Treble your productivity in 4 easy steps

We all want to achieve more in less time and now we can. This post is what I’ve learnt from implementing lessons from a combination of my two favourite books: Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey and Deep Work by Cal Newport. Combining advice in these books with my own experiences, I’ve finally reached the level focus I’ve always wanted. This has resulted in both better quality and higher volume of output than ever before.

Today, I’m sharing my secret sauce with you so you can be Today Years Old when you unlocked your hyperfocus too.

Achieving zen-like focus is a four-step recipe:

1. Set an intention list

2. Pick an item

3. Get your environment right

4. Time-bound

Let me explain…

1. Make an intention list

An intention list is the mature cousin of the to-do list. We often list what we have to do but not why. Then when we find time to sit down and do deep, hyperfocused work, we waste time deciding which item to do. Not any more.

An intention list is simple:

1. Make a list of all the tasks you have to do (big and small)

2. Write why you’re doing them e.g. write publication proposal  so that I can grow my readership, which will help me diversify my income, so I can go on my dream holiday

3. Bin anything that doesn’t add sufficient value or can be delegated

4. Crack on with the list

During a hyperfocus session, you’re aiming to complete only one of these. So, let’s go ahead and do that.

2. Choose an item, any item

Since you’ve only left the items on your intention list that truly add value, it doesn’t matter what you decide to do first. Go with the one that suits your current energy, or you find most fun.

3. Set up your environment

Environment has two elements: physical surroundings and ambience.

Let’s go with physical surroundings first. I’m a big believer in “tidy desk, tidy mind.” Not only do you feel more composed and ‘ready to work’ there’s less triggers to distract you. No catching a dirty mug out the corner of your eye and thinking “ooo a cup of tea”. You don’t need an expensive desk set-up, just a tidy up.

Only leave stuff you actually need to complete your task. If that’s a PC, great, but remember to close all apps other than the one(s) you need to do your work. Put ‘do not disturb’ on so notifications won’t distract you.

Ambience is harder to define but let me give you some examples. Some people can work in complete silence; others can’t. I’m the latter. I don’t find music works for me: I get swept up in the mood of the genre I’m listening to and either get distracted by the music itself or start subconsciously working to the genre’s vibe.

Instead, I’ve been using brain.fm for the last year and now it’s the only thing I use for hyperfocus and deep work. Brain.fm uses binaural beats to help you concentrate whilst putting pleasant white noise music over the top to reduce the intensity. You can read more on the science of binaural beats here. **Full disclosure** I’m an affiliate for brain.fm and you can use code ‘charliehyde’ on checkout for 20% off. However, I’ve used this product for a year now and personally paid full price for it, so promise I’m not just saying this!

Ok, you’re almost ready.

Remember that new ideas will come whilst you’re hyperfocusing and that’s ok. Keep a pen and paper handy so you can capture ideas whilst you’re working. In this digital age, I still prefer old-fashioned pen and paper so I can’t be tempted to ‘just check’ something else. If ideas pop up or you remember more tasks you need to do, that’s fine: pop them on your notepad and return to deep work.

4. Time-bound hyperfocus

You can’t hyperfocus in deep work for a long time — our brains aren’t programmed to work like that. There’s two ways to time bound your hyperfocus:

1. Until the task is complete

2. One hour

Personally, I always prefer option 1. I hate to leave a task unfinished. Most of the time I actually find the two end up being about the same i.e. the type of tasks on my intention list require me to hyperfocus for about one hour.

At the end of a hyperfocus session, you should feel physically tired. This is because you’ve directed a lot more of your brain power to a task than you normally do. You cannot go straight from one session to another. I need a few hours break, doing lighter (e.g. admin, emails etc) activities before I can go again. Make sure to drink plenty of water and get some exercise during your breaks to refresh both body and mind.

Summary

Since working like this, I’ve been able to treble my productivity whilst halving my work hours. I’m often asked how I do everything (full time job as a Management Consulting Manager, blogging, YouTube, podcast, FinTech startup and a Digital Marketing agency if you’re interested) whilst having a good work life balance. Honestly, hyperfocus is my secret. Now you know the secret too. Good luck.