How I Stay Productive 99% of the Day

(And How You Can Too)

by Devon Osborne

Read it to me! Click the video below.

 

Productivity is a tricky beast. It feels like one of those things everyone is talking about, yet few have truly cracked the code. Maybe you've tried waking up at 5 a.m., chugging down a green smoothie, listening to a podcast on 1.5x speed—all in the hope of getting just a tiny bit more done each day. But after all that effort, sometimes you’re left staring at a screen or a to-do list that only seems to grow.

I've been there. After trying countless tips, hacks, and systems, I've found a handful of practices that consistently keep me productive for around 99% of the day. But it's not about endless hours of grinding—it’s about smarter strategies, better focus, and some good old-fashioned self-awareness.

 

Routine: The Backbone of Productivity

Ever notice how some days just flow effortlessly while others seem to drag on endlessly? A big part of that boils down to routine. Now, I’m not talking about the monotonous “same thing every day” kind of routine. Instead, think of it as a rhythm that helps you stay on track while allowing flexibility.

• Morning Prime Time: Identify when you’re most alert and creative. For me, that’s the first 2-3 hours of the morning. This is when I tackle my most important tasks—whether it’s content creation, strategy sessions, or planning for the day. Find your “prime time” and guard it fiercely.

• Task Batching: Have you ever tried writing an email, checking your phone, and reviewing a project all at once? It’s the productivity equivalent of herding cats. Instead, batch similar tasks together. Group calls and meetings back-to-back, set specific blocks for emails, and reserve a chunk of time for focused work.

• End-of-Day Review: Before clocking out, I spend 10 minutes reviewing what I accomplished and planning for the next day. It gives me clarity on what to prioritize and ensures I don’t wake up feeling aimless.

 

Limit Distractions Like a Pro

Our world is full of distractions. It’s estimated that we get interrupted every 11 minutes, and it can take up to 25 minutes to refocus. That’s not just annoying—it’s a productivity killer.

• Turn Off Notifications: You don't need your phone buzzing every 30 seconds. Turn off non-essential notifications and put your phone on "Do Not Disturb" mode when you're focusing.

• Single-Tab Mentality: Ever have 20 tabs open at once and wonder why your brain feels fried? Try a single-tab mentality—focus on one task, with one browser tab open, until it’s done. No hopping around.

• Noise Control: Whether it’s construction outside or your chatty co-worker, noise can derail your productivity. Invest in noise-canceling headphones or play some focus-friendly music (I swear by Lofi beats).

 

Beat Procrastination by Understanding It

Procrastination is the ultimate productivity enemy. But the key to beating it isn't brute force—it's understanding why it happens.

• The 2-Minute Rule: If a task takes less than 2 minutes to complete, do it right away. It's like clearing mental clutter so you can focus on the bigger things.

• Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Sometimes we procrastinate because a task feels overwhelming. The trick? Break it down. If “write a blog post” feels daunting, start with “brainstorm 3 headline ideas” instead.

• Set Mini-Deadlines: If the word “deadline” makes you shudder, hear me out. Setting small, self-imposed deadlines can create just enough urgency to keep you on track without the stress of a looming final deadline.

 

Know When to Take Breaks

Productivity isn’t about working every minute of every day. That’s a one-way ticket to burnout city. Taking breaks is not just beneficial; it's essential.

• The Pomodoro Technique: This classic productivity method suggests working for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break. Every 4 cycles, take a longer break (15-30 minutes). It keeps your focus sharp and prevents fatigue.

• Move Your Body: If you’ve been sitting at your desk for hours, stand up. Walk around. Stretch. Even just a few minutes of movement can re-energize you and break up the monotony.

• Guilt-Free Downtime: It’s easy to feel like every second needs to be “productive,” but sometimes the most productive thing you can do is step away. Read a book, meditate, or just relax. Your brain needs time to process and recharge.

 

Tracking Progress: Measure to Improve

You can’t improve what you don’t measure. I track my tasks, my focus, and even my energy levels throughout the day to find patterns and optimize.

• Task Tracking: A simple to-do list works wonders, but take it a step further by tracking how long each task takes. You might be surprised by where your time actually goes.

• Focus Scoring: Give your day a “focus score” from 1 to 10. On days when your score is lower, reflect on what factors might’ve affected it—lack of sleep, too many meetings, etc. Identifying these patterns can help you make adjustments.

• Energy Levels: Track when you feel most energetic and when you tend to crash. Plan your toughest tasks when you're at your peak and your easier ones during the dips.