How do I stay productive 98% of the day?⚡ Well, let me tell you, it’s been quite a journey learning from others and wonderful people out there. For instance, almost a month ago, I wrote about How Sebastian Stays Productive 98% Of Every Day as explained in his insightful YouTube video. In this video, he shared tips for staying productive 98% of the day, from focusing on physical health to establishing a morning routine and utilising software.
However, today I want to share yet another captivating video, from another wonderful person, Tharun. In this particular video, we learn how Tharun Speaks about how he spent years trying to be the best version of himself and, along the way, how he has developed some systems that work wonders for him.
He takes us through his day and shares all the principles, strategies, and secrets that help him stay productive. We’ve covered everything from planning his day to setting up the perfect workspace, from power napping to following a high-protein diet. Trust me, it’s a fun video, and you might steal some productivity tips that will change your life.
So, here’s the deal. He’s been through it all—struggling to finish assignments, working a full-time job, running YouTube channels, building a creative agency—and he’s learned a thing about productivity. He spills the beans and shows us how he stays on his game. From his morning routine to his work schedule, from power naps to gym sessions, he reveals all the secrets that have helped him make the most of his time. So, grab a coffee, sit back, and get ready to boost your productivity like never before.
How Tharun Stays Productive 98% of the Day
Systems
Developing a Daily Routine
As a naturally disorganised person, developing a daily routine has been a game-changer for those who want to be, or are, productive. For instance, every night before Tharun sleeps, he spends 15 minutes planning the tasks he needs to accomplish the next day.
This helps him have a clear roadmap and eliminates the stress of figuring out what to do each morning. By setting a consistent schedule, he has a structure to follow and can better manage his time. Plus, there’s something satisfying about checking off tasks on a to-do list!
Creating a To-Do List
One key component of his daily routine is creating a to-do list. He jots down all the tasks he needs to complete and estimates how much time each task will take. He prioritises important and time-sensitive tasks and tackles them first thing in the morning when his energy levels are high.
This prevents procrastination and helps him stay focused on the most critical tasks. Plus, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as crossing off completed tasks on my list!
Using Time-Blocking Techniques
To make the most of his day, I employ time-blocking techniques. This involves assigning specific time slots to different activities or tasks. For example, he allocates dedicated blocks of time for work, breaks, personal activities, and even social media scrolling (a guilty pleasure!).
Time-blocking helps him stay disciplined and prevents him from getting caught up in one task for too long. It’s like having a personal appointment book for the day!
Principles
Prioritising Important Tasks
When it comes to productivity, prioritisation is critical. Tharun always starts his day by tackling the most important and challenging tasks. By accomplishing these tasks early on, he sets the tone for a productive day and feels accomplished.
This boosts his motivation and energises him to tackle the remaining tasks. Plus, it’s great to know that he’s taken care of the most critical items first.
Setting Specific and Achievable Goals
Setting goals is crucial for maintaining focus and motivation. He follows the SMART goal-setting framework, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, and Time-bound. By creating specific goals with clear parameters and deadlines, he ensures he has something tangible to work towards. This keeps him motivated and helps him stay on track with his productivity efforts.
Eliminating Distractions
Distractions are the enemies of productivity, and he’s learned the hard way that they can derail even the best intentions. To combat distractions, he takes steps to eliminate or minimise their impact.
This includes turning off notifications on his phone, finding a quiet workspace, and using tools like website blockers to limit his access to time-wasting websites. He can minimise distractions and maximise productivity by creating a conducive environment for focused work.
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Productive Workspace
Organising and Decluttering the Workspace
A cluttered workspace leads to a cluttered mind. That’s why Tharun makes it a point to keep his workspace organised and clutter-free. He declutters regularly, removing unnecessary items and keeping only the essentials within reach.
This creates a more visually pleasing and productive environment and saves him time from searching for misplaced items. Plus, there’s just something satisfying about working in a clean and organised space!
Choosing a Comfortable and Ergonomic Setup
Sitting at a desk for long hours can be damaging to the body. He invests in a comfortable chair and an ergonomic desk setup to ensure maximum comfort and productivity.
This helps him maintain good posture and reduces the risk of back, neck, and shoulder pain. He can focus better and work more efficiently by prioritising his physical well-being.
Minimising Noise and Interruptions
Noise and interruptions can disrupt concentration and productivity. Tharun minimises these distractions by working in a quiet area or using noise-cancelling headphones.
He also communicates his need for uninterrupted work time with his colleagues and loved ones. He can maintain focus and make the most of my work hours by minimising external noise and interruptions.
Morning Routine
Planning the Day in Advance
Starting the day with a clear plan sets the tone for productivity. Before he goes to bed each night, he takes a few minutes to plan his tasks and priorities for the following day.
This allows him to wake up with purpose and direction, knowing exactly what needs to be done. By planning, he can hit the ground running and make the most of his morning hours.
Starting with the Most Important Tasks
He has the most energy and focus in the morning, so Tharun makes it a point to tackle the most important tasks during this time.
By completing challenging and high-priority tasks early on, he sets a productive tone for the rest of the day. This approach prevents procrastination and ensures he progresses on critical projects before potential distractions or disruptions arise.
Setting Deadlines for Each Task
Deadlines provide a sense of urgency and can help you stay accountable. Therefore, Tharun sets realistic deadlines for each task on his to-do list, ensuring he allocates enough time for completion. By working with a sense of urgency, he can avoid unnecessary procrastination and maintain a steady pace throughout the day.
Plus, meeting deadlines gives him a sense of accomplishment and boosts his confidence in my ability to stay productive.
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Power Naps
Taking Short Naps to Recharge
When his energy levels dip during the day, he turns to power naps to recharge and regain focus. These short naps, typically around 15-20 minutes, provide a quick energy boost without leaving him groggy or disrupting his nighttime sleep. Power naps have been scientifically proven to improve alertness and cognitive function, making them a valuable tool for maintaining productivity.
Keeping Them Around 15–20 Minutes
While it may be tempting to indulge in longer naps, Tharun finds that keeping his power naps short and sweet is the most effective approach. A nap exceeding 20 minutes can lead to sleep inertia, grogginess, and disorientation upon waking.
By sticking to a 15-20 minute timeframe, he can reap the benefits of a power nap without experiencing any adverse side effects.
Avoiding Naps Close to Bedtime
To ensure a good night’s sleep, Tharun avoids taking power naps that are too close to bedtime. Napping too late in the day can interfere with nighttime sleep and disrupt his sleep-wake cycle.
He aims to take his power naps earlier in the afternoon, allowing enough time for his body to wind down before bedtime naturally. This way, he can enjoy the benefits of a power nap without sacrificing the quality of his nighttime sleep.
Work-Life Balance
Maintaining a Structured Work Schedule
While productivity is important, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is equally crucial. Tharun strives to maintain a structured work schedule, setting clear boundaries between work hours and personal time.
This helps him avoid overworking and fully recharge during his leisure hours. By respecting his time and prioritising self-care, he can sustain productivity in the long run. The key word here is ‘sustain.’
Allocating Time for Personal Activities
Tharun allocates dedicated time for personal activities outside of work to avoid burnout and maintain a well-rounded life. Whether pursuing hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or engaging in self-care practices, these activities rejuvenate him and prevent him from becoming solely work-focused.
By balancing work and personal life, he can enhance his well-being and bring more enthusiasm and creativity to my work.
Avoiding Excessive Work or Partying
While work is essential, avoiding excessive work or partying is equally vital. Excessive work can lead to burnout and diminished productivity in the long run.
Similarly, excessive partying can interfere with sleep and overall well-being. Tharun makes it a point to find a middle ground, where he works diligently during business hours and enjoys a healthy social life without compromising productivity or health.
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High-Protein Diet
Starting the Day with a Protein-Rich Meal
A well-balanced diet plays a significant role in maintaining productivity. Tharun prioritises starting his day with a protein-rich meal to fuel his body and mind.
Protein is essential for maintaining energy levels, mental clarity, and focus. By incorporating lean meats, eggs, legumes, and other protein sources into my breakfast, he sets himself up for a productive and energised day ahead.
Including Lean Meats, Eggs, and Legumes
Lean meats, such as chicken or turkey, eggs, and legumes, are excellent protein sources. These foods provide essential amino acids that support brain function and muscle recovery.
He incorporates these protein sources into his daily meals, helping him maintain energy and concentration levels. Plus, they’re delicious and satisfying!
Avoiding Sugary and Processed Foods
While reaching for sugary or processed foods for a quick energy boost may be tempting, Tharun steers clear of them. These foods can cause energy crashes and disrupt his focus and productivity.
Instead, he opts for whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts, which provide sustained energy and nourishment. He can maintain steady energy levels and keep his productivity humming by fueling his body with wholesome foods.
Quality Sleep
Prioritising 7-8 Hours of Sleep
Sleep is the foundation of productivity, and Tharun prioritises getting 7-8 hours of quality sleep every night. Sufficient sleep helps him wake up refreshed, mentally sharp, and ready to take on the day.
During sleep, our bodies repair and recharge, making it a vital component of maintaining productivity. He makes it a point to ensure that he allocates enough time for sleep, regardless of the time I go to bed.
Maintaining a Consistent Sleep Schedule
Consistency is vital when it comes to sleep. He maintains a consistent sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up at roughly the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate his body’s internal clock and enhances the quality of my sleep.
Sticking to a consistent sleep routine ensures he gets the optimum amount of rest and wakes up feeling refreshed and alert.
Creating a Bedtime Routine for Relaxation
To prepare his body and mind for sleep, Tharun has a bedtime routine that promotes relaxation. This includes reading a book, practising meditation or deep breathing exercises, and avoiding screens for at least an hour before bed.
By winding down before sleep, he signals to his body that it’s time to rest and transition into a more restful state. This helps him fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restorative sleep.
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Goal Setting
Defining Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, and Time-Bound (SMART) Goals
Setting goals is essential for staying focused and motivated. Tharun follows the SMART goal-setting method to ensure my goals are meaningful and achievable. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, and Time-Bound.
By defining goals with these characteristics, he has a clear roadmap to follow and can track his progress. This framework helps him set realistic expectations and break down long-term goals into manageable steps.
Breaking Down Long-Term Goals into Manageable Steps
Long-term goals can feel overwhelming when viewed as a whole. That’s why he breaks them down into smaller, more manageable steps.
By breaking down big goals into bite-sized tasks, he makes progress more tangible and achievable. This approach helps him stay motivated and prevents him from feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of my goals. Each small step forward brings him closer to achieving my long-term aspirations.
Tracking Progress and Making Adjustments
He regularly tracks my progress and makes adjustments as needed to stay on track with my goals. This involves reflecting on his performance, evaluating what’s working and not, and making necessary changes to his approach.
By staying proactive and adaptable, I can maintain momentum and ensure I’m continuously moving towards my goals. Regular progress tracking also provides valuable feedback and serves as a source of motivation.
Conclusion
Whew! There is so much to learn about productivity from remarkable people. Not only Tharun and Sebastian have benefited immensely from adhering to these productivity hacks daily, but implementing these strategies consistently has significantly boosted my productivity, too! It’s also helped me achieve success.
From developing a daily routine and prioritising important tasks to creating a productive workspace and setting specific goals, each aspect maximises productivity.
By following these principles, incorporating power naps, maintaining a work-life balance, adopting a high-protein diet, prioritising quality sleep, setting SMART goals, and putting in the necessary effort and commitment, anyone can achieve productivity and success.
So, ‘steal’ these strategies that have worked wonders for Tharun, Sebastian, and myself to unlock our full productive potential!
Trust me, you, too, can benefit from the same strategies if you adopt them.
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George Mwika Kayange is an International Development Professional and Project Management Specialist with over 20 years of experience working with various national, regional, and international NGOs. He is also a Commonwealth PhD Scholar at Loughborough University, London.