Improving productivity is not about doing different things. It’s about doing the same things differently. Small tricks can be immensely helpful to create that crucial difference in our approach which eventually helps you achieve the desired result.
1. Lists
Everyone has a habit of making lists in some or the other form. But properly organized lists can help you in a better way. There are two steps for making effective lists.
First:
Separate items into two groups.
-Immediate: Which need action right now.
-Passive: Which are not time sensitive.
Second:
Focus on the “Immediate” items first. These are items that propel you ahead by creating a noticeable change. “Passive” items can be managed in the remaining time or can be delegated.
2. Inversion Thinking
Inversion thinking is the strategy to work through problems in an inverse way. It focuses on what to avoid rather than what to achieve.
Most problems are caused by something we are already doing, not something we need to do. For example, most people think- How do I lose weight?
Inversion Thinkers have the opposite way of thinking- What am I doing to not lose weight?
3. Decrease Activation Energy
Activation energy is the energy required to start by overcoming intertia. It is directly proportional to the probability of starting an activity. Small steps can be taken as a part of a planned activity, and once you get the ball rolling by taking these small steps you can use the momentum to scale up.
The basic principle here is to walk before you run. If you are stuck on a large complex task, break it down into several small individual steps and nake the first step an easy one
4. Smart multitasking
Multitasking is a time-saver and it is indeed a must have quality in today’s era. However if multitasking is done haphazardly it becomes counter productive.
The solution is to use “batching” technique while multitasking. Group single similar items together and complete them one by one.
This is far more productive way of doing things which requires less energy as compared to random switching between multiple tasks on differing topics.
5. Next Actions
Each topline item on your list needs a “Next action.” The next action has to be a Non-negotiable one. If you don’t have these, add them in your plan.
Next action should be the next step which helps to push the project forward.
Example:
Topline -Create A Budget
Next Actions -List Expenses -List Income -Set Goals -Track.
6. Outcomes
A journey without goal is waste of time, energy and efforts. You need to precisely define the desired outcome first.
Having a crystal clear goal reduces the chance of procrastination.
Keep aing yourself, what does perfect execution look like. Knowing what you stand to lose by not completing a task is an effective motivation.
7. 2 Minute Rule
Will the task take less than 2 minutes? If yes, do it now.
Do not wait.
Do not overthink it.
Do not add it to your list or future plans.
Do it now!
Explained:
8. Pareto Principle
80% of results come from 20% of efforts. You need to identify these 20% efforts and work on that line. Knowing where to start is like winning half the battle.
Rank projects and activities in terms of effort vs results. Start where are you getting value for money/efforts.
Explained:
9. The 5 C’s
Ask yourself these questions
-Clarity: What all needs to be done and how?
-Capacity: What will it take to do it? How can it be improved?
-Capability: Do we have the resources? How can we use resources efficiently?
-Commitment: Are you ready for “all-in” effort?
-Collaboration: Where do you need help? Do you know who can help you?
10. Incentives
Effort without reward is a demotivating factor. Constant incentives help to achieve constant action.
You have to recognize large and small achievements. Plan rewards so as to create a productivity flywheel.
Bonus: The ability to narrow your focus is a superpower saving your time, effort, and resources.
Sourced from a very resourceful X/Twitter handle @blakeaburge with some modifications.
Expressions and Impressions 
For the first time I read your writing and I am already become fan of that…thank you for much needed words sir.
LikeLiked by 2 people
This is wonderful blog, helping a lot. We have list of works to be done but how to handle those list in meaningful way has been given here. Inversion thinking is a new perspective which will help out in right execution of work. Thank you Sir for your writings. – Dr Pawar shivshakti
LikeLiked by 1 person
nice article
LikeLiked by 1 person
very nice
LikeLiked by 1 person
The article is very helpful. The Inversion Thinking, two minute rule, pareto principal are very useful. thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person