Today, there’s so much everywhere and on every turn that we easily get distracted and we have seen big names struggle a lot while focusing and that leads to depression and mental health issues in the wake of being unable to accomplish tasks. From the constant barrage of smartphone notifications to the allure of social media scrolling, our attention is constantly diverted. Amid this cacophony—the need for staying productive has never been more critical.
Recently, I came across several videos on YouTube on Productivity and thought am I able to become more productive, use time in better way, and much more. So I started following popular YouTubers who suggest stuff to remain very productive no matter how distractions overwhelm us and selected 15 very useful to share with you guys. I have not just suggested methods but have mentioned worthy reading resources to get more benefits from them.
So! The ability to focus on tasks, prioritize goals, and manage time efficiently has become a precious skill.
In a world where information overload is the norm, staying productive isn’t just about getting more done; it’s about safeguarding our mental well-being and preserving the quality of our work. It’s a means to reclaim control over our time and attention, enabling us to achieve our goals and strike a balance between the demands of the current time and our own aspirations by increasing our productivity manifolds.
There are few practices which have been suggested by the experts to increase our producitivity which we have dealt with in detail here:
#1 The Two-Minute Rule– If a task takes less than two minutes to complete, do it immediately. This prevents small tasks from accumulating and overwhelming us later on.
#2 Personalized Music Playlist—Create a customized playlist of sounds or music that help you concentrate. Some people find nature sounds, white noise, or specific genres of music to be effective. That would help us increase our productivity.
#3 Work Backwards— We could start the day by listing the tasks you’ve already completed. It gives you a sense of accomplishment and can motivate you to tackle the tasks ahead.
#4 The Eisenhower Matrix with a Twist–Use the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize tasks but add a “Delegate” category for tasks that you can assign to someone else.
#5 Reverse-Engineering The Goals—Instead of setting goals, start by imagining you’ve already achieved your goals and work backward to identify the steps needed to get there. This can provide clarity and motivation.
#6 Task Unsubscription– Periodically unsubscribe from irrelevant newsletters and notifications that clutter your inbox and distract you.
#7 Pomodoro with a Twist– Instead of traditional 25/5 Pomodoro intervals, try experimenting with different time blocks. For example, 52 minutes of focused work followed by a 17-minute break and repeat. Adjust the intervals to suit your personal productivity rhythms.
#8 Inbox-Zero Challenge– Try to reach inbox zero at the end of each workday. It can be surprisingly satisfying and reduce digital clutter.
#9 Mindful Small-Breaks – Instead of long breaks, take short, mindful breaks. Use these moments to practice deep breathing, stretching, or simply to appreciate your surroundings.
#10 Task Batching with a Twist– Group similar tasks, but also allocate a specific time for brainstorming and idea generation. This can lead to more creative solutions and efficient task execution.As a result our productivity would multiply manifolds.
#11 Task Role Reversal--Occasionally, switch roles with a colleague or team member. This can provide fresh perspectives and insights into your work.
#12 Personal Retreats– Take a day or even a few hours to work from a different location, like a library, park, or coffee shop, to break the monotony and boost creativity.
#13 The No-Device Zone—Designate certain areas in your workspace as “device-free zones” to minimize distractions and increase focus.
#14 Task Cards--Create physical task cards with individual tasks written on them. Shuffle the deck and draw cards randomly to determine your next task. It adds an element of surprise and variety to your workday.
#15 Reflective Journaling–-At the end of each day, write down three things you learned and three things you’ll do differently tomorrow. It helps with continuous improvement.
Remember that productivity strategies can vary a lot and they depend on various people, so don’t be afraid to experiment with these ideas and adapt them to your unique needs and preferences.
There are many popular YouTubers who also give free tips on increasing productivity. One such youtuber is Ali Abdal who also offers courses on that. He is just an example there are hundreds of others.
Here are few suggested readings that would help to increase productivity:
1- Books: Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You
2- Getting Things Done by David Allen
3-Deep Work by Cal Newport
4- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
