How do you stay productive?
As entrepreneurs, we're always looking for ways to boost productivity, get things done faster, and maintain a high energy level. We all know it's crucial to stay two steps ahead of our competitors.
How do you guys keep your performance and productivity at its peak? Do you have any techniques, routines, or other tricks?
P.S. I’m doing Customer Discovery for a new idea :D Please, share any experiences, challenges, issues etc. Your input is greatly appreciated!
Trending on Indie Hackers
About me:-
Here is what I do to organize my time better.
Yea, planning and time management are key, definitely. Btw, do you search for any techniques on how to have better brain performance? I mean e.g. keto diet, or cold showers.
Not really. Calm walking is my best bet.
It is been 4 months.
The key is to have a sport session. It keeps the routine going. Now it is automatic. My goal is to increase time to my side project to 4h a day.
4:30 am sounds crazy haha. Do you look for any unobvious ways to peak performance? I mean, like cold showers, maybe keto diet, stuff like that.
Hey man :) I used to have cold showers, but the dopamine stays only for very short period of time and it is very hard to make an automatic habit out of it, at least for me. Running high post effects last 5-6 hours, much easier to make a habit since reward is much greater. It is also much more pleasant.
Got it :) Well, I experiment a lot with many techniques to figure out what works for me the best. By the way, if you are interested in this topic, with my Team we are building a mobile app for biohackers. Biohacking in general is a bunch of natural ways to keep good health, energy, performance etc. If you are interested here's the page:
https://www.thelifebooster.app/
Nice!
One thing I have been thinking about recently is trying to realize that a single day's productivity may not be evident at first, as long as I am working towards a goal. There are good and bad days, but sometimes what feels like a bad day at the moment, may have important benefits down the line. So it does not do any good to feel bad about what feels like a bad productivity day.
Agree, that's a good point. It's not okay to blame yourself, not every day must be perfect :D
What seems to work for me is to abstain from using social media for "breaks" and just keep it work-related or something I consider valuable.
So If I want to take a short break from work, I'll go grab some food, stare at a window, and read a book, but not get to YouTube. If I were to go to social media getting back to work and into productive mode become really difficult.
But for overall performance sleeping enough hours, exercising, and eating clean-ish are the main staples.
To me, the most important is good sleep and diet. Low sugar, no alcohol, intermittent fasting, etc. Food is probably the no. 1 thing that affects our mood and productivity.
gregswierad thanks for such a helpful comment!
Work blocks. Set timers, work for 45-1hr and then take a couple min break. Similar to pomodoro
There are 3 steps to being productive,
Step-1: If you like it, do it.
Step-2: If you don't like it, do it even more, so you start liking it.
Step-3: Follow Step-1
Try to do one thing every day...no matter how small. The hardest part is getting going. When you're not feeling it, just try to build out a page/feature/component and chances are you'll get into the zone and do a lot more.
I use a tool I made https://inthenexthouriwill.vercel.app/ to keep myself accountable!
I like to a few things:
That sounds good man. I also really like to experiment with techniques to improve my performance. By the way, with my Team, we are building the mobile app for the biohackers community. Biohacking in general is a bunch of natural ways to keep good health, energy, performance, etc, for example, cold showers, meditation, keto diet, and many others. If you are interested in this topic, you can find our page here: https://www.thelifebooster.app/
Also, we are looking for people who like the idea, to help us build the app. If you are interested, reach out to me at [email protected].
Thanks, man!
Great question @damszaf !
I've actually read 30+ productivity books and hundreds on articles on that topic, then boiled all the insights into a simple 5 step approach:
The key is “Doing the Right Things Right” — focusing on what really matters (not trying to do everything) and doing them really well (do less but better with deep focus).
Check out the link in my profile if you're interested in all my insights and thoughts from the books I've read. Sorry, I can't post the link here as I'm still a newbie...
Thats all!
Thanks @azabraao 🤝 🤓
Sounds very clear! Thanks, I will check this out.
Awesome @damszaf 👍
I rely on two main systems:
Those go hand in hand. As part of my PKM system, I journal every single day. That helps me focus, keep track of what I've done, my challenges, ideas and discoveries. I wrote a few pieces about that:
Another element of my PKM system is the periodic reviews. Each week, month, quarter and year, I perform a review of the previous period, and take note of my progress, successes, failures, etc. I also look forward and make/adjust plans for the future at different time horizons: next periods, next year, near 3 years, next 10 year. This helps me adjust course as I go, keep focused on my goals, and make sure I take steps in the right direction. Goals defined for long/medium/short term get translated into short but actionable goals/tasks that I include in my periodic notes, down to the daily note where I know what to focus on for the next day. I do my best to set a MAIN goal each day: https://www.dsebastien.net/one-goal-per-day/. I also use my PKM to save/restore mental contexts and avoid cognitive overload like the plague: https://www.dsebastien.net/2022-09-01-saving-and-restoring-mental-contexts-to-improve-mental-health-and-productivity/
The second part is my productivity system, through which I use different techniques to (1) define actionable tasks (divide and conquer), (2) get into the zone (flow), (3) stay focused. This uses a combination of Eisenhower Matrix, MoSCoW prioritization (https://www.dsebastien.net/2019-08-27-tagging-your-daily-todos-when-moscow-is-not-enough/), Time Timer (check out the book called Make Time). I keep track of tasks within projects (e.g., on GitHub) and/or in my PKM directly, and I try to keep backlogs limited/clean AND prioritized. Finally, routines/habits are also really important for consistency and flow.
Of course, health is also key for productivity. Don't focus on being at 120% each day. Keep a sane way of life. Sleep enough. Rest. Take time to have fun. Take time for family and friends. Don't trade happiness for productivity, it's useless. I like to think about Zen productivity rather than hardcore (stupid?!) productivity. It's a marathon, not a sprint. And if someone pushes you to sprint, never accept to do it mindlessly, and never for too long. Run away if needed :)
I've shared some ideas about those systems here: https://www.dsebastien.net/knowledge-content-planning-and-action/
If you're interested in those topics, don't hesitate to subscribe to my weekly newsletter: https://www.dsebastien.net/tag/newsletter/
Hope this helps!
Set Clear Objectives: Clearly define your goals and objectives to maintain focus and prioritize your tasks effectively.
Plan and Organize: Create a daily or weekly plan, outlining tasks and deadlines. Use tools like to-do lists, calendars, or project management software to stay organized.
Manage Time Effectively: Allocate specific time slots for different activities and avoid multitasking. Set timers or use the Pomodoro Technique (working in focused intervals with short breaks) to enhance concentration and productivity.
Minimize Distractions: Identify and eliminate distractions that hinder your productivity, such as social media notifications, email alerts, or noisy environments. Consider using website blockers or implementing "do not disturb" modes during work sessions.
Optimize Your Workspace: Set up a clean and organized workspace that promotes focus and efficiency. Ensure you have the necessary tools, equipment, and a comfortable ergonomic setup to support your productivity.
Take Regular Breaks: Incorporate short breaks into your work routine to recharge your energy and maintain mental clarity. Stepping away from your tasks for a few minutes can enhance productivity when you return.
Maintain Work-Life Balance: Prioritize self-care, leisure activities, and spending time with loved ones. Taking breaks from work and having a healthy work-life balance can improve overall well-being and prevent burnout.
Continuously Learn and Improve: Invest in personal and professional growth by acquiring new skills, staying updated with industry trends, and seeking feedback. Learning and self-improvement contribute to long-term productivity and success.
by turning off or add timer to all social media apps
Most importantly in order to be more productive and make your performance better, we need to ready to do it. So I would say mindset is very important. Without the right mindset there is no use of working hard for hours .
As I said the important factor is mindset you all must be thinking how to get it , right?
This is what I usually I do by asking a few questions to ourself make half of the work done
Why am I doing it
Is it really worth of spending my time on it
How am going to finish it
How long will I take it
What are the different ways I can do it
By using which way will save my time and be more productive?
After going through all this and upon analyzing the things that I need to on that day and making priority Will help me to start to work .
Next thing is we need to know is what kind of work person are you? You might be thinking what is the using of that.
But actually we all are different people with different thoughts and abilities. So it has to be different
How you work
Does working with people actually accelerate or retard the pace of your work.
What are your distraction
What are you working habits? Among them , how many of them distract you or help you
By analyzing all of this, try the two or three methods that helps you to avoid the distraction and improve your good habits. These will help u to more productive
Through talking or thinking of this about ourself will make you know more about yourself that you are not aware of it now.
After all to make our body works productive we need to work our brain productively by making it believe that all the things that you are planning to do is going be helpful and productive. So you fake your brain to work productive until you make it.
I agree.
Mindset is a great contributor to productivity. Even without motivation the proper mindset will still get you going. If you understand what you're doing and why you're doing then even when motivation is low you'd still keep on keeping on.
Agree, definitely. Btw, when it comes to the brain, do you practice any techniques that improve how the brain works? I mean some methods like cold showers, meditation, drinking Yerba Mate etc.
Find a spot toowork with minimal distractions.
For me sleep is #1. I require about 6-7 hours but it has to be quality sleep, otherwise I might need 8-9. To get quality sleep I don't eat 2 hours before bed. Needless to say no alcohol. It will ruin my sleep even in small quantities. Falling asleep with a phone in hand is fine in my case, but I do use blue light screen filter which really makes a huge difference. #2 is not neglecting diet and physical activity, the older I get the bigger role it plays #3 nurturing relationship with loved ones, perhaps the most overlooked aspect of staying focused and productive #4 prioritizing tasks, I start a day with the most demanding one followed with shortest ones. However that's not set in stone. I found switching to easier tasks whenever I'm stuck on a difficult one, helps getting them done and allows returning to the problem with a fresher mind. Two birds one stone. #5 in breaks trying to expose myself only to things that really inspire me, not just entertain or amuse. #6 eliminating distractions, muting phone, closing all apps and programs with badges and notifications.
That sounds like a good work routine :D Thanks, that's very helpful. Btw, do you experimenting with new techniques to work better? I mean some cold showers, keto diet etc - like more advanced ones.
There are a lot of factors that go towards a productive work day, but it's important to remember that many factors are very individual and will work for and not for others!
A few universal tips that I apply:
-Good sleep
-Time block 1-4 hour window for deep work
-Get into "Flow State". caffeine, nicotine, kratom, whatever stimulants you might find beneficial
-Environment. Your environment where you work is important, are you in a loud coffee shop? Are you working in your bedroom? How are you sitting, how many people are near you? All these factors are important to consider.
-Distractions. Skip out on the phone, turn it off or turn on a focus mode. Have a plan.
Do you experiment with some new techniques? Or it's like you understand what works for you and don't need new things anymore?
I 100% experiment with new techniques whenever I get recommended or come across them!
That's amazing man. Look, my Team and I building a mobile app for the biohackers community. Biohacking in general is a bunch of natural ways to keep good health, energy, performance etc, like cold showers, meditation, keto diet, and many more. If you like to experiment with new techniques I'm sure you will like it. Here's the page: https://www.thelifebooster.app/
Also, we are looking for people who really like the idea to help us build the app. If that sounds good to you, just reach out to me at [email protected]. Or join the waitlist and respond to the welcome email.
This looks like an incredible app, as someone who's big into the biohacking community excited to see where this goes! Would love to try it out
It’s a constant struggle.
Usually when I map out what I need to get done that day is when I’m the most productive.
Yeah I also try to map out what I want to do by writing it down, what tool do you use?
Pen and paper, for some reason, are the most impactful.
From there, I create a spreadsheet and then draw it out in excalidraw.
I'm working with a startup coach, and he taught me how to create OKRs, so now I write out the goal and break down the tasks from there.
Lastly, I am experimenting with what Amazon uses, which is called "the future press release."
You write a press release about your product in the future with key metrics that show success and all its features.
I just started this, but it's what Amazon does to launch products.
A healthy routine.
When you are stuck in 9-5, you build your routine around that. Go to the gym at 6, with hundreds of other people, eat shit food - because you don't have time to cook, you don't sleep well - because you need to handle fires at late hours.
Instead prioritize yourself. Find the time when you like to exercise, invest in eating good food (preferably cooking by yourself), sleep enough hours. And only THEN prioritize work.
Yea, cold showers work for me as well :D Btw do you look for some new techniques to make the brain work better? E.g. keto diet, or meditation. I'm curious if you are experimenting with new things.
My approach is to try things for a few weeks to build a habit and to know if it works or not. Because of that sometimes I don't experiment with many things at the same time.
But yeah I have experimented with many other things. Intermittent fasting is something I want to go back to. I already do it in some form but nothing as constant as before, I used to have a 20-4 feeding window. I felt great.
Thats good :D where do you look for ideas for new "challenges" you can try? Some podcast, blog, YT channel?
I consume a lot of different information, but as you probably guessed, Hubermann's Lab is my main point of inspiration for performance optimization protocols.
I know this guy and love him as well. Look, my Team and I building a mobile app for the biohackers community. Biohacking in general is a bunch of natural ways to keep good health, energy, performance etc, like cold showers, meditation, keto diet. Exactly the same, as what Huberman promotes. If you like to experiment with new techniques I'm sure you will like it. Here's the page: https://www.thelifebooster.app/
Also, we are looking for people who really like the idea to help us build the app. If that sounds good to you, just reach out to me at [email protected]. Or join the waitlist and respond to the welcome email.
Hey, that sounds great! I will take a look!
I think the most important thing is to set daily goals, minimize distraction and take care of yourself by doing regular breaks and have good health habits.
Planning and time management, and learning about how quickly I do things, so my plans and time estimates are based on my previous performance.
I record everything and have a habit of doing bunches of small tasks. The crucial part here for me was to actually start doing things and force myself not to spend time on memes or daydreaming.
It began with the advice I heard "Don't postpone tomorrow something that you can do now in 2 mins". I followed it and quite quickly got a lot of free time to work on the essential things.
Another important thing is to spend time to understand what you want. The more clear picture you have easier it will be for you to focus on the important things and disregard less important ones.