Morgan McCannEver sat down to work, only to end up scrolling or tidying something completely random? Productivity isn’t about working more - it’s about working smarter. The good news? Small, science-backed tweaks can make a big difference. Here’s how to focus better, get more done, and actually feel good about it.
1. Stop Waiting to ‘Feel Motivated’
Motivation doesn’t come first—action does. If you wait until you feel ready, you’ll never start. The good news is, once you begin, motivation tends to follow.
👉 Struggling to start? Make it easier. Write one sentence, open the document, do one small thing. Small steps create momentum, and that’s what keeps you going.
2. Your Brain Needs Breaks to Work Well
Working for hours without stopping might feel productive, but research shows it actually reduces focus and efficiency. Your brain works best in cycles of deep work and recovery.
👉 Try the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of work, 5-minute break) or the 52/17 method (52 minutes on, 17 off). Use breaks to step away from screens—take a short walk, stretch, or even just look out of a window for a reset.
3. Make Productivity Easier by Removing Friction
Being productive isn’t about willpower—it’s about making things as easy as possible. Small tweaks to your environment can make a big difference.
👉 Need to work out? Lay out your clothes the night before. Struggle to focus? Put your phone in another room. Keep getting distracted online? Use a website blocker. When the right choice is the easiest one, you’ll naturally stick to it.
4. Your Morning Sets the Tone for the Day
How you start your day can shape your mindset and energy levels. A good morning routine doesn’t need to be complicated, just intentional.
👉 Try to avoid immediately checking your phone. Instead, get some sunlight, drink water, or do a simple task like making your bed. Even small habits can create a sense of momentum.
5. Sleep is One of the Most Underrated Productivity Tools
Lack of sleep affects focus, memory, and decision-making. Yet, it’s often the first thing people sacrifice when they’re busy.
👉 Set a consistent bedtime and stick to it. Reduce screen time before bed, and if you rely on caffeine to function, it might be a sign you need more rest, not more coffee.
6. The 80/20 Rule Can Help You Work Smarter
A small percentage of your work usually creates the biggest results. Identifying these high-impact tasks can help you use your time more effectively.
👉 Look at your to-do list—what tasks actually move things forward? Focus on those first. If something isn’t adding much value, consider delegating, automating, or eliminating it.
7. Multitasking Reduces Efficiency
Switching between multiple tasks may feel productive, but it actually slows you down and leads to more mistakes.
👉 Try time-blocking instead—dedicate set periods to different tasks and focus on one thing at a time. You’ll likely get more done, with better results.
8. If You’re Avoiding a Task, Find an Easier Way to Start
Procrastination often comes from feeling overwhelmed. If something seems too big, your brain will naturally resist it.
👉 Break the task down into the smallest possible step. Instead of ‘write a report,’ start with ‘list three key points.’ Making tasks more manageable helps overcome the mental barrier of getting started.
Like some of our tips?
Don’t worry - we won’t spam you.