Let’s face it: “grind culture” can feel more exhausting than inspiring. But being productive doesn’t have to mean turning your life upside down. Whether you’re crushing deadlines or trying to get through a workday without scrolling through social media for hours, these tips will help you get more done – with less stress.
1. Break the Day into Power Sprints
Instead of an endless grind, try working in 60 or 90-minute intervals with 10–15-minute breaks in between. This approach is backed by research showing our brains work best in short bursts. (Ericsson & Pool, Peak 2016.)
Pro Tip: Set a timer, blast a favorite pump-up song, and focus like your Wi-Fi password depends on it.
2. Declutter Your Work Space
You don’t need a Pinterest-worthy desk, but clearing out the coffee cups and the Post-it graveyard can make a huge difference. Studies suggest that a clean workspace can boost concentration by up to 84%.
(Source: McCains & Kastner, Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience.)
Pro Tip: Monday.com or Asana are great for keeping task lists organized, prioritized and inconspicuous.
3. Write a 5-Minute-To-Do-List (and Keep It Real)
Long to-do lists are the productivity equivalent of biting off more than you can chew. Instead, spend five minutes each morning jotting down 3-5 priorities. Bonus: Crossing them off feels like winning the productivity lottery. (Source: Psychology Today, 2024)
Pro Tip: Reward yourself with a snack every time you complete a task. A healthy snack still counts as motivation.
4. Use the Two-Minute Rule
If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. It’s like productivity’s golden rule and helps cut down your mental clutter. (Allen, Getting Things Done)
5. Plan Tomorrow Today
Before logging off, spend 10 minutes planning for the next day. Whether it’s prepping your notes or setting out tomorrow’s outfit (yes, even for remote workers), future-you will thank you.
A Harvard Business Review article notes that “end-of-day planning” increases productivity by 23%.
Pro Tip: Write it down. Your memory is not as reliable as you think. Especially after your third coffee.
Final Thoughts: Make It Fun, Keep It Balanced
Productivity isn’t about becoming a robot, it’s about working smarter so you have more time to do the things you love (or nap). Experiment with these hacks and find what works for you – no one gets everything right on the first try.
