Most used productivity hack
Updated on Oct 21, 2023
•By Ewa Nikodem
When it comes to productivity hacks, a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work for everyone; the most effective techniques vary based on each person.
In the fast-paced world we live in, with constant distractions from social media, our productivity can easily take a hit. Are you one of those people that is on the hunt for that one magic key to skyrocket their productivity? You know, the elusive, universal hack that can turn you into an efficiency wizard. Well, good news – there isn't just one. Why? Because “one-size-fits-all” doesn’t exist, the world of productivity is as diverse as the people striving to be more efficient. What works for one person might be completely useless for another.
I’m here to guide you through some of the most used productivity hacks that can help improve your work routines. In the following sections, I’ll introduce some of my personal favourites:
Each of these productivity hacks has a unique approach to boosting your productivity, and by the end of this article, you’ll be able to adopt some of them into your daily workflow. So, without further ado let's dive straight in.
Systems
Goals are the things we want to achieve, our destinations. Systems are the processes and things we do that lead us to achieving those goals. Focusing on the systems is a good productivity tip, because instead of obsessing over the end result, you focus on what can be done right now. Implementing systems involves creating structured processes or routines for tasks you do often. Whether it's organizing your inbox, managing your finances, or prioritizing daily tasks, these processes simplify your work, making it more efficient. Think of it like this: don’t just focus on winning the gold at the Olympics, focus on the training you do in order to win that medal.
Daily highlight
Setting priorities is essential. In the daily highlight technique, you decide what is the one crucial task you want to accomplish that day. Whether it's finishing a book chapter, implementing a feature or simply doing laundry, this task becomes your top priority. Focusing on completing it before tackling other less important tasks ensures you make progress on your most important objectives. Ask yourself: "What is the one thing that I want to get done today?" and make sure to do it.
Consuming content at 2X/3X speed
In a world filled with information, consuming content efficiently is a game-changer and this hack is as simple as it sounds. Speeding up audio or video content playback, like lectures, podcasts, or audiobooks lets you absorb information faster while still understanding the material. Imagine completing an hour-long podcast in 30 minutes – you are still left with an additional 30 minutes to do other things.
Time blocking
Time blocking is a time management technique where you allocate specific blocks of time in your schedule for particular tasks or activities. By dedicating a certain amount of time for a specific task, you reduce the risk of multitasking. Think of it as setting up a meeting with yourself in your calendar. Some people with empty time in their calendar end up wasting it. They think "Oh, I have all this time, I can do all these things" and then end up being overwhelmed by the amount of tasks, resulting in doing nothing. This focused approach minimizes multitasking, distractions, and wasted time, making you more productive.
Two-Minute Rule
This hack is one of my favourites. The Two-Minute Rule is a simple strategy: if a task takes up two minutes or less, do it immediately instead of doing it later or adding it to your to-do list. This prevents small tasks from accumulating and becoming unmanageable, ensuring you maintain momentum and efficiency.
Bonus: To-do list
Some people like to-do lists, while others don't. A simple to-do list can quickly become filled with lots of tasks, which may feel overwhelming. Instead, you could combine the Two-Minute Rule and daily highlight method, and categorize the rest of your tasks as a "might-do" list. Incorporating these productivity hacks into your daily routine can significantly enhance your efficiency and help you achieve your goals more effectively. As mentioned earlier, there is no one-size-fits-all solution - what works best for someone else might not work for you. Feel free to experiment with these different techniques and adapt them to suit your individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
So, without further ado, it's time to put these productivity hacks into action to help you become more efficient. Whether it's implementing systems, prioritizing your daily highlight, or embracing the Two-Minute Rule, each step you take brings you closer to a more productive and fulfilling life.
But remember, enjoy the journey! If you enjoy what you do, have fun with it, and it brings you joy, you'll automatically want to do it. Productivity will come naturally, without needing to constantly motivate yourself.
