We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.

How can I be More Productive?

By Lauren Romano
Updated May 17, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

At some point in life, you may feel like you are not being productive enough. Admitting your lack of productivity is the first sign of turning things around and picking up the speed. Not only is it a handy skill to have for work, it is also one that is beneficial to have through life. In order to be more productive, it takes a little effort, some willpower and a bit more energy.

When you feel lethargic, the last thing you are probably thrilled about doing is any type of work or anything that requires any effort. After eating junk food, many people tend to feel more sluggish than if they were to eat something healthy. If you want to be more productive, consider eating more healthy foods that can offer an added energy boost. For example, try munching on some peanut butter and drinking a glass or two of water. It could help provide the boost of energy that you need to be more productive.

When you want to be more productive, you should make an effort to organize your tasks so that it is easier to keep a clear head and not get so overwhelmed. Think about making a task list, which can be a way to show how your progress is going throughout the day. Make the list the night before so you can start executing it first thing in the morning. In addition, it is a good way to prevent you from forgetting to do tasks. Aim to finish at least three-quarters of your list by the end of the day, and at the end of the week, review the lists and see how you fared.

Another way to be more productive is to do the hardest, most challenging tasks first thing in the morning. This can prevent you from procrastinating on the work or errands that you consider a nuisance. After finishing them first thing in the morning and getting them over with, it can be motivation to do the other smaller tasks throughout the rest of the day that take less energy and brainwork.

There are little spaces throughout the day when, totaled up, can result in a lot of time where things can be accomplished. If you take public transportation to get to and from work, consider doing some tasks during the commute. When on the phone, do some chores around the house and when you are on lunch, make a phone call or two. When you take advantage of the little moments, it can add up to a lot of free time at the end of the day.

Being more productive is doable if you are willing to make some changes. Sticking to the cause and making small adjustments cannot only be more advantageous at work, but in your personal life as well. With some effort, you can be a more productive person and get everything accomplished that you need to in a smaller amount of time.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Discussion Comments

By turquoise — On Jun 12, 2011

During college, we had the most hectic weeks before the semester ended. There were papers to write and exams to prepare for which meant that we basically needed to study all day and sometimes through the night. It was so hard!

My best friend and I decided to meet up and study together one semester. Sometimes we went to the library and sometimes to other buildings on campus. We would even meet up at the cafe sometimes and studied there while having ice cream.

She and I had different majors but it didn't matter because the point was just to sit together. When my mind started wonder off, she would tell me to study a little bit more and I did the same for her. We kept each other on track and it was not boring because my best friend was right there to chat with me if I got restless or tired.

I think I got the best grades that semester. It can be much more productive to work in groups, but still individually. You should study with others who have the same mindset and who won't distract you though, otherwise it might do more bad than good. I definitely get more done and have fun when I study with other people.

By fify — On Jun 09, 2011

If I need to be working on something but cannot concentrate, I take a short break and do something that's completely unrelated. I might go out and get some coffee or meet up with a friend for lunch. When I take little breaks between work, I am more productive and feel more enthusiastic about what I'm doing. If I push myself to work without breaks, I end up wasting more time by working very slowly.

I also think that I am more productive during the weekdays if I spend the weekend resting and doing things for myself rather than working.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.