Clear Objectives

A lack of clarity regarding daily goals often resulted in incomplete tasks. The first step to enhancing productivity is to establish clear objectives for each day. For instance, when planning to create a video, it's crucial to specify the tasks involved—such as generating ideas, drafting a script, and designing thumbnails. Breaking larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks and listing them in a to-do list is essential.

The key takeaway is to define your daily goals clearly. Decompose larger tasks into smaller steps and document these on your to-do list.

Day Planning

Effective day planning is vital for understanding what tasks to accomplish and the overall goals for the day. I noticed a decline in productivity when I failed to structure my day. Utilizing the Todoist app allows me to prioritize my tasks, ranked from 1 to 4:

1. YouTube and academic assignments.
2. Critical tasks that must be completed today.
3. Non-urgent tasks that would be beneficial to finish.
4. Tasks that are optional for the day.

After prioritizing, I allocate time blocks in Google Calendar, which I recommend keeping visible to monitor remaining time for each task.

The action steps include listing and prioritizing your tasks, then scheduling them in your calendar.

If you need assistance with calendar planning, check out my free productivity system linked below, which offers a to-do list, calendar, and time-tracking tools.

Niels - Productivity System | TidyCal

Productivity System

Productivity Systemtidycal.com

No Morning Routine

Previously, I adhered to a morning routine that included yoga, studying, reading, and journaling. However, I've discovered that directly engaging in a significant task at the start of my day is more effective. For example, I now reserve journaling for the evening instead of in the morning.

The action step is to consider streamlining or reducing your morning routine to dive into your most important tasks right away.

Eliminating Distractions

To effectively accomplish my work, minimizing distractions is crucial. I began by decluttering my workspace, retaining only the essentials. A messy desk can divert attention from important tasks.

Additionally, I transformed my phone into a "focus device" by disabling notifications and sounds. If distractions persist, I remove my phone from the room entirely. It's also important to close unnecessary tabs and apps; for instance, if I'm scripting, I don’t need messaging apps open.

The action step is to tidy up your workspace and limit phone distractions by turning off notifications. Only keep tabs and applications relevant to your current task open.

Deep Work

Practicing deep work is vital for maintaining focus on significant tasks. In the past, I would switch between homework and distractions like video games, thinking it was more enjoyable. However, this approach prolonged my work time and disrupted my focus.

The alternative is to engage in deep work, concentrating on a single task for 1 to 1.5 hours without interruptions. For instance, if I'm writing a script and pause to check messages after just 15 minutes, I lose my momentum. Deep work facilitates faster task completion as I remain fully immersed.

Initially, sustaining deep work for extended periods was challenging, but I've gradually improved.

The action step is to incorporate deep work into your routine, starting with 30-minute sessions and gradually increasing as you adjust.

Focus Music

Listening to focus music has become an integral part of my work routine. Previously, I would play songs with lyrics while brainstorming, which often distracted me. Now, I use Brain FM, specifically the "Deep Work" and "Motivational" modes. Brain FM offers scientifically designed music that enhances concentration and helps me maintain a productive flow.

The action step is to explore Brain FM and try it out for a month for free; observe how it boosts your productivity.

brain.fm

Music to improve focus, meditation, and sleep.

my.brain.fm

Breaks

Taking breaks is crucial for sustaining productivity and overall well-being. I’m still figuring out the optimal frequency and duration for my breaks. Typically, I work for three hours and then take a 30-minute break. During this time, I either read to gain new insights or engage in light entertainment, like watching a movie.

It's essential that these activities are not overly taxing, allowing me to return to work feeling refreshed.

The action step is to try working for three hours followed by a 30-minute break. Use this time for relaxing activities to recharge. A bonus tip is to avoid scheduling significant tasks immediately after meals, as this can lead to lower energy levels.