Accomplish More: A Simple Productivity Tool

Who isn’t tired of feeling that unrelenting low dose of angst pulsing through their body? If this sounds like you, and you’ve grown accustomed to the feeling of being “busy” while constantly worrying about “what’s next,” you may not even be aware of your own anxiety. Do you often find yourself wondering what you’ve forgotten or feeling like you’re not doing enough because “there’s just not enough time”? If so, consider reading this article with an open mind—there may be hope for feeling less anxious and more in control.

So, What’s The Secret Formula?

The author confesses to having been the person described above—someone addicted to adrenaline and constant busyness. However, after keeping a time log for the past 12 months, they’ve achieved a more focused, peaceful, and productive state of mind. Despite initial skepticism about the effort required, the time log has proven to be a transformative tool, reducing anxiety and increasing satisfaction with daily accomplishments.

Tell Me More

Peak productivity occurs when we are fully focused on the task at hand, but achieving this state of flow is increasingly difficult in modern workplaces due to distractions and interruptions. A time log helps combat these challenges by serving as a scheduling device, a coach, and a work history at-a-glance. It also enables time blocking, with the most critical 15-minute block being the planning block—done either first thing in the morning or at the end of the day. During this time, prioritize your to-do list and schedule those priorities. As time management expert Laura Vanderkam advises, “Don’t prioritize your schedule; schedule your priorities.” This approach creates mental clarity and maximizes focus throughout the day.

Gimmie A Break

External distractions, like the temptation of FOMO (fear of missing out) or endless internet browsing, can derail productivity. To manage these, schedule break times into your time log if your work allows. Use these breaks for short bursts of social media or news. Additionally, block out two segments of email time to handle non-urgent messages before they pile up. For periods requiring high email alertness, even 10-minute blocks per hour can help address urgent messages while preserving time for deep, cognitive work. Discipline yourself to only check email during these designated times to maintain focus on high-value tasks.

During your scheduled email blocks, you can efficiently clear non-urgent messages, much like a chainsaw cutting through trees. For more advanced time-plotting tips, read Part 2 of the author’s time log odyssey.

Deborah Goldstein is the founder of Driven Professionals, a community supporting the health, well-being, and success potential of NYC professionals. She is also the founder of Goldie’s Table Matters, offering education and entertainment to corporate and private clients nationwide.