In a world obsessed with life hacks, productivity and time management it is hard to cut through the noise and discover proven productivity techniques. More most of us, it is easy to get motivated but hard to stay disciplined. However to get more productive is really about understanding ourselves and how our brains work rather than using or subscribing to the latest productivity techniques. (Image credit: Flickr)
For a 3 minute summary of some of the key points of proven productivity techniques, check out the video below
Here are some of the highlights
1. Willpower is a finite resource and can be used up very quickly
2. Procrastination is a natural way our brains use to “simulate” real productive work by avoiding essential or big projects and instead focus on small, mindless tasks to fill our time.
3. Watching expert atheletes and musicians show that they get more sleep on average and are more productive when they practice
4. Spend time practicing big tasks/drills by engaging in deliberate practice
5. Use the Zeigarnik Effect to your advantage.
The Zeigarnik Effect (mentioned above) is a construct in our minds that psychologists have observed in numerous studies on “suspense”. One such study gave participants “brain buster” puzzles to complete, but not enough time to complete them. The surprising thing was, even when participants were asked to stop, over 90% of them went on to complete the puzzles anyway.
6. Discipline is maintained through setting up proper habits and not willpower.
7. A 90-minute session of productive work when your brain knows that a 15-minute break is coming up afterward is easier to handle. So chunk project down.
8. Use an accountability chart to keep track of what you need to accomplish and measure what you are accomplishing. If it can’t be measured then it is not worth doing.
9. Multitasking is a way to destroy your productivity. Do not attempt it.
10. TeuxDeux and iDoneThis apps are tools to help keep you on track with your proven productivity techniques
You can learn more about these proven techniques here. Are there any other proven productivity techniques that you feel should be added on? Also how do you think this compares to the Pomodoro technique?
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