Some habits work too well
Sometimes a habit works so well that we stop doing it. Here’s how to stick with these habits in the long run. Estimated Reading…
Articles.
Ideas on productivity, focus, and living with greater intention.
What habits do you take for granted?
It’s important to reflect not only on the habits you have yet to form or that you’re struggling with but also on the habits…
For optimal productivity, be on break for 20-25% of the workday
For optimal productivity, we should rest for around 20-30 minutes for every 90 minutes we work. This sounds like a lot, but three separate…
Before investing in productivity, know what you value
We’re productive when we accomplish what we intend to do. By knowing what you value and keeping these values in mind as you go…
There are 2 types of busyness
We can be busy both in the moment and overall. The key is to minimize how busy we are in any one moment while…
How to stop procrastinating by making your work more fun
The tasks you’re putting off might not be fun enough. Below are a few ideas for how to make your work more enjoyable. Estimated…
Your surface area of concern
Our “surface area of concern”—the number of events we pay attention to on a regular basis—has expanded alongside technology. This is not an inherently…
Don’t forget the basics of productivity
Productivity hacks are fun, but they don’t always produce the greatest returns on your time. If you care about productivity, be sure to invest…
What do you want to be proud of?
Fast-forward to the future and ask what you want to be proud of. This simple ritual lets you step into the shoes of your…
Which of your projects need space, and which need focus?
Divide your project list (if you keep one) by which of those projects require focus, space, or a combination of the two. This is…
Where do your goals come from?
Reflect deeply on where your goals come from—whether you accept the default goals that are expected of you, or choose them for yourself. Accepting…
Setting goals is largely overrated
Traditional goals are kind of overrated: they don’t have a natural end point, and sometimes not much even changes when we accomplish them. It’s far…
The task of least regret
It’s common productivity advice that you should begin each day by “eating a frog”—doing the hardest thing on your list. I find it even…
To become more productive, stop hustling
The most productive people don’t hustle themselves into an early grave—they work with calm deliberateness, prioritizing thoughtfulness over speed. This will help you work…
Success Hides Problems
Success can distract us from the problems that may compromise our future achievements and happiness. It can draw attention away from what needs to be fixed, provide a false sense of comfort, and lead…
30 Lessons Learned At 30
The article is too long/varied to write up a summary, but it’s pretty skimmable! Estimated Reading Time:5 minutes, 47s.
The reward for working hard is more work
Have a good reason for investing in becoming more productive. Otherwise, you’ll fall into a common trap: that your reward for becoming more productive…
My New TEDx Talk: How to Get Your Brain to Focus
My latest TEDx talk, at TEDx Manchester!
Why you should rest after big projects
Mood dips following a big project likely come from two hesitations: that you don’t have a clear destination for what’s next, and that you…
Why not working makes us feel guilty
Taking breaks from work often makes us feel guilty. This feeling comes from the fact that we value hard work, and that we constantly…
Hyperfocus comes out TODAY! 🐣 Here’s an excerpt from it!
I am incredibly excited to announce that my next book, Hyperfocus, is out today!
3 things I hope you take away from my new book, Hyperfocus
In exactly one week, my next book, Hyperfocus lands in bookstores everywhere in the U.S., U.K., and Canada!
Here’s where you should set your office thermostat to be the most focused and productive
Pretty much everything affects your attention—including the temperature of your office. Keep your thermostat set between 70-72ºF (21-22ºC) to be the most productive. Estimated…
My next book, Hyperfocus, is now available for preorder!
My next book, Hyperfocus: How to Be More Productive In a World of Distraction, is now available for preorder! Here's what it's about.