{"id":288132,"date":"2023-11-24T16:23:07","date_gmt":"2023-11-24T16:23:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/project.co\/?p=288132"},"modified":"2024-12-05T14:47:42","modified_gmt":"2024-12-05T14:47:42","slug":"productivity-methods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/project.co\/productivity-methods\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Best Productivity Methods Explained and Compared"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Productivity has become a bit of a buzzword in recent years, particularly with the shift to hybrid and remote working<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite fears that productivity would plummet with workers no longer in the office, many studies have proven that the opposite has happened, including this one from Stanford University: <\/p>\n\n\n

\n <\/i>Statistic\n<\/div>\n
\n A study of 16,000 workers over 9 months found that working from home increased productivity by 13%<\/strong>.\u00a0\n
\n Source: <\/strong>Stanford Business<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

So it seems like productivity is on the up. But, of course, just because that’s a common narrative these days it doesn\u2019t necessarily mean you<\/em> feel more productive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you\u2019re experiencing a productivity dip. If so, you\u2019re in the right place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve analysed and compared 8 productivity methods to help you find the one that\u2019s perfect for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Pomodoro technique<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Pomodoro technique was created by productivity guru Francesco Cirillo and, according to Francesco\u2019s website<\/a>, over 2 million people have already used the Pomodoro technique to transform their lives and be more productive<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

All you need for this productivity method is a timer. The technique is named after the classic tomato-shaped kitchen timers (with \u2018Pomodoro\u2019 meaning \u2018Tomato\u2019 in Italian<\/em>), but any timer will do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You likely have a timer on the device you\u2019re working on, but you can also use a Pomodoro timer tool, like Pomofocus<\/a>, so that you don\u2019t need to worry about setting and resetting your clock. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pomodoro technique works as follows: you set a timer for a given amount. The standard Pomodoro amount is usually 25 minutes. You work solidly for that short period and when your timer goes off at the 25 minute mark you take a short break, typically between 5 and 10 minutes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When your break is over, you repeat the process. The idea is that working in short bursts means you are less likely to be distracted and procrastinate. And, thanks to the short breaks, you now have time actually allocated to procrastinating! <\/p>\n\n\n

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\n Pros:<\/span>\n – It works with<\/em> our psychology rather than against it.<\/strong> There are so many distractions around that we\u2019re bound to be tempted to procrastinate. By actually giving yourself set periods to procrastinate it\u2019s likely that you\u2019ll boost your productivity during the 25 minutes of working time.
– It reduces burnout.<\/strong> Humans can only focus for so long before our brains\u00a0need<\/em>\u00a0a break. The Pomodoro technique gets ahead of this issue by forcing us to take regular breaks that will hopefully improve productivity and reduce the chance of burnout.
– You can determine how long your tasks take. <\/strong>For example, if a task takes around 4 Pomodoro cycles then you\u2019ll know that this roughly takes 2 hours to complete. This can be very helpful when it comes to planning tasks in the future and even pricing projects.\u00a0\n <\/div>\n
\n Cons:<\/span>\n – It requires a lot of discipline.<\/strong> In order for the Pomodoro technique to work you have to be honest with yourself and not just \u2018quickly check Twitter\u2019 or \u2018put the kettle on\u2019 during your working block of time. You need to save all <\/em>of your procrastinating for the allocated break. It can help to keep a notepad by your side and jot down anything that comes to mind (e.g. \u2018search Google for X\u2019) so you can save it for your break.\u00a0
– Sometimes things inevitably pop up unexpectedly<\/strong> in your working day and this can really mess up your Pomodoro schedule and make it difficult to stick to. If you\u2019re setting aside some time to use the Pomodoro technique then it could be helpful to mark yourself as \u2018unavailable\u2019 on all of the apps that you use so you know you won\u2019t be disturbed.\u00a0\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

The Pomodoro technique is ideal for\u2026<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Procrastinators! If you find yourself easily distracted, the Pomodoro technique can really break you out of that and help you to train your brain – in a gentle way – to focus for longer periods of time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Getting Things Done<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Getting Things Done<\/a> (also known as GTD) is a productivity system developed by productivity consultant David Allen. It\u2019s a 5 step method for helping you apply order to chaos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 5 steps are as follows: <\/p>\n\n\n

\n 1. Capture<\/strong> – gather everything that requires your attention into one place. In other words, make a to-do list.\u00a0
2. Clarify<\/strong> – process your list. Decide which things are actionable, which can be put on hold, and which can be deleted.\u00a0
3. Organise<\/strong> – put tasks in place, add dates to your calendar. Start plotting out when and how you can tick each action off your list.\u00a0
4. Reflect <\/strong>– review your list frequently, and update as needed.\u00a0
5. Engage <\/strong>– trust the system and make action decisions with confidence and clarity.\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

The idea behind this productivity method is simple: the more things you have fighting for your attention, the more difficult it is to concentrate and get things done! <\/p>\n\n\n

\n <\/i>Statistic\n<\/div>\n
\n Apparently, 96% of people feel that having a to-do list to work through makes them more efficient and productive<\/strong>.\n
\n Source: <\/strong>Project Management Statistics<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n
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\n Pros:<\/span>\n – It\u2019s not just for work!<\/strong> You can apply the GTD Method to every part of your life to help you plan your day successfully and accomplish what you set out to do each day.\u00a0
– More room to be creative.<\/strong> When you\u2019re well organised you free your mind up from the worries that come with an overloaded to-do list, and this can lead to more creative thinking.\u00a0
– You can focus on what\u2019s in front of you.<\/strong> If you\u2019re juggling a lot of tasks, ideas, or projects you can be forgiven for bouncing from one to the other, but that\u2019s not really productive. The GTD Method allows you to focus on one task or action at a time so you can tick things off and make steady progress.\u00a0\n <\/div>\n
\n Cons:<\/span>\n – It can be overwhelming to get started.<\/strong> There\u2019s a lot of initial implementation to this method and if you\u2019re already feeling like you have a lot on your plate then this could be a daunting first step.
– It\u2019s pretty complex.<\/strong> We\u2019ve tried to simplify the GTD Method as best we can here, but if you really want to get into it then it can be quite complex and has a lot of rules. There are some other productivity methods on this list that are much easier to get into.\u00a0\u00a0\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

The GTD Method is ideal for\u2026<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Busy people who wear a lot of hats! If you\u2019re overwhelmed by the sheer number of things you have to get through every day then this is the method for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also great for those who feel like they start a lot of projects but never finish them. The GTD Method can help you plot out the next steps to confidently finish projects and move onto the next thing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re interested in learning more about Getting Things Done, David Allen also has a podcast that goes by the same name. You can find out more about that (and other productivity podcasts) in this article: <\/p>\n\n\n

\n <\/i>Recommended Article\n<\/div>\n
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\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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15 ESSENTIAL Productivity Podcasts to Listen to in 2024<\/a><\/div>\n
Love productivity? Love podcasts? Then this is the article for you! We’ve collated and ranked 15 podcasts to give you the boost you need to stay productive.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

3. Don’t Break the Chain<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t Break the Chain is also referred to as The Seinfeld Strategy<\/em> in some places because it\u2019s attributed to Jerry Seinfeld. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, comedian Jerry Seinfeld. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The story goes<\/a> that a young comedian called Brad Isaac found himself performing in the same club as Jerry Seinfeld and he asked for some tips. According to Isaac, the advice was as follows: <\/p>\n\n\n

\n \u201cHe said the way to be a better comic was to create better jokes and the way to create better jokes was to write every day. He told me to get a big wall calendar that has a whole year on one page and hang it on a prominent wall. The next step was to get a big red magic marker. He said for each day that I do my task of writing, I get to put a big red X over that day.<\/em><\/strong>

\u201cAfter a few days you’ll have a chain. Just keep at it and the chain will grow longer every day. You’ll like seeing that chain, especially when you get a few weeks under your belt. Your only job is to not break the chain.\u201d<\/em><\/strong>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

Now, as great as that story is, it has since been debunked by Seinfeld<\/a> himself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, regardless of who came up with the idea, it\u2019s a nice, simple way for anyone to improve their productivity – not just comedians! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have a large task that you just can\u2019t seem to finish (or maybe even start), or you want to create new, healthy habits, Don\u2019t Break the Chain can give you the motivation to chip away at your goal each day in a way that isn\u2019t intimidating and doesn\u2019t require much effort. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\n Pros:<\/span>\n – It\u2019s low commitment.<\/strong> All this method asks of you is that you complete one task every day. It doesn\u2019t have to be huge, it just has to be a small step towards your overall goal. So, for example, if your goal is to write a book then with Don\u2019t Break the Chain you can simply set yourself a goal of writing one sentence per day. Soon the chain will build and you\u2019ll have a paragraph, then a page, then a chapter! And, before you know it, hopefully a completed book.\u00a0
– It can be used for pretty much anything. <\/strong> Just like Getting Things Done, you can use Don\u2019t Break the Chain in your personal life as well as your professional life.\u00a0
– It gives you a visual indicator of your productivity.<\/strong> The big wall calendar is the most important part of this method. Every time you mark an X on your calendar it can give you a sense of achievement and, as you see the chain begin to build this will transform into motivation that pushes you to succeed.\u00a0\n <\/div>\n
\n Cons:<\/span>\n – So, we said that one of the benefits of this method is that it\u2019s low commitment. But that can also be a negative. Don\u2019t Break the Chain will help you with consistency and getting over any mental hurdles that are stopping you from getting started with your tasks, but it isn\u2019t going to get you anywhere in a hurry.<\/strong>
– It can be disheartening.<\/strong> If you miss a day and end up \u2018breaking the chain\u2019, as most people are likely to do because life happens, then it can make you feel like you\u2019ve failed – especially with the visual reminder of having no X on that calendar date.\u00a0\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

Don\u2019t Break the Chain is ideal for\u2026<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Visual people who want to create new habits and chip away at large goals. It can be used for both personal and professional tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Eat the Frog<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Similar to Don\u2019t Break the Chain, it\u2019s difficult to know where the Eat the Frog productivity method originated, but it is often attributed to the writer Mark Twain. The quote goes: <\/p>\n\n\n

\n \u201cIf it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first.\u201d<\/em><\/strong>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

The frog is of course metaphorical and refers to the hardest task of the day. The one you\u2019re dreading. The idea behind this productivity method is that if you complete your toughest task first then the rest of the day will seem easier. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\n Pros:<\/span>\n – It sets you up for success.<\/strong> If you\u2019ve got your toughest task out of the way by 10 a.m., imagine how great the rest of your day can be! The Eat the Frog method can help you breeze through your days with ease, not only making you more productive but happier too.\u00a0
– Our brains work better in the morning.<\/strong> By focusing on your most difficult task early in the day, you\u2019re getting the most out of your brain power. According to a study in the National Library of Medicine<\/a>, our brains work best between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m<\/strong>. with a sharp drop off in speed and performance after that.\u00a0
– It\u2019s simple and sets you up for a win.<\/strong> Ultimately, this is a low commitment productivity method that asks you to do just one thing. All you need to do is get your hardest task out of the way first, and you\u2019ll be more productive!\u00a0\n <\/div>\n
\n Cons:<\/span>\n – It\u2019s hard!<\/strong> It\u2019s hard to eat a frog (even a metaphorical one). And it takes a lot of willpower to climb that very difficult hurdle first thing in the morning, every morning.\u00a0
– Because it\u2019s hard it can result in a lack of motivation and even disengagement.<\/strong> It\u2019s important to recognise when this method is getting a bit too much. It\u2019s probably not practical to \u2018eat the frog\u2019 every day, especially as you never know what the day is going to throw at you. However, it\u2019s still a great technique to keep in your back pocket for those stubborn tasks that you keep putting off.\u00a0\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

Eat the Frog is ideal for\u2026<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Procrastinators. If you find yourself putting off tasks until you feel stressed and under pressure, especially if you tend to miss deadlines, this is the perfect productivity method for you. It essentially asks you to flip the script and get that dreaded task out of the way so the rest of your day is free of stress and you\u2019re less likely to miss your deadlines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Time blocking<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s difficult to pin down the origins of time blocking as it\u2019s such an easy and straight-forward method of time management that humans have probably been using it as long as calendars and clocks have been around. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Time blocking is the process of scheduling out your tasks for the day by blocking out time. Here\u2019s a simple example from the personal diary of Benjamin Franklin<\/a>! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Benjamin<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

And here is a more modern version that we created using Google Calendar: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Google<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Note that both versions include personal and work tasks. This is a productivity method to help you organise your whole life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can find out more about time blocking by watching this video: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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