, foster team collaboration, and solve problems more
effectively.

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42. Mind Mapping
Use mind mapping techniques to visually organize and explore
ideas. Mind maps help in structuring thoughts, uncovering
relationships between concepts, and enhancing creative thinking.

43. Change of Scenery

Work in different environments to stimulate creativity and break
routine. A change of scenery can provide new perspectives, refresh
your mind, and inspire creative thinking.

44. Creative Breaks

Take breaks for activities like drawing, reading, or walking to
boost creativity. Engaging in creative activities during breaks can
rejuvenate your mind, improve mood, and enhance your ability to
think outside the box.

45. Inspiration Board

Create an inspiration board with quotes, images, and ideas to stay
motivated and inspired. An inspiration board serves as a visual
reminder of your goals and can reignite your passion and
creativity whenever you feel stuck.

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LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

“ Tomorrow hopes we have learned

something from yesterday.”

John Wayne

46. Read Regularly

Dedicate time to reading books, articles, or industry publications
to stay informed and inspired. Regular reading broadens your
knowledge, exposes you to new ideas, and keeps you updated on
industry trends.

47. Online Courses

Take online courses to learn new skills and stay up-to-date with
industry trends. Continuous learning through online courses

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helps you acquire new competencies, stay competitive, and
advance in your career.

48. Attend Webinars

Participate in webinars to gain insights and network with industry
experts. Webinars provide opportunities to learn from experts,
ask questions, and connect with peers, enhancing your
professional development.

49. Join Professional Groups

Join professional organizations or online communities to connect
with peers and share knowledge. Being part of professional groups
fosters networking, knowledge exchange, and opportunities for
collaboration.

50. Mentorship
Seek out mentors and offer mentorship to others to foster growth
and development. Mentorship provides guidance, support, and
valuable insights, helping both mentors and mentees grow
professionally and personally.

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PLANNING AND GOAL SETTING

“ A goal properly set is halfway reached.”

Zig Ziglar

51. SMART Goals

Set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound
(SMART) goals to stay focused. SMART goals provide clarity,
ensure that your objectives are realistic, and help you track
progress effectively.

52. Daily Prioritization

At the start of each day, identify the top three tasks that need to be
completed. Prioritizing tasks each day ensures you focus on what’s
most important, making steady progress toward your larger goals.

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53. Weekly Reviews
Conduct weekly reviews to assess progress and adjust plans as
needed. Weekly reviews help you stay on track, identify any
obstacles, and make necessary adjustments to your plans,
ensuring continuous improvement.

54. Long-Term Planning

Set long-term goals and break them down into smaller,
manageable steps. Long-term planning provides direction and
purpose, while breaking goals into smaller steps makes them more
achievable and less overwhelming.

55. Vision Board

Create a vision board with images and words that represent your
goals and aspirations. A vision board serves as a constant visual
reminder of your goals, keeping you motivated and focused on
your long-term aspirations.

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TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES

“ Tools, apps, or hacks don’t work if you

lack the right mindset because productivity
is a way of living.”

Darius Foroux

56. Kanban Boards

Use Kanban boards to visualize tasks and track progress. Kanban
boards help in managing workflows, visualizing task statuses, and
improving efficiency by identifying bottlenecks.

57. GTD Method

Implement the Getting Things Done (GTD) method to capture,
process, and organize tasks. The GTD method helps you manage

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your tasks systematically, reducing mental clutter and increasing
productivity.

58. Bullet Journaling

Use bullet journaling to keep track of tasks, events, and notes in a
structured format. Bullet journaling provides a flexible and
organized way to manage your tasks, goals, and daily activities.

59. 5-Second Rule

Use Mel Robbins' 5-second rule: count down from 5 and take
action to overcome procrastination. This rule helps you break the
habit of overthinking and encourages immediate action, reducing
procrastination.

60. Pareto Principle

Apply the 80/20 rule, focusing on the 20% of tasks that yield 80%
of the results. The Pareto Principle helps you prioritize high-
impact activities, ensuring that your efforts are directed toward
the most productive tasks.

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If you have benefitted from the hacks, take a look at my book
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