Productivity
2 Unusual Habits That Will Quickly Improve Your Productivity
No green smoothies or cold showers. I promise.
“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.”
We often equate busyness with effectiveness, yet they’re not the same.
Imagine a day packed with activities, yet ending with a nagging feeling of unproductivity.
It’s a common scenario, reflecting a disconnect between effort and outcome.
The key to real productivity lies not in doing more, but in doing differently.
Albert Einstein once said,
“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”
Apply this to productivity, and you realize the need for a shift in approach.
Enter two unconventional habits, each a game-changer in its own right.
These aren’t your typical productivity hacks. They are rooted in the wisdom of doing less to achieve more.
These habits, while unusual, are grounded in a deeper understanding of how our brains and bodies work.
They challenge the status quo, urging us to rethink our approach to productivity.
This article isn’t about adding more to your to-do list.
It’s about redefining productivity, in line with what truly matters.
Productivity demands “what”, “why” and “how”
Peter Drucker once said,
“Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things.”
This wisdom sits at the core of productivity. It’s not just about doing tasks but ensuring they align with our deeper purpose.
The ‘what’ of productivity is your roadmap. It outlines your tasks and goals, serving as a blueprint for your ambitions.
It’s the clear path you chart towards your aspirations.
But the ‘what’ is only the beginning.
The ‘why’ is the heartbeat of your productivity. It’s the driving force behind your actions, the reason that propels you forward.
Numerous studies have shown only 2% of people have clear, written goals.
This rarity highlights the power of a well-defined ‘why’.
The ‘how’ is your strategy, guiding your actions towards these goals.
It’s where your energy and focus converge, shaping the way you approach your objectives.
In our hyper-connected era, distractions abound.
The challenge is focusing on what truly matters, steering clear of the noise.
Your brain, designed for deep focus, often becomes a playground for distractions.
It’s a daily battle to reclaim this mental space for clarity and purpose.
You are balancing the ‘what’, ‘why’, and ‘how’ is a delicate act. It’s about aligning your intentions with your actions, and your goals with your tasks.
This alignment is a continuous journey, requiring constant recalibration of your daily practices.
Here’s how I found my ‘what’, ‘why’, and ‘how’:
- Discovering the ‘What’: Journaling my goals and aspirations helps crystallize my ‘what’. It transforms abstract dreams into tangible targets.
- Unearthing the ‘Why’: Reflecting on my passions and values brings clarity to my ‘why’. It’s the motivational force that drives me.
- Mastering the ‘How’: Experimenting with different routines and tools fine-tunes my ‘how’. It’s about finding what works best for my unique rhythm.
As we explore transformative habits, remember:
Productivity is a journey.
It’s about aligning clarity with adaptability, a path of continuous refinement.
Habit 1 | Take smart breaks during your workday
“Rest when you’re weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work.” — Ralph Marston.
It’s not about non-stop work; it’s about smart pauses.
Studies show that taking short breaks can improve productivity by up to 13%. This counters the myth that continuous work equals higher output.
Smart breaks are not mere time-offs. They are strategic pauses, designed to rejuvenate and refocus.
It’s like pressing a reset button for your brain, giving it the brief respite it needs to function optimally.
These breaks aren’t about idly passing time. They should be purposeful and refreshing, be it a brisk walk or a moment of meditation.
The idea is to step away from the workstation, physically and mentally. This detachment is crucial for a renewed perspective.
Even a few minutes can make a difference. A change of scenery, a stretch, or a few deep breaths can be transformative.
What’s crucial is how you spend these breaks. It’s not about switching from one screen to another.
Engaging in a different kind of activity can stimulate your brain in new ways. It can spark creativity and problem-solving skills.
This habit of taking smart breaks is a skill. Like any skill, it takes practice and mindfulness to perfect.
It’s about listening to your body and mind, and recognizing when they need a pause.
Integrating smart breaks into your routine may feel disruptive at first.
But with time, it becomes a natural part of your productivity rhythm.
Remember, it’s not about filling every minute with work. It’s about making every minute of work more effective.
Habit 2 | Have longer periods of downtime
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” — Anne Lamott.
This truth is foundational to productivity, yet often overlooked.
It’s about embracing downtime, not as a luxury, but as a necessity.
A study found that chronic overworkers are 13% more likely to suffer a heart attack. This fact alone is a wake-up call to the importance of rest.
Longer periods of downtime aren’t just breaks. They’re an integral part of a sustainable work rhythm.
This downtime means stepping back from work entirely. It’s about disconnecting from professional obligations and immersing in personal rejuvenation.
It’s not just about a day off. It’s about a complete mental and emotional reset.
These extended breaks allow for deeper pursuits. Engaging in hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or simply doing nothing.
This practice is about honoring the human aspect of productivity.
Recognizing that we aren’t machines, but beings who need rest and recreation.
The impact of such downtime is profound. It replenishes our mental and emotional reserves, making us more effective when we return.
It’s a cycle:
Work → Rest → Rejuvenate → Repeat.
This cycle ensures sustainability in our productivity.
Incorporating longer downtime requires planning and commitment. It’s about setting boundaries and honoring them.
This habit challenges the glorification of busyness. It’s a bold statement that rest is as important as action.
Remember, true productivity isn’t measured by hours spent working. It’s measured by the quality and impact of the work done.
Productivity is a delicate balance. It’s about hard work, yes, but also about hard rest.
The two are inseparable allies in our quest for effectiveness and fulfillment.
My formula to implement this in my life
“Productivity is not an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort.”
This quote of Paul J. Meyer’s in my approach to productivity.
It’s a structured yet flexible routine, finely tuned to maximize each day’s potential.
I begin with a Morning Mindset Alignment, dedicating the first 30 minutes post-wake to avoid electronics, and engage in meditation or quiet reflection, followed by planning the day with clear, achievable goals.
The Focus Blocks come next, encompassing 4 hours of deep, focused work.
Divided into two 2-hour sessions, these blocks are where I tackle my most challenging tasks, in a space free from distractions.
After each hour of concentrated effort, I take a Strategic Smart Break of 5 to 15 minutes.
This could be a quick walk, some stretching, or a healthy snack, designed to detach completely from work and rejuvenate.
The Midday Review and Adjustment is a 15-minute checkpoint.
Here, I assess my morning’s progress, and recalibrate my goals if necessary, ensuring they remain realistic and achievable for the day.
Afternoons are for my Creative Session.
Lasting 1 to 2 hours, this period is reserved for less intensive tasks, allowing for a flow of creative energy and brainstorming in a less structured environment.
The day ends with an Evening Wind Down for 30 minutes, reflecting on the day’s accomplishments, noting areas for improvement, and setting up a brief outline for the next day.
Finally, Extended Downtime in the evenings and weekends is sacrosanct.
These are times for relaxation, hobbies, family, or complete rest, strictly free from work intrusions, and integral for mental and emotional rejuvenation.
My daily productivity formula:
→ Morning Mindset (30 mins): Meditation/Reflection + Day Planning
→ Focus Blocks (4 hrs): 2 x 2-hour blocks of deep work
→ Smart Breaks (5–15 mins): Post every hour of focus
→ Midday Review (15 mins): Progress check and plan adjustment
→ Afternoon Creative Session (1–2 hrs): For lighter, creative tasks
→ Evening Wind Down (30 mins): Reflect and prepare for the next day
→ Extended Downtime: Evenings and weekends for personal life
This formula is my roadmap to a productive day, balancing intense focus with necessary breaks and personal time, ensuring I work hard and smart.
Bottom line
The secret to skyrocketing your productivity lies in two unconventional habits: taking smart breaks and enjoying longer downtime.
These practices are your ticket to working smarter, not harder. By strategically pausing to reset and fully unplugging to recharge, you’ll find yourself more focused, creative, and efficient.
Remember, true productivity is about quality, not just quantity.
So, embrace these habits and watch your productivity soar while keeping your well-being intact. As I like to say,
“Pause with purpose, recharge with intention, and productivity will flourish.”
It’s time to redefine how you work and live — for the better.
-Zohvib
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