The famous Japanese book Ikigai starts with a Venn diagram about how you can find your “ikigai”, or purpose, between the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. In a nutshell, this intersection is also what ideal productivity looks like for entrepreneurs.
Source: Ikigai
In fact, there is no magical formula that all entrepreneurs can apply to maximise their productivity because a one-glove-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work for this. By definition, entrepreneurs stand apart from each other in myriad ways, they have different ways of going about their work, and different expectations for work-life balance. There is a great deal of variance in the goals they want to achieve. Since the idea of maximum productivity looks different to each of them, it follows that their paths to it are also different. Fortunately, however, we have brought together a comprehensive list of productivity hacks that just about anyone can apply to their workflow.
Contents
1. Fail fast
Nothing kills productivity faster than procrastination due to fear of failure. That is why one of the most critical productivity principles is to fail fast. Instead of delaying action while waiting for the “perfect” moment, dive into tasks and learn from your mistakes along the way. This iterative approach not only saves time but also accelerates growth by helping you refine strategies sooner rather than later.
Of course, there are now many variations on the “fail fast” method, like “failing mindfully”, “failing forward”, and “failing better”, but the underlying principle remains the same: it is much better for your productivity to start, fail, and start again than to never start in the first place. A number of books favoured by successful entrepreneurs, like Atomic Habits, also embrace the advice of failing fast in some way or another.
2. Prioritize the important tasks
“I saw my life branching out before me like the green fig tree in the story. From the tip of every branch, like a fat purple fig, a wonderful future beckoned and winked.”
These timeless words by the famous poet Sylvia Plath shine light on the difficulty of choosing between different things that need to be done at any given moment. Productivity doesn’t mean tackling everything on your plate—it means focusing on what truly matters. Start by identifying tasks that have the most significant impact on your business. Instead of juggling numerous low-priority items, dedicate your energy to completing critical tasks that move the needle.
3. Use your time wisely
Time is the most precious resource for entrepreneurs. Yet, we often misuse it on non-essential activities. However, incorporating some easy time management techniques in your workflow can often work wonders. A couple of the most famous ones are:
- The Pomodoro technique: The Pomodoro Technique requires you to work in 25-minute focused intervals, with each such interval followed by a 5-minute break. This method is believed to boost concentration and minimise burnout. If you are able to walk around, or do a few simple stretches, during your short breaks, then so much the better.
- Time audits: Time audits are all about taking regular reviews of how you spend your time to identify and eliminate inefficiencies. All this requires is self-honesty, and a willingness to make necessary changes for maximizing your productivity.
4. Delegate tasks
No man is an island, they say quite rightly, and you really need to understand that if you want to optimize your time and efforts.
As an entrepreneur, it’s tempting to do everything yourself, but this approach can quickly lead to burnout. Identify tasks that others can handle and delegate them. Whether it’s outsourcing to freelancers or leveraging team members, delegation frees up your time for strategic planning and growth. In case you feel like you are spending way too much effort reviewing other people’s work and making necessary changes, introduce peer-review processes and try your best to foster a culture that is not dependent on micro-management. Apart from saving your precious time, good delegation can also have a compounding effect towards the overall productivity of your organization because it encourages everyone else to also take ownership of their work.
5. Read regularly
Great entrepreneurs are avid learners.
Reading not only sharpens your mind but also introduces you to new ideas and perspectives. According to successful business leaders, reading at least 50 pages a day can provide a significant edge. For inspiration, check out this list of essential books for entrepreneurs. Moreover, even if we don’t look at reading as something that is directly proportional to your productivity, there is ample research to suggest that reading after a day of hard work, or before going to bed, is an excellent way of winding down. Needless to say, it is also definitely a lot better than doomscrolling.
6. Consider your mental health
Stressing over productivity can backfire and lead to diminishing returns. It’s crucial to strike a balance between work and rest. Take time to recharge your mind—listen to music, practice mindfulness, or enjoy a hobby. Prioritizing your mental health ensures you stay creative and focused.
7. Create a comfortable workspace
Your environment has a profound impact on your productivity. A bright, comfortable, and clutter-free workspace can enhance focus and motivation. Invest in ergonomic furniture, good lighting, and personal touches to create a space that inspires you.
8. Keep distractions at bay
Distractions, especially from mobile phones and social media, are productivity killers. To minimise them:
- Turn off non-essential notifications.
- Use productivity apps or browser extensions like StayFocusd to block distracting websites.
- Set specific times for checking emails and messages instead of constantly reacting to them.
Conclusion
Productivity is a continuous process that requires a mix of smart strategies and self-discipline. Start implementing these productivity hacks today, and watch your entrepreneurial journey become more efficient and rewarding. Remember, productivity isn’t just about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most.
