There are certain mental blocks that tend to prevent us from optimising our lives and unlocking a more productive version of ourselves. These are often rooted in myths that we’ve internalised over the years, through observation and conditioning. The first step to overcoming these is acknowledging the fact that we have indeed (at various points) rationalised our lack of productivity by entertaining these myths.

Tip #1 – Make a To-Do List

Create a list of things that you need to do each day. Sounds easy, but this is an important step because it's the ‘least resistant’ activity, the simplest to achieve. Instead, if you make it sophisticated by using a mobile app or a to-do computer application for example, you end up introducing complexity by having to go to the system, turn it on, key in the information, etc. Chances are high that you will refrain from doing this.

So, what’s the alternative? First thing in the morning, take out your pen and a piece of paper. Just write down what comes to mind, every single idea. How you tackle them is secondary at this stage; just ensure you write everything down in your book. That way, you'll achieve a state of tranquillity because there’ll be no more thoughts running loose in your head.

Once it is on paper, then you begin to put a timeline to each activity – which are the things that you need to get done today, and which are the things that you want to get done on a specific day or by a specific date. You can write it down, schedule it, and then integrate it with your system. That could be your to-do application, the calendar app on your phone, or any other system that you’re comfortable using. The important takeaway – write it all down first!

Tip #2 – Work Smart, Not Hard

This is in line with one of the principles covered in an earlier post in this productivity blog series – it's more important to focus on effectiveness than efficiency. Spend time doing things that are of priority, activities that make a difference to your overall scheme of things. It will help you conserve energy and build up your self-esteem as well.

Ask yourself this question at the beginning of each day, “What are one or two things that if I complete today, the majority of those other things in my list become irrelevant?” That’s where you need to focus. Those are the things you need to get to first, on priority.

Tip #3 – Act Fast

TRemember, don't rely on motivation; rely on discipline instead. Put systems in place, which will enable you to accomplish things on autopilot mode. In life as in work, there is always such a thing as a positive feedback loop. You’ll find the faster you act, the more momentum you gain, and the quicker you'll get things done.

When you feel inspired to finish a task, make sure you don't procrastinate. Act immediately, complete the activity and boost your confidence. Because the longer you delay, the harder it becomes to pick it up later. Be a doer, not a procrastinator!

Tip #4 – Clean Up Your Environment

This may sound basic and not so much like a tip. But if you have a messy work area or a cluttered digital space, you will not have the energy or the focus to do what needs to be done. Your mind will feel very cluttered, and your thought process may seem clouded.

The resolution is simple. Make sure that you clean up the space, whether physical or digital, and clear the clutter away. The moment you do that, you will find your mind, energy and focus align together to easily accomplish the task at hand.

Tip #5 – Focus on What Is in Your Control

There are a lot of things happening in the world right now. There are things that happened in one part of the globe, such as the source of the pandemic, and yet the entire world appears to be affected, with people everywhere still suffering and struggling. Do you have control over this? Not at all.

However, there are things which are indeed in your control. For example, you and only you are in control of your time. You are in control of your focus. You can control your distractions. Be in charge of these things that are within your control. Don't leave them to chance by giving excuses or trying to rationalise.

This is the best time to look inward, and to optimise your systems. This is your time to be productive. That wraps up this blog on productivity with your coach Manoj Radhakrishna. Apply the five tips consistently and you’ll be well on your way to being a more productive person. Don’t expect overnight success. But once you start using these methods, and if you put in the effort daily, weekly, monthly, you will see a compounding effect. Go ahead and unlock a better version of yourself.