In a world that seems busier by the day, productivity is on the
minds of many. But instead of downloading the latest time management app or forcing
yourself to stay at work for hours on end how can we use science to crack open
the potential of our minds? Is their a secret to being productive? The first
thing to come to terms with is that your willpower is simply not enough. In fact
some studies suggest that will power is an exhaustable source, that can be
entirely used up. This is a concept known as the ego depletion, so instead of
convincing yourself to simply try harder a more methodical approach is suggested.
The first step,
get started, it may seem obvious but studies have shown starting a project to be the
biggest barrier to productivity. Before starting our brain visualizes
the hardest parts to come and instead tries to simulate real work by focusing
on small mindless tasks. Luckily there's a construct of the mind known as the Zeigarnik
effect which compels humans to finish a task that they've already
started.
The Zeigarnik effect shows that when we don't finish a task we experience discomfort
and intrusive thoughts about it, so get started, now.
What about time management? Shockingly when we look at some of the most of the elite
musicians in the world we find that they aren't necessarily practicing more but
instead more deliberately. This is because they spend more time focused on
the hardest task and focus their energy in packets. Instead of diluting
their effort over the entire day they have periods of intense work followed by
breaks.
Not relying on willpower they rely on a habit and disciplined scheduling. Studies
have found that the most elite violinists in the world generally follow a ninety
minute work regime with a fifteen to twenty minute break afterwards.
Instead of trying to maintain energy throughout the entire day, breaking it
down into sessions with planned relaxation is most effective.
But how can you develop the discipline to follow this routine?
One key component is giving yourself a deadline.
Write it down, mark it in your calendar and you'll be much more likely to
complete your task. On top of this, create something called an accountability
chart to document your progress. In one column write the time span and in the
other the activities you accomplished during this time.
Similar to those on a diet who document their food intake writing down your
progress allows you to realistically evaluate your work as opposed to
inaccurately assuming what you've done.
Furthermore tracking your progress helps to avoid small mindless work. And finally,
stop multitasking, well it may feel like you're accomplishing more, studies show
that multitaskers are much less productive. Instead
try and make a list at night of what you want to accomplish tomorrow, this way you hit
the ground running with your action plan and avoid trying to complete multiple
activities at once. While you're at it split up your large tasks into smaller
bite sized ones. Your brain will find these less daunting and it will make the starting
process easier. With a clear goal and action plan in mind, your productivity
levels can soar to new heights.
Want more tips and information on productivity? Checkout Gregory Ciotti's
blog, "sparring mind" who we worked with to make this video.
We will link to the productivity article in the description where you can find
even more information and be sure to sign up for his newsletter which covers
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