Productivity isn’t a magic trick. It’s a set of small, repeatable changes that reduce friction and free up time for the work that matters. Try these — they’re simple and practical, not motivational hype.
1. Capture things immediately
When an idea or task pops up, write it down in one place (phone note, single doc, or a small notepad). You don’t have to sort it — just capture it. This clears mental space and prevents small items from stealing attention later.
2. Reduce context switching
Switching apps and tasks is a slow drain. Group similar work together (emails in one block, creative work in another) and use short, scheduled windows for each. It won’t eliminate interruptions, but it reduces the cost of switching.
3. Make small decisions automatic
Pick a few recurring decisions (meeting lengths, file naming, meeting agendas) and standardize them. Use templates and defaults so you don’t spend brainpower on routine choices.
4. Automate one repetitive task
Choose one thing you do repeatedly (sending the same update, moving files, or calendar invites) and automate it — even a simple email template, filter, or script helps. Don’t try to automate everything at once; one small automation per week compounds fast.
5. Do a 5-minute end-of-day review
Close your day with five minutes of review: what you finished, the 1–3 things to prioritize tomorrow, and any quick notes. This gives you mental closure and makes mornings more focused.
