Productivity hacks are tricks, tips, or strategies that you can use to help increase your productivity
And in turn, get more done and make more progress.
The problem?
There are 100’s of them.
And it can get overwhelming trying to figure out which “hacks” to try or which hacks to ignore
Luckily, l’ve already tried basically every productivity hack out there
So here are the 6 productivity hacks that changed my life, what they are and how they work:
1. A Daily Highlight
What is it?
A single high-priority task that you assign as your daily highlight – your no.1 priority.
How does it work?
Life can get in the way and sometimes it will mess up your plan.
Using a daily highlight ensures that so long as you get your DH task done, you’ve had a successful, productive day.
2. A 3-5 Task To-Do List
What is it?
A to-do list that consists of only 3-5 high-priority tasks (including your DH)
How does it work?
A typical to-do list with 20+ tasks is overwhelming. You don’t know where to start and you will never complete it (and maybe never start it)
Keeping it short and filled with high-priority tasks ensures clarity & action
3. Deep Work
What is it?
Performing your high-priority tasks in a state of undistracted concentration for 90-120 minutes.
How does it work?
Often we perform shallow work due to constantly being distracted, meaning we never get into a flow state.
Deep work allows us to enter a flow state, become more efficient at the task and even perform to a higher standard.
4. Creating Systems
What is it?
Creating habits, routines & automation to streamline the process
How does it work?
The process can be long and tedious
So finding ways to streamline the parts of the process which we need to do consistently can make it easier and more likely that you will stick with it
5. Time Blocking
What is it?
Blocking out time in the day to do a specific task
How does it work?
Trying to decide what to do and when to do it as we go through the day wastes both time and energy.
Instead, take 5 minutes each night to time block your next day, decide when you will do what, and then stick to that schedule.
6. Deadlines
What is it?
Setting (tighter) deadlines for goals and tasks
How does it work?
Parkinsons’ Law: A task will expand to fill the time allocated to it.
Most people either don’t set deadlines or set far-out deadlines, inciting no urgency and the goal/task never gets completed.
Set tighter deadlines to inspire urgency and therefore action.