A leaf cutter ant carrying a huge leaf in his mouth while zipping along the edge of a sidewalk in the Soberania National Forest in Panama. Shallow depth of depth with selective focus on ant and leaf. The speed that the ant was traveling, the limited field of depth and the extremely small size of the subject made this a very gratifying image to capture.

Productivity

Is productivity vital to you? Of course, it is for many people. After all, being productive can lead to better results at work, at home, and in life in general. 

For many people, productivity is a top priority. It’s a way to ensure we get the most out of our efforts, whether at work, at home, or personally. What does it mean to be productive? And how can we maximize our productivity?

Thankfully, there are several techniques we can use to increase our productivity. Some of these include setting clear goals and deadlines, creating a schedule or to-do list, avoiding multi-tasking, taking regular breaks to rest and recharge, and utilizing technology and tools to streamline our work processes. By adding these strategies into our daily routines, we can achieve better results and feel more fulfilled in all aspects of our lives.

Define productivity and its benefits.

First, let us define productivity. Productivity is the measure of productivity – quantity and quality of output per unit of time. Productive means creating more with less effort, using time in the most efficient way possible, and taking on challenging tasks that require focus, skill, and productivity.

There have been numerous scientific studies on the benefits of productivity, both in terms of individual and organizational outcomes. Here are some key findings:

  1. Increased job satisfaction: Research has shown that when individuals feel productive and accomplished, they experience better job satisfaction and a greater sense of fulfillment.
  2. Improved mental health: Studies have demonstrated that being productive can improve mental health outcomes, such as reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
  3. Higher levels of well-being: Several studies have found that being productive is associated with higher levels of well-being, including improved life satisfaction and a greater sense of purpose.
  4. Increased creativity: Interestingly, studies have shown that productivity can boost creativity by encouraging individuals to explore new ideas and experiment with different approaches.
  5. Tremendous career success: Research has found that highly productive individuals experience immense success, including higher salaries and faster career advancement.
  6. Enhanced organizational performance: Productivity can have significant benefits for organizations as well, including increased efficiency, improved quality of work, and greater profitability.

The scientific evidence suggests that productivity is essential to individual and organizational success and that developing effective productivity strategies can lead to many positive outcomes.

But what does it mean to be productive? And how can you make sure you’re achieving maximum productivity? Keep reading to find out.

Being productive is essential for achieving success in our personal and professional lives. Productivity refers to optimizing our output and maximizing our resources, time, and energy. It allows us to accomplish more in less time, achieve our goals, and feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

In short, productivity is an essential ingredient for success and satisfaction. By optimizing our output and using our resources effectively, we can accomplish more and enjoy the benefits of our hard work. If you’re seeking to make the most of your efforts, consider incorporating some of these productivity-boosting techniques into your daily routine.

What is The cost of being unproductive?

The cost of unproductive behavior extends beyond simple financial losses. Low performers often struggle with feelings of guilt, frustration, and a lack of purpose, which can lead to depression, and different kinds of mental health issues. This unproductive cycle harms personal relationships and robs individuals of the joy of life. Furthermore, counterproductive behavior can lead to career stagnation and cause employees to feel ashamed. Productivity is essential for successful businesses and healthy individuals; if unproductivity is not addressed sooner rather than later, it can potentially do significant damage.

The cost of being unproductive can be high in terms of personal and professional consequences. For example, when exhausted, we may struggle to complete our work on time or meet our goals, leading to stress, anxiety, and a sense of failure.

The cost of being unproductive in a professional setting can be even higher. Unproductive employees may miss deadlines, produce lower-quality work, and ultimately reduce their overall efficiency and profitability. This can also harm team morale and collaboration, as weak team members may cause delays or add extra work for their colleagues.

To quantify from a dollar value perspective on being unproductive in the workforce —

  • According to a study by the Workforce Institute at Kronos and Future Workplace, unplanned absenteeism costs employers an average of 5.6% of their payroll each year. This can be due to employees feeling overwhelmed or burnt out or dealing with personal or family issues.
  • Another study by the National Business Research Institute found that employees waste an average of 50 minutes per day on non-work-related activities, such as browsing the internet, socializing with colleagues, or taking personal calls or messages. This translates to approximately $15,000 per employee per year in lost productivity.

On a personal level, the cost of being unproductive can be equally high. We may feel unfulfilled, unmotivated, or overwhelmed by our responsibilities, which can negatively impact our mental health and overall well-being. Being unproductive can also limit our ability to achieve our personal goals and pursue our passions, leading to unfulfillment and regret.

Ultimately, the cost of being unproductive is high and can harm our personal and professional lives. However, by prioritizing productivity and finding the best strategies, we can achieve our goals, reduce stress, and enjoy the satisfaction of reaching our full potential.

Find an accountability partner or group to help keep you on track.

Reaching your full potential means committing to productive habits that ensure you are a high performer. One of the best ways to stick with effective routines is to find an accountability partner or group with whom you can work together and track each other’s progress. They can hold you accountable for achieving the goals that you have set; working with someone else motivates you to stay on top of your tasks, offering valuable advice and helping challenge yourself to reach higher levels of productivity. 

An accountability partner can be your friend, colleague, or mentor who shares similar goals or aspirations. Regularly checking in with each other and sharing progress updates can motivate others to stay focused and committed to achieving your goals. Similarly, an accountability group can provide a supportive community that helps keep you on track and provides valuable feedback and encouragement.

An accountability partner or group can help you stay committed to your goals and avoid procrastination or distractions. It can also provide a sense of camaraderie and support, which can be especially helpful during challenging or stressful times.

If you want to improve your productivity and stay focused on your goals, consider finding an accountability partner or group to help keep you on track. By working together and holding each other accountable, you can achieve great things and enjoy the satisfaction of reaching your full potential.

After all, a journey is always easier when shared rather than taken alone!

Understand what time of day you’re most productive and plan your work schedule.

Being mindful of your plan productivity can help you to plan a work schedule that allows you to do your best work. Understanding when and where you’re most effective can be invaluable in ensuring that your daily tasks are completed efficiently and effectively. Try varying timeslots for different functions during the day so that the attention given to each task is best suited for the job. Scheduling a productivity plan around peak energy levels could be critical in avoiding burnout and producing top-level work within an optimal timeframe.

People’s circadian rhythms, or natural body clocks, can vary significantly, meaning that some individuals are naturally more alert, focused, and productive during certain times of the day.

By identifying the times of day when you are most productive, you can schedule your most challenging or high-priority tasks during those times and plan less demanding or routine tasks for other times. For example, if you’re a morning person, you may be most productive during the first few hours of the day. In this case, you should tackle your most demanding tasks or important projects during this time and save less challenging tasks, such as responding to emails or scheduling appointments, for later in the day.

Alternatively, if you’re a night owl, you may find that you’re most productive in the evenings or late at night. In this case, schedule your most important work during these hours, and save more routine tasks for earlier in the day when you may need to be more alert.

By understanding your natural rhythms and planning your work schedule around them, you can maximize your productivity and achieve better results in less time. This can help you work more efficiently, reduce stress, and enjoy achieving your goals.

How to increase your productivity

Increasing productivity is vital to success, and some methods can be applied to ensure you reach your highest capacity for being productive. 

There are a few other strategies you may find helpful:

It is vital to make sure to have a plan of action. By outlining your tasks and goals, you will increase clarity, focus on what needs to be done, and increase motivation by having a vision of where you’re headed. 

Secondly, creating a good work environment with minimal distractions is essential. Remove any potential irritants, such as personal items or gadgets, that don’t contribute to increasing productivity.

Third, it can be helpful to break large tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces. Smaller jobs can help you stay motivated and focused and reduce feelings of overwhelm or anxious. By setting achievable milestones, you can feel a sense of positivity and accomplishment along the way, boosting your motivation and keeping you on track.

Fourth, it can be helpful to set deadlines or time limits for completing tasks. Deadlines and time limits help you stay focused and avoid getting sidetracked by less critical or non-urgent tasks. Working within a specific timeframe can improve your time management skills and productivity.

It’s important to remember that productivity is not just about working harder or longer but also about taking care of your physical and mental health. Getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and taking regular breaks can all help to increase your productivity and prevent burnout.

Stay organized and take regular breaks whenever possible to increase efficiency and health throughout the day. With these methods in place, increasing productivity is an achievable goal that can help lead to success!

Incorporating these strategies into your daily routine can help you to reach your maximum productivity potential, achieve your goals, and experience greater satisfaction and success in all areas of your life. So, whether you’re a student, a professional, or just looking to make the most of your time, consider implementing some of these productivity-boosting techniques and enjoy the benefits of increased efficiency and accomplishment!

Let us talk more about each of the recommendations above.

Tips for staying productive throughout the day

An often overlooked key to remaining productive and stay being productive is having a good night’s sleep. 

Sleep is a crucial factor in productivity. Keep in mind that getting enough quality sleep is vital for our physical and mental health, and it can significantly impact our ability to focus, make decisions, and be productive.

During sleep, our bodies undergo several therapeutic processes, including repairing damaged tissues and restoring energy. Our brains also consolidate memories and process information, which is vital for learning and retaining new information.

Research has shown that sleep deprivation can significantly impair cognitive function, including attention, memory, and decision-making. Lack of sleep can also lead to increased stress, anxiety, and irritability, negatively impacting productivity and performance.

Getting enough quality sleep can improve our mood, increase our energy levels, and boost our cognitive function, leading to increased productivity. When well-rested, we can better focus, make decisions, and complete tasks efficiently and effectively.

Therefore, prioritizing sleep is vital as part of a productive lifestyle. Getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night can ensure that you are well-rested and able to perform at your best. Additionally, creating a consistent sleep schedule and maintaining a relaxing sleep environment can also help to improve the quality and quantity of your sleep, leading to increased productivity and overall well-being.

Getting restful and good-quality sleep can help foster sustained productivity. Allowing yourself sufficient time for rest will positively impact your ability to concentrate, remain focused throughout the day, and complete tasks more quickly.

It is essential not just to get enough hours of sleep each night but also to create a routine that the body can acclimatize itself to. Healthy habits such as regularly exercising, eating well-balanced meals, and avoiding significant levels of stress and distraction, will all help you remain productive at work.

Create a productive environment for yourself.

Creating a quiet, productive environment for yourself is essential to being successful. 

  1. Choose the Right Spot: The location of your workspace can significantly impact your productivity. Try to find a quiet, comfortable spot free from distractions and disturbances. Choose a space with natural light and good ventilation.
  2. Minimize Distractions: Try to eliminate any unnecessary distractions from your workspace. This might include turning off notifications on your smartphone, closing unnecessary tabs on your computer, or finding a quiet workplace. You can improve your focus and concentration by reducing distractions, allowing you to work more efficiently.
  3. Use Ergonomic Furniture: Ensure your workspace is comfortable and supports good posture. Invest in an ergonomic chair, desk, and keyboard to reduce strain and improve your overall health and comfort.
  4. Keep Your Workspace Organized: A cluttered workspace can be overwhelming and distracting. Keep your workspace organized by creating a filing system for papers, using drawers or shelves to store office supplies, and using organizers to keep smaller items in order. This can help to reduce stress and increase focus and productivity.
  5. Ensure Your Workspace is Well-Stocked: Make sure your workspace has all the tools and resources you need to complete your tasks efficiently. This might include office supplies, a comfortable chair, a reliable computer, or any other materials you need to complete your work.
  6. Use Natural Light: Natural light is a great way to boost your mood and energy levels. Position your workspace near a window to take advantage of natural light. If natural light is unavailable, consider using full-spectrum lights, which can mimic natural light and provide similar benefits.
  7. Set Achievable Goals: Set realistic and achievable goals will keep you motivated and on track. Break your tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces and set deadlines for each. This can help you stay focused and progress toward your larger goals.
  8. Create a Plan of Action: By outlining your tasks and goals, you will increase clarity and focus, commit to what needs to be done, and increase motivation by having a vision of where you’re headed.
  9. Reward Yourself: Celebrate your accomplishments and progress by rewarding yourself for achieving your goals. This could be as simple as taking a short break to grab a snack or walking outside. Recognizing your mini-victories can keep you motivated and energized as you work toward your larger goals.
  10. By implementing these strategies, you can create a productive environment that supports your goals and helps you to work efficiently and effectively. Try out different techniques to find what works best for you, and enjoy the benefits of increased focus, motivation, and productivity.

Set specific, relevant, measurable, attainable, and time-bound goals. 

Setting goals that meet the criteria of being specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound is essential for achieving success. 

  1. Start with a clear vision of your goals: Take the time to define your long-term goals and aspirations. This could be a career goal, a personal project, or a health objective. Be precise about what you want to achieve and why it’s important.
  2. Break your long-term goal down into smaller, more manageable milestones: Break your long-term goal into smaller, more achievable pieces. This can help you stay committed, motivated, and focused.
  3. Make your goals specific: Make your goals specific and clear. This will help you focus on what needs to be accomplished and avoid confusion or misunderstandings. Use precise and descriptive language to outline what you want to achieve.
  4. Ensure your goals are relevant: Make sure that your goals are relevant to your overall vision and purpose. Ask yourself how your goals will help you move closer to achieving your long-term aspirations.
  5. Make your goals measurable: Establish metrics that you can use to measure progress and success. This could be a specific number of tasks completed, a certain amount of time spent on a project, or several sales made. Measuring progress can help you to stay motivated and track your accomplishments.
  6. Ensure your goals are attainable: Make sure that your goals are challenging yet achievable. This means they should be ambitious enough to motivate you but not so complex that they feel impossible to achieve. Set yourself up for success by setting achievable goals.
  7. Make your goals time-bound: Establish a specific deadline for each plan. This will help you to stay focused and avoid procrastination. Having a deadline helps you to prioritize your tasks and stay on track.
  8. Divide your goals into primary and smaller set goals: Major goals are longer-term goals that typically take more than a year to complete, while smaller goals can be achieved more quickly. By breaking your goals into these categories, you can maintain focus on both short-term and long-term objectives.
  9. Ensure your goals are realistic and have a timeline: Goals should have a timeline and be realistic about what can be accomplished in that period. A well-defined plan gives you a better measure of your progress over time and enables evaluation of your productivity.

Creating goals with these criteria allows for greater focus on achieving your goals on time and effectively. Incorporating these tips into your goal-setting process can help you to achieve your long-term aspirations and maximize your productivity.

Create a list of the things you need to finish and cross them off as you go.

Creating a to-do list and crossing off tasks as they are completed is a simple and effective productivity technique that can help you to stay organized and focused. Here are some tips:

  1. Use a tool that works for you: Various digital and physical devices are available for creating to-do lists. Find which one that works best for you and use it consistently.
  2. Prioritize tasks: When creating your list, prioritize tasks by importance. This will help you to focus on the most critical tasks first.
  3. Break down large tasks: If you have large or complex tasks, break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. This will make them feel less overwhelmed and help you to make progress.
  4. Include deadlines: If a task has a deadline, include it on your list. This will help you stay on your goals and ensure you meet your deadlines.
  5. Celebrate small wins: As you complete tasks on your list, take satisfaction in seeing them checkmarked or crossed off. Celebrate your progress and use it as motivation to keep going.

These tips can create an effective to-do list that helps you to stay organized, focused, and productive.

Take breaks when you need them, but stay focused.

Taking breaks when necessary is a crucial part of productivity, as it allows your focus to be maintained and your brain and body to rest and recharge. If you keep working without taking any breaks, you may feel exhausted and burned out, which can negatively affect your productivity in the long run.

However, when one takes a break, staying focused and focusing on getting back up and continuing working shortly afterward is crucial. For example, if you take a break and start scrolling through social media, you may get sidetracked and waste more time than you intended. Instead, take breaks that will refresh and energize you, such as walking or stretching exercises.

Taking breaks is essential and can help improve focus and productivity, but don’t let them become an excuse for procrastination; the focus should stay on getting the job done.

Set small goals for each day.

Everyone has big ambitions, but it can be hard to achieve them without small, manageable goals that can easily be accomplished in a day. By setting small goals for each day, you are continuously progressing toward your larger goals, and this little progress is encouraging and motivating you to keep working hard. Small plans help to break up the mundane everyday tasks, so you can handle the large number of tasks that need to be completed. Every small victory should be celebrated as they all contribute to achieving tremendous success in the long run.

There have been several scientific studies that have explored the benefits of setting small goals for each day. 

One study conducted and published in the “Journal of Personality and Social Psychology” discovered that people who set small, achievable goals for themselves each day were more likely to make progress toward their larger, long-term goals. The study also found that setting small goals helped boost self-confidence and motivation and gave a better sense of control over one’s life.

Another study published in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology found that setting daily goals can help individuals to manage their time better and focus their attention, leading to increased productivity and job performance. The study also found that setting small daily goals can help to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

Setting small goals for each day helps break down larger tasks into more manageable chunks, boost motivation and self-confidence, and improve productivity and well-being.

Identify your time-wasters and how to avoid them.

Poor time management affects us all, leading to our own time-wasters. Whether scrolling down our social media feeds, getting lost in YouTube videos, or procrastinating tasks, time-wasters can disrupt the balance between productivity and leisure time. 

There are several scientific studies on identifying time-wasters and how to avoid them.

  1. A study published in the Journal of Business and Psychology found that employees who identified and actively managed their time-wasting behaviors had higher job satisfaction and were more productive than those who did not.
  2. A study conducted and published in the “Journal of Applied Psychology” found that employees who engaged in frequent task-switching or multi-tasking had lower productivity and increased stress levels.
  3. A study conducted and published in the “Journal of Occupational Health Psychology” found that individuals who had high levels of self-regulation and could manage their attention and focus effectively were more productive and less likely to experience burnout.
  4. A study conducted and published in the “Journal of Educational Psychology” found that students who identified and managed their time-wasting behaviors were more likely to achieve academic success.

These studies suggest that identifying time-wasters and managing them can lead to increased productivity, job satisfaction, and overall well-being.

Identifying and doing something about time-wasters is important to create a healthier lifestyle and improve productivity. Making time for planned activities, such as budgeting time for breaks during studying or holding yourself accountable for everyday tasks, will help in removing the source of distraction. Additionally, turning off notifications from applications that you know tend to distract you can be very beneficial. 

Ultimately, understanding your time-wasters and taking intentional steps to avoid them are critical steps to becoming more productive.

Reduce distractions by turning off your phone, closing social media tabs, and putting on headphones.

Staying focused and committed to the task can guarantee a productive day.

Several studies support the idea that removing distractions can help improve productivity:

  1. A study conducted and published in Computers in Human Behavior found that social media use was negatively related to academic performance. The study recommended that students limit their social media use to improve their academic success.
  2. A study conducted and published in the “Journal of Educational Psychology” found that students distracted by text messages and social media notifications scored lower on tests and had lower grades.
  3. A study conducted and published in the “Journal of Environmental Psychology” found that noise distraction in the workplace can harm employees’ mood, motivation, and productivity.
  4. A study conducted and published in the “Journal of Experimental Psychology” found that multi-tasking can lead to decreased productivity and increased stress levels.

These studies suggest that getting rid of distractions, such as turning off your phone and closing social media tabs, can help you avoid time-wasters and improve your productivity. Additionally, headphones can help block out distracting noise and enhance focus.

Consider turning off your phone and closing any social media tabs to prevent distractions. Additionally, if music helps you stay focused, pop on some headphones to block out distractions that may arise during your workday. Making these simple changes enables you to focus and maximize each work day, ultimately creating more progress on important tasks!

Take breaks often to walk around, get some fresh air, or stretch your legs.

Taking breaks throughout the day is essential for staying productive while looking after your physical and mental well-being. Not only can leaves be used to get some fresh air, but they can also give you a chance to stretch your legs and pause from what you’re working on. In addition, taking breaks can help rejuvenate your energy and focus; this is especially beneficial if you’ve been sitting at your desk most of your day. So get into the habit of taking breaks, even if it’s just for 10 minutes every couple of hours, to keep yourself refreshed. You’ll thank yourself later!

You need help! Below are tools you can leverage for productivity.

Top 7 Simple Tools for Productivity:

  1. Trello: Project management tool for organizing tasks and projects visually using cards and boards.
  2. Asana: Project management tool for managing tasks, tracking progress, and collaborating with team members.
  3. Evernote: Note-taking and organization tool for capturing ideas, notes, and reminders in one place.
  4. Google Calendar: Time management tool for scheduling tasks and appointments, setting reminders, and sharing calendars.
  5. Forest: Productivity app for staying focused and avoiding distractions using a timer that grows a virtual tree.
  6. RescueTime: Time tracking tool for understanding how you spend your time on your devices and identifying areas for improvement.
  7. MindMeister: Mind-mapping tool for brainstorming and organizing ideas visually using diagrams and flowcharts.

Tools for Time Management:

  1. Toggl: Time tracking tool for tracking the time spent on tasks and projects.
  2. Google Calendar: Time management tool for scheduling tasks and appointments, setting reminders, and sharing calendars.
  3. Focus@Will: Music app for improving focus and productivity through scientifically designed music.
  4. Pomodoro Timer: Time management tool for breaking the workday into 25-minute chunks with 5-minute breaks in between.
  5. Calm: Meditation and mindfulness app for reducing stress and improving focus and productivity.
  6. F.lux: Computer application that adjusts the color of your screen based on the time of day, reducing eye strain and fatigue.
  7. ClickUp: Project management tool for managing tasks, projects, and team communication in one place.

Tools for Project Management:

  1. Trello: Project management tool for organizing tasks and projects visually using cards and boards.
  2. Asana: Project management tool for managing tasks, tracking progress, and collaborating with team members.
  3. Monday.com: Project management tool for managing tasks, projects, and workflows in a visual and customizable way.
  4. Basecamp: Project management tool for managing tasks, projects, and team communication in one place.
  5. MindMeister: Mind-mapping tool for brainstorming and organizing ideas visually using diagrams and flowcharts.
  6. Zenkit: Project management tool for customizing workflows and project structures.
  7. Notion: All-in-one productivity tool for managing tasks, notes, projects, and more in one place.

Tools for Task Management:

  1. Todoist: Task management app for creating to-do lists, setting reminders, and prioritizing tasks.
  2. Asana: Project management tool for managing tasks, tracking progress, and collaborating with team members.
  3. OneNote: Digital notebook for capturing and organizing notes, ideas, and to-do lists.
  4. Todoist: Task management app for creating to-do lists, setting reminders, and prioritizing tasks.
  5. Habitica: Productivity app for turning your goals into a game, earning points for completing tasks, and losing points for procrastination.
  6. Notion: All-in-one productivity tool for managing tasks, notes, projects, and more in one place.
  7. Monday.com: Project management tool for managing tasks, projects, and workflows in a visual and customizable way.

Tools for Organization:

  1. Evernote: Note-taking and organization tool for capturing ideas, notes, and reminders in one place.
  2. Google Drive: Cloud storage platform for storing and sharing files across multiple devices.
  3. Dropbox: Cloud storage platform for storing and sharing files across multiple devices.
  4. Pocket: Bookmarking tool for saving articles, videos, and other content for later reading.
  5. Airtable: Cloud-based database for organizing, tracking, and managing data in a flexible and customizable way.
  6. Notion: All-in-one productivity tool for managing tasks, notes

Everything is digital above; I understand! However, for people who prefer manual, here is a list.

  1. Paper planner or organizer: A physical planner or organizer can help you to keep track of your schedule, to-do lists, and important deadlines. Vendors: Moleskine, Passion Planner, Erin Condren, Franklin Covey
  2. Sticky notes: Sticky notes are used to jot down quick reminders, ideas, or tasks and can be easily stuck to your desk, computer, or other surfaces. Vendors: 3M Post-It Notes, AmazonBasics, Office Depot
  3. Whiteboard: A whiteboard can be used to brainstorm, plan, and organize tasks and projects visually. Vendors: Quartet, U Brands, Viz-Pro, Amazon Basics
  4. Wall calendar: A wall calendar can help you to keep track of important dates, deadlines, and appointments. Vendors: At-A-Glance, Lang, House of Doolittle, Amazon Basics
  5. Physical filing system: A physical filing system can help you to organize important documents and papers in a way that is easy to access and manage. Vendors: Bankers Box, Smead, Pendaflex, Avery
  6. Bullet journal: A bullet journal can be used to track tasks, goals, and other important information. Vendors: Leuchtturm1917, Moleskine, Archer and Olive, Rhodia
  7. Time blocking planner: A time blocking planner is a type of planner that helps you to schedule your tasks and activities in specific time blocks throughout the day. Vendors: Panda Planner, Inkwell Press, Clever Fox, Full Focus Planner
  8. Daily log notebook: A daily log notebook is a simple notebook that you can use to track your daily tasks, goals, and progress. Vendors: Rhodia, Baron Fig, Black n’ Red, Muji
  9. Clipboard: A clipboard can hold important documents or papers and make it easier to work on tasks while on the go. Vendors: Saunders, Officemate, Amazon Basics
  10. Notecards: Notecards can be used to jot down ideas, to-do lists, or essential information and can be carried in a pocket or purse without worrying about low battery. Vendors: Oxford, Mead, Staples
  11. Personal Kanban board: A personal Kanban board is a visual tool used to manage tasks and projects using a simple card-based system. Vendors: Kanbanize, Trello, LeanKit, AgileZen
  12. Post-it Flags: Post-it flags can be used to mark important information in books, documents, or notes. Vendors: 3M Post-it Flags, AmazonBasics, Office Depot
  13. Highlighters: Highlighters can be used to mark important information in books, documents, or notes. Vendors: Sharpie, Staedtler, Zebra, Bic
  14. Vision Board: A vision board is like a chalkboard meant to show a collage of images, quotes, and other items representing your goals and aspirations. It can help you to visualize and focus on what you want to achieve. Vendor: Amazon: Amazon offers a variety of vision board products, including cork boards, whiteboards, and bulletin boards that can be used to create a vision board. They also provide materials such as markers, sticky notes, and magazine cutouts that can be used to decorate the board.
  15. Portable scanner: A portable scanner can help you to digitize important documents and paperwork on the go, making it easier to keep them organized and accessible. Vendor: Fujitsu ScanSnap
  16. Standing desk: A standing desk helps you improve posture and reduce the adverse health effects of sitting for long periods. Vendor: Vari
  17. Footrest: A footrest can help you to improve posture and reduce strain on your lower back and legs while sitting. (Vendor: Mind Reader)
  18. Wrist rest: A wrist rest can reduce strain on your wrists and hands while typing. Vendor: Fellowes
  19. Reading stand: A reading stand can help reduce neck and eye strain while reading or working on documents. Vendor: iDesign
  20. Cable management system: A cable management system can help you to keep your workspace tidy and free from clutter. Vendor: J Channel Cable Raceway
  21. Drawer organizer: A drawer organizer can help keep your desk drawers tidy and organized. Vendor: STORi
  22. Document stand: A document stand can be used to hold documents or books comfortably for reading or typing. Vendor: 3M
  23. Portable laptop stand: A portable laptop stand can help improve posture while working on a laptop. Vendor: Roost
  24. Lap pad: A lap pad can make it more comfortable to use a laptop or tablet on your lap. Vendor: Sofia + Sam
  25. Dry-erase board: A dry-erase board can be used to brainstorm, plan, and organize tasks and projects visually. Vendor: Quartet

Celebrate your accomplishments, small or big; they are all important!

Celebrating your accomplishments, regardless of size, is an integral part of productivity. From organizing the house to landing a new job, it pays to give yourself credit for all you achieve. Taking a few moments to celebrate each accomplishment can be a real boost for morale. It’s also great to take stock of how far you’ve come and motivate yourself moving forward. Every so often, a little bit of recognition can go a long way when trying to stay productive and focused on achieving even bigger and better goals. So celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how big or small they may seem – you deserve them!

Productivity is vital for achieving goals, both big and small. Building productive habits take time and effort, but it’s worth it to be able to accomplish the things you set out to do. You will see progress as long as you remain consistent and keep pushing yourself to improve. Pause to celebrate your accomplishments in your journey, no matter how small they may seem!

For further reading about productivity, below are 25 recommended books for productivity, ordered by popularity:

  1. “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” written by Stephen Covey
  2. “Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity” by David Allen
  3. “Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones” written by James Clear
  4. “Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World” written by Cal Newport
  5. “The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business” written by Charles Duhigg
  6. “Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less” written by Greg McKeown
  7. “The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results” written by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan
  8. “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” written by Carol Dweck
  9. “The Productivity Project: Accomplishing More by Managing Your Time, Attention, and Energy” written by Chris Bailey
  10. “The 4-Hour Work Week: Escape the 9-5, Live Anywhere and Join the New Rich” written by Timothy Ferriss
  11. “The Now Habit: A Strategic Program for Overcoming Procrastination and Enjoying Guilt-Free Play” written by Neil Fiore
  12. “The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right” written by Atul Gawande
  13. “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” written by Daniel H. Pink
  14. “Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience” written by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
  15. “Smarter Faster Better: The Secrets of Being Productive in Life and Business” written by Charles Duhigg
  16. “Manage Your Day-to-Day: Build Your Routine, Find Your Focus, and Sharpen Your Creative Mind” written by Jocelyn K. Glei
  17. “The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It” written by Kelly McGonigal
  18. “The Compound Effect: Jumpstart Your Income, Your Life, Your Success” written by Darren Hardy
  19. “Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life” written by Nir Eyal
  20. “Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done” written by Jon Acuff
  21. “The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8 AM)” written by Hal Elrod
  22. “Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day” written by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky
  23. “The 80/20 Principle: The Secret to Achieving More with Less” written by Richard Koch
  24. “The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles” written by Steven Pressfield
  25. “Better Than Before: What I Learned About Making and Breaking Habits–to Sleep More, Quit Sugar, Procrastinate Less, and Generally Build a Happier Life” written by Gretchen Rubin

References:

  •     “United States : Choice and Empowerment Unlock Productivity In The Workplace CBRE Research Finds.” MENA Report, Albawaba (London) Ltd., July 2014, p. n/a.  
  •   10 Natural Ways To Increase Dopamine & Boost Mental Energy. https://www.lifehack.org/903523/increase-dopamine  
  •   30 Best Productivity Books You Should Read To Boost Your … – Lifehack. https://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/30-best-books-productivity-you-should-read.html  
  •   30+ Bullet Journal Spreads for Organization and Productivity That’ll …. https://chasingabetterlife.com/30-bullet-journal-spreads-thatll-start-your-new-year-organized-and-keep-your-life-organized/  
  •   5 Simple Strategies for Managing Stress and Anxiety. https://www.onlinedocs.us/blogs/5-simple-strategies-for-managing-stress-and-anxiety?page=7  
  •   5 Ways Social Media Affects Teen Mental Health – Verywell Family. https://www.verywellfamily.com/ways-social-media-affects-teen-mental-health-4144769  
  •   Are You a Procrastinator? How to Overcome Procrastination. https://365chances.com/2023/02/15/are-you-a-procrastinator-how-to-overcome-procrastination/  
  •   Better Than Before: What I Learned About Making and Breaking Habits–to …. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/better-than-before-gretchen-rubin/1122624776?ean=9780385348638  
  •   Books similar to The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your …. https://www.goodreads.com/book/similar/45647872-the-war-of-art-break-through-the-blocks-and-win-your-inner-creative-bat  
  •   Conquering Procrastination: 5 Practical Strategies to Boost …. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/conquering-procrastination-5-practical-strategies-boost-bottega  
  •   Does Classical Music Help You Focus? – walnutcreekband.org. https://walnutcreekband.org/does-classical-music-help-you-focus/  
  •   Don’t Get Burned! The Difference Between Premium and Regular Butane. https://resinaffairs.com/dont-get-burned-the-difference-between-premium-and-regular-butane/  
  •   Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us – Goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6452796-drive  
  •   Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done by Jon Acuff | Goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35397160-finish  
  •   Five Reasons Exercise Improves Productivity – Briotix. https://news.briotix.com/five-reasons-exercise-improves-productivity  
  •   How An Accountability Partner Can Help You Achieve Goals. https://www.griefescapes.com/blog/how-an-accountability-partner-can-help-you-achieve-goals  
  •   How do i meditate? – Products and Innovation Worldwide. https://mmmp.org/how-do-i-meditate/  
  •   Mastering Self-Discipline: The Key to Achieving Success in the Workplace. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/mastering-self-discipline-key-achieving-success-jean-camargo  
  •   Mastering Soft Skills in the Tech Industry, The Secret to Success?. https://www.franklyhumaninsights.com/blog/mastering-soft-skills-in-the-tech-industry-the-secret-to-success  
  •   Paulk, Jason. “Developing Drive + Recommended Reading.” The Choral Journal, vol. 58, no. 11, American Choral Directors Association, June 2018, p. 67.  
  •   Ricardo Gonzalez on LinkedIn: #growth #health #personaldevelopment # …. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ricardoismaelgonzalez_growth-health-personaldevelopment-activity-7024760433949495296-UBhu  
  •   Ricardo Gonzalez on LinkedIn: #growth #health #personaldevelopment # …. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ricardoismaelgonzalez_growth-health-personaldevelopment-activity-7024760433949495296-UBhu  
  •   Smarter Faster Better: The Secrets of Being Productive. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25733966-smarter-faster-better  
  •   Staff Competencies: Core: Ensure Accountability | Human Resources …. https://hr.iu.edu/competencies/core/ensure.html  
  •   The Benefits of Setting Goals: Why It’s Important to Set Short, Mid …. https://www.lihpao.com/why-set-goals/  
  •   The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right – Goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6667514-the-checklist-manifesto  
  •   The Miracle Morning Quotes by Hal Elrod – Goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/23593032-the-miracle-morning-the-not-so-obvious-secret-guaranteed-to-transform-y  
  •   The Power of Writing Down Your Goals: Evidence from Multiple Studies. https://oakjournal.com/blogs/resources/the-power-of-writing-down-your-goals-evidence-from-multiple-studies  
  •   ‎The Willpower Instinct on Apple Books. https://books.apple.com/ee/book/the-willpower-instinct/id453097633  
  •   Top 5 Ways Millionaires Start Their Day. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/top-5-ways-millionaires-start-day-joe-cummings  
  •   Understanding The Mind, Body, and Spirit – scribd.com. https://www.scribd.com/book/618581145/Understanding-The-Mind-Body-and-Spirit  

Mr. Riano has worked as Manager and Senior Architect in some of the biggest firms in the world -- Accenture, Wipro, Coca-Cola.

He has architected solutions on Fortune 500 companies from Microsoft, Visa, American Express, Chevron, Shell, Novartis, Starbucks, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to name a few.

He has earned a B.S. in Information Technology, M.S. in Computer Science, and currently a Doctoral Candidate.

On the weekends, he coaches soccer and holds a D License from US Soccer Federation.

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