Productivity

What Is Productivity

Productivity is the measure of how efficiently you complete tasks that move you toward your goals. It’s not just about doing more in less time; it's about doing the right things that align with your priorities. True productivity means focusing on high-impact activities that lead to meaningful progress, rather than simply staying busy.

What We Get Wrong About Productivity

Many of us view productivity as a simple equation: the more hours we put in, the more work we get done. It’s easy to believe that if one hour of work yields good results, then two hours will yield twice as much, and eight hours will give us exponential returns. But this assumption comes from the way we were taught in school, where time spent memorising material was directly proportional to how much we could recall. As adults, we carry this belief into our work, thinking that longer hours equal better output.

The reality, however, is that most meaningful work doesn’t follow this linear path. Creative, problem-solving, or mentally demanding tasks follow a curve of diminishing returns. Like a muscle that fatigues after too much use, our brains tire out. The first hour of focused work might be our most productive, but as the hours drag on, our efficiency and the quality of our work start to decline. That extra hour of work late at night might result in mistakes that create more problems than solutions. We end up spending more time fixing the messes we’ve made than we would have by simply stopping earlier.

This is why overworking doesn’t lead to better outcomes. Sure, we might feel accomplished after pulling an all-nighter, but if we look back the next day, we often find that the extra hours weren’t worth it. We’re more likely to produce sloppy, substandard work that needs to be revised or even scrapped.

This misconception is where the hustle culture gets it wrong. It glorifies long hours, pushing the idea that more effort equals more success. But in reality, the key to productivity isn’t about how much time you spend working—it’s about working smarter, not harder. Just like a good meal needs time to digest, your brain needs time to rest and recharge. Taking breaks, stepping away from the grind, and even indulging in what might seem like “laziness” is often the most productive thing you can do.

In fact, strategic laziness—deliberately taking time off—can be a powerful leverage point. Just as you wouldn’t gorge yourself on your favourite food every day without getting sick of it, you shouldn’t expect your brain to keep churning out high-quality work hour after hour without rest. Time away from work gives your brain the chance to reset, allowing you to return with fresh ideas and new perspectives.

Many breakthroughs in work come not from the hours you’re slaving away, but from moments of rest and relaxation, when your mind is free to wander and make connections. In the same way that a well-timed break during a workout helps your muscles recover and grow stronger, downtime helps your mind function better. This isn’t just about avoiding burnout—taking breaks is a form of sharpening the saw, so when you return to your work, you’re able to operate at your highest level.

The most productive people are not the ones who work the longest hours—they are the ones who know when to step back, rest, and recharge. In doing so, they not only avoid the trap of diminishing returns but also unlock the potential for creative breakthroughs that can transform their work.

The Secret to Energising Your Productivity

True productivity isn't just about getting things done; it's about how you feel while doing it. The key to sustainable productivity lies in three energisers: play, power, and people.

1. Play: Reclaiming Curiosity and Joy

Productivity often feels serious, but what if it didn't have to? Introducing play into your routine can reignite your curiosity and sense of adventure. Just like young animals and children use play to learn, we too can leverage it to push boundaries, experiment, and improve.

By approaching tasks with curiosity, you're no longer memorizing facts or doing things for the sake of it. Instead, you're engaging deeply with the process. For example, if you’re learning a new skill, ask yourself why and how it works, rather than simply what to do. This not only makes the work more enjoyable but also helps you learn more effectively.

Failure is part of the game—so treat it that way. Instead of seeing mistakes as setbacks, view them as data points. Each "failure" is simply another piece of information that brings you closer to success. This playful mindset allows you to take risks, experiment, and grow without the weight of perfectionism dragging you down.

2. Power: Building Confidence and Momentum

Productivity thrives when you feel confident in your abilities. This is where power comes into play—specifically, the power of self-efficacy, or the belief that you can accomplish what you set out to do.

Confidence isn’t something you wait to feel; it’s something you build by taking action. Even if you don’t feel confident, start acting like you are. As you complete tasks, your belief in your own abilities will grow, creating a positive feedback loop. Surround yourself with people and stories that inspire confidence in you. Learn from others who have walked a similar path and let their success fuel your own.

Another way to harness power is through teaching. The act of explaining something to others helps you solidify your own understanding. Known as the Feynman technique, this method forces you to engage with the material more deeply, making you more confident in your knowledge and abilities.

Lastly, focus on what you can control. You may not be able to manage every aspect of a situation, but you can always control your response. By zeroing in on the choices within your control, you reclaim your personal power, no matter the circumstances.

3. People: Harnessing the Power of Connection

Productivity is not a solo sport. In fact, surrounding yourself with the right people can significantly boost your output and your energy. Think of the people you spend the most time with—are they helping you grow, or pulling you down? The truth is, you are influenced by the energy of those around you, so choose wisely.

Being part of a community where people support each other creates a positive feedback loop. When you help others, they’re more likely to help you. This collaborative mindset fosters not only productivity but also joy. When you celebrate others' successes as if they were your own, you cultivate a sense of shared accomplishment that energizes everyone.

Additionally, overcommunication is key. Often, we hold back ideas or information, assuming people don’t need them or won’t care. But sharing openly can strengthen connections, spark new ideas, and create opportunities for collaboration. In the end, productivity is not just about what you accomplish alone, but how you lift others—and yourself—through connection.

How to Overcome Procrastination

Procrastination isn’t just about laziness or poor time management; it's often driven by deeper emotional and psychological factors. To truly overcome it, we need to tackle these root causes head-on. Below are three common blockers to productivity—uncertainty, fear, and inertia—and how to remove them for good.

1. Seek Clarity

One of the biggest causes of procrastination is uncertainty. When we’re unclear about what to do or why we’re doing it, it’s easy to put things off. The solution is to seek clarity. Ask yourself questions like, "What’s the next step I need to take?" or "Why am I doing this in the first place?" By understanding both the what and why, you can cut through the fog that keeps you stuck.

Try the "5 Whys" method. For example, if you're avoiding studying, ask: “Why don’t I want to study?” Maybe it's because you're tired. “Why am I tired?” Because you didn’t sleep well last night. “Why didn’t I sleep well?” Because you stayed up late watching TV. “Why did I stay up late?” Because your roommates were up. Now, the solution becomes clear: to study effectively, you need to improve your sleep routine, perhaps by setting boundaries with your roommates or moving to a quieter space at night.

Clarity also means setting achievable goals. Instead of vague, far-off targets, focus on short-term, input-based goals that you can control. For example, rather than saying “I want to be fluent in Spanish,” set a goal to study for 20 minutes a day. This reduces overwhelm and helps you focus on the process rather than the outcome.

2. Find Courage

Another reason we procrastinate is fear. Fear of failure, fear of judgment, or even fear of success can paralyze us. But the key isn’t to eliminate fear; it’s to develop the courage to face it. Start by identifying the specific fears holding you back. Are you worried that your work won’t be good enough? Or that someone will criticize you?

To put fear into perspective, ask yourself, “Will this matter in 10 minutes? In 10 weeks? In 10 years?” Often, what feels like a huge hurdle is much smaller than we think.

One powerful technique to overcome fear is the “Batman Effect.” By adopting the mindset of a fearless role model, whether real or fictional, you can unlock confidence you didn’t realize you had. Imagine how someone you admire—like a mentor, a superhero, or a successful figure—would tackle your task. By stepping into their shoes, you can trick your brain into thinking, "If they can do it, so can I."

3. Get Started

The final blocker is inertia—Newton’s first law of motion in action: an object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion. When we’re stuck in procrastination, it can feel impossible to get started. The solution? Start anywhere.

Don’t wait for inspiration or the “perfect” plan. If you're writing, start with a single sentence. If you're cleaning, pick up the nearest object. These small actions generate momentum, making it easier to keep going. Once you’re moving, it’s easier to stay in motion.

Another strategy is to create a system that supports progress. Use tools like time blocking to ensure you’re allocating time for important tasks. Find an accountability partner who can help you stay on track. And most importantly, go easy on yourself. Instead of beating yourself up for what you didn’t do, celebrate small wins. Acknowledge progress, no matter how tiny, because it's those little victories that keep you motivated in the long run.

Procrastination is a natural response to fear, uncertainty, and inertia—but by seeking clarity, finding courage, and just getting started, you can break the cycle and move toward your goals with confidence.

Simple Productivity Strategies

The above strategies are complex and take more time to implement. To get you started right away, here are some of my favourite, simple productivity strategies.

• Start with the most important task: In the morning, your willpower and decision-making energy are at their peak. Use this time to tackle your most important task of the day. By completing the one thing that moves the needle the most, you build momentum and free up mental space for the rest of the day.
• Batch similar tasks together: Switching between different types of tasks can drain your energy. Instead, group similar tasks together—like answering emails, making calls, or writing content—and do them in one focused block of time. This reduces decision fatigue and helps you stay in flow.
• Set a time limit for tasks: Ever notice how tasks tend to expand to fill the time you allow for them? It’s called Parkinson’s Law. To combat this, set a clear time limit for each task. For example, give yourself 30 minutes to finish a report or respond to emails. This creates a sense of urgency and helps you stay focused.
• Take breaks to recharge: Working non-stop may seem productive, but it actually leads to diminishing returns. Instead, work in focused sprints—like 90 minutes on, 15 minutes off. Use those short breaks to stretch, hydrate, or step outside. These pauses help you recharge and come back sharper for your next work session.
• Declutter your workspace: Your environment affects your productivity more than you think. A cluttered desk creates mental clutter. Take five minutes at the start or end of each day to organize your workspace. A clean, distraction-free environment leads to clearer thinking and better focus.
• Use the two-minute rule: If a task takes two minutes or less, do it right away. Whether it’s responding to a quick email, scheduling an appointment, or filing a document—knocking out small tasks immediately prevents them from piling up and cluttering your to-do list.
• Plan your day the night before: Before you wrap up for the day, spend a few minutes preparing for tomorrow. Write down your top three priorities and set them as the first things you’ll work on. This small habit helps you hit the ground running the next morning, cutting down on decision-making time and setting you up for a productive day.

Best Productivity Books

• Essentialism by Greg McKeown
• Feel Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal

All productivity Articles

• How to Find Time for Everything: 5 Principles of Time Management
• The TEA Framework of Productivity
• The Daily Routine Experts Recommend for Peak Productivity
• How to Stop Wasting Your Life (Avoid These 6 Things)
• The Motivation Myth: Why Discipline, Not Inspiration, Leads to Success
• Why You Never Seem To Have Enough Time

Or, browse my best articles.