12 Things Successful People Do Every Day to Stay Productive
Sarah was tired. Not just regular tired, but the bone-deep exhaustion that gnawed at her focus. She juggled a demanding startup, two kids, and a nagging sense that her to-do list grew faster than she could check things off. It was like running a marathon where the finish line kept vanishing into the distance.
One afternoon, during a frenzied attempt to find an important email buried in an inbox avalanche, she stumbled upon an interview with a tech CEO famous for her laser-sharp productivity.
The CEO didn't talk about crazy tricks or endless all-nighters. She spoke of small, consistent habits that gave her the mental space to tackle major challenges. Sarah thought, "If it works for her, maybe it could help me too."
Does Sarah's overwhelm sound familiar to you at all?
We all want to feel on top of our game, not just surviving, but truly thriving in our careers and personal lives. However, sometimes it feels like there simply aren't enough hours in the day. The good news is, productivity isn't about working harder; it's about working even smarter, as we have heard time and time again.
Let’s dive into the lives of successful people – from innovative entrepreneurs to world-class athletes – and discover what certain daily practices set them apart from everyone else. I'm not talking about crazy bio hacks or superhero willpower. These are simple and actionable habits anyone can use to reclaim their time and boost their results.
Let’s explore 12 Things Successful People Do Every Day to Stay Productive
1. Ruthlessly Prioritize
You know how that overflowing to-do list feels? The truth is, not everything on it is created equal. Successful people ruthlessly identify the high payoff activities that truly move the needle towards their biggest goals.
To help you with this, check out the Eisenhower Matrix (basically, it talks about how to think important vs. urgent). It helps you sort tasks into one of four categories, making it clearer on what to do now, what to schedule, what to delegate, and what to drop altogether.
2. Embrace the Power of "No"
"Sure, I can help with that!" Okay...let's be real. We've all been that person – eager to please and terrified of missing an opportunity.
But spreading yourself thin is a recipe for burnout, not success. Truly productive people know that saying "no" to lesser priorities is actually saying "yes" to the activities that matter most.
“The difference between successful people and really successful people is that successful people say no to almost everything.” –Warren Buffett
3. Focus on a Single Task
Our brains aren't built for the frantic jumping from email to a revenue generation call to spreadsheets to social media and back again. When we multitask, we lose focus and, ironically, take longer to get things done. Successful people prioritize one single task at a time, blocking off dedicated chunks of time for their most important work.
To help you with this concept, check outthe Pomodoro Technique – 25 minutes of focused work, followed by a short break. It might feel strange at first; however, it can do wonders for very focused concentration.
4. Harness the Power of Routines
Decision fatigue is real! That mental drain from deciding what to wear, what to eat, what to work on first… it all adds up. Productive people streamline their days with routines. A solid morning routine sets the tone, while an evening wind-down helps create a clear transition into relaxation mode.
According to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, people with consistent routines tend to report higher levels of well-being and lower levels of stress.
5. Schedule Breaks (And Actually Take Them)
Hustle culture has us believing breaks are for the weak. But that's totally backward! Our brains need time to recharge and consolidate information. Successful people intentionally schedule breaks throughout the day, whether it's a quick walk, a few minutes of meditation, a “power” nap, or just staring out the window.
"Rest is as important as work. Sometimes the best ideas come when you're relaxing." – Unknown
6. Delegate and Outsource
Superheroes in movies might work alone, but successful people know the power of a team. They recognize they can't (and shouldn't) be doing it all. They aren't afraid to delegate tasks that others can handle or outsource tasks that chew up time without adding significant value.
Focus solely on what you do best and what only you can do. Stop doing revenue generation / business development avoidance activities and delegate even more! Empower your team and watch your success soar. It's time to hone your delegation skills and elevate your success even further. Download my Free Delegation Exercise and discover the power of effective delegation, by going to https://bit.ly/Delegation-Exercise.
7. Tackle the Hard Stuff First
We all have those dreaded tasks that loom large, causing procrastination and stress. Successful people know that willpower is strongest in the morning. They tackle the hard stuff early, getting it out of the way and enjoying a sense of accomplishment that fuels the rest of their day.
Implement Brian Tracy's advice to "Eat that frog!" – Do the most challenging task/activity on your list first thing in the morning. No excuses!
8. Embrace Strategic Procrastination
Wait, what? Procrastination can be good. Sometimes, yes! Successful people know there's a difference between avoiding important work and intentionally letting an idea simmer. Often, when facing a complex problem, stepping away for a while allows your subconscious to work on solutions.
9. Cultivate a Growth Mindset
Setbacks and failures are inevitable. Productive people don't get derailed; they treat stumbles as learning opportunities.
A growth mindset means focusing on progress, not perfection. It's about asking, "What can I learn from this?" instead of stewing in frustration.
A study by Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck found that students with a growth mindset were more likely to embrace challenges and persevere in the face of difficulty, ultimately leading to higher achievement.
10. Surround Yourself with the Right People
They say you're the average of the five people closest to you. Successful people are mindful of who they spend their valuable time with, seeking out supportive, positive, and inspiring individuals. They understand that uplifting relationships provide energy and motivation.
11. Invest in Self-Care
Productivity isn't about draining yourself to the last drop. It's about sustainable success – the kind that lasts for the long haul. Truly successful people take care of themselves physically and mentally. That means getting enough sleep, good nutrition, regular exercise, and activities that nourish your soul.
12. Celebrate Wins
Acknowledge progress, big and small, is crucial for staying motivated. Whether it's crossing off that major project, hitting a fitness goal, or just getting through a tough week, take a moment to savor the accomplishment. This positive reinforcement trains your brain to focus on the good, keeping you striving for even more.
Conclusion
Remember, productivity isn't about superhuman feats; it's about those small, consistent habits that add up over time. Don't get overwhelmed trying to implement everything at once. Pick one or two habits, master them, and gradually add more.
Think of it like Sarah, the woman in my opening story. These ideas didn't transform her life overnight, they did give her tools to regain control of her time and increase her sense of accomplishment. And you know what? That exhaustion started to melt away, replaced by a quiet confidence and energy she hadn't felt in a long time.
You can achieve that, too. So, what's your first step toward becoming a productivity powerhouse?
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I’m the author of many books, including, Excuses Don’t Count; Results Rule, Live Life with No Regrets, No Excuses, The Guide to Stopping Procrastination, The Power of Visualization, My Gratitude Journal, the Work Life Balance Emergency Kit, and The Roadmap To Success with Stephen Covey and Ken Blanchard, and more.
Aim for what you want each and every day!
Anne Bachrach
The Accountability Coach™
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