We all want to be more productive but it oftentimes feels like a chore trying to incorporate new strategies for productivity. Thankfully, there are a bunch of useful brain hacks that take minimal effort while delivering maximum results. Here are the 3 easiest productivity tips that you can work into your daily routine starting today!
1. Set Up Cues
The main problem with staying productive is building momentum. When we have a sudden boost of motivation the momentum we need to complete our tasks comes with it. But that kind of motivation is fleeting so you can’t consistently rely on it. If you want to consistently create that momentum whenever you desire then consider setting up cues for yourself.
Take some time to think of a small task you can do that feels effortless. A truly mindless activity. This could be something like:
- Put my workout clothes on
- Sit at the table and open Google Docs
- Plug the vacuum into the living room outlet
Doing these small tasks trick your brain into creating the motivation you crave. These tasks are natural precursors to the productive tasks you need to get done:
- Put my workout clothes on → Going to the gym
- Sit at the table and open Google Docs → Writing your book
- Plug the vacuum into the living room outlet → Cleaning your home
These are just a few examples of what this hack can be applied to. But you can implement this strategy into any part of your daily routine. Just identify that small and effortless cue that will ease you into your larger task.
2. Go Touch Some Grass
We tend to work in the same places. Usually, it’s wherever is most convenient for us. The problem with that is these environments are usually filled with distractions that you have grown blind to. They are constantly clawing at your attention and that creates an unproductive setting because your focus is split in half. The answer?
Go outside.
By changing your environment and physically going to a new location you have invested time and effort. This is what places you in a different state of mind because your brain recognizes that you have expended energy to relocate yourself. So it would be a waste of time and effort if you went back home without accomplishing something. Your thought process has now been changed to “might as well” which is all you need when starting out.
The benefits of a new environment at a glance:
- Less distractions
- New setting = More Creativity
- Increased focus
- Increased mental health
- Look cool and mysterious (not really but it’s a nice thought right?)
Top suggestions for your new work environment:
Nature provides a sense of clarity that allows your thoughts to run smoothly so you can enter a flow state much easier.
Coffee Shops are a classic because they are often filled with other people also working on something which is a conducive environment for you to get some work done as well.
The Library is also great because of the same reason as coffee shops. The key distinction is that distractions are almost zero here making focus very attainable.
3. Soundtrack Your Life
This one may be a bit controversial, but music is a powerful productivity tool that many still don’t use. It adds a rhythm to your work and can make it more fun. (listening to some sweet jazz while writing this)
Working in silence may help you hear your thoughts better but that also means that you are subject to the distractions of the mind. In contrast, music helps you filter your thoughts. It streamlines your thought process so you only focus on those big ideas and breakthroughs that peak in your mind alongside the crescendo of the song.
Not to mention it can help you romanticize those boring activities that you would otherwise be ripping your hair out doing. Music adds life and energy to your workflow. This helps raise your mood and you don’t need an article to tell you that working happily is usually more productive than working in a trashy mood.
The benefits of listening to music while working at a glance:
- Improved mood
- Increased concentration
- Increased creativity
- Minimize distracting thoughts
- Boost the rhythm of your work
My personal suggestions for the best music to work to:
Jazz is great whether you want to have a relaxing state of mind with some smooth sax or you really want to boost your focus and workflow rhythm through some double time swing on the drums. (I prefer the latter)
Techno is not for everyone but the steady bass can help you keep a steady pace while working and keeps you in a trance-like state that turns you into a productivity machine.
Whatever you want. The cool thing about music is that everyone has different tastes and a genre that works for someone else might not work for you. But part of the fun is finding the songs that get you into a productive state of mind. So experiment and see what helps YOU get in the zone.
Conclusion
Productivity is that key ingredient that everyone needs to create the life that they want. These three brain hacks will help you get there faster and easier. When you set up simple activities to do as precursors to your big task you create momentum all by yourself. By changing your environment you can enter a new headspace that allows for increased focus, creativity, and mental health. And when you add music to your workflow you also add rhythm, fun, and a boost of concentration. Imagine what you’ll be capable of accomplishing when you combine all three of these tips.
Which productivity hack will you be trying first? Do you have a hack that you personally use in your daily routine that works wonders? If so, I want to hear from you in the comments.