I’m back with my third article for Meer, and this time, we’re diving into productivity techniques that have shaped the success of some of the world’s most famous minds. Straight off the bat, after getting inspiration from a client. I thought to myself that everyone can get some advice sometimes, especially from some of these great minds.

In my journey from professional to coach, I've seen firsthand how these strategies can transform not just your workday, but your entire approach to life. Let’s explore these game-changing techniques and see how you can incorporate them into your routine for maximum productivity and success.

Parkinson's law (Cyril Northcote Parkinson)

Parkinson’s Law states that "work expands to fill the time available for its completion." By setting shorter deadlines, you force yourself to focus and work more efficiently. As Cyril Northcote Parkinson said, "The less time you have to complete a task, the more likely you will be to get it done." I had a client who was notorious for stretching projects out over weeks. By applying Parkinson's Law, he started setting 24-hour deadlines for tasks that typically took him a week. The result? He was amazed at how much more he accomplished in less time. I often suggest my clients challenge themselves by setting a timer for tasks and aiming to complete them within that timeframe. You'll find that a sense of urgency can significantly boost your productivity. For example, if you normally give yourself a week to draft a report, try setting a deadline of two days. This not only keeps you on track but also enhances your focus and efficiency.

Avoid large meetings (Elon Musk)

Elon Musk believes that large meetings waste time and energy. He suggests keeping meetings small, with as few people as necessary. "Meetings are a blight; the fewer, the better," Musk asserts. In my experience with clients, those who adopt this principle often see a dramatic increase in efficiency. One CEO client reduced his weekly all-hands meeting from 20 people to just 5 key decision-makers. This not only made the meetings more productive but also saved countless hours that were better spent on actual work. Before scheduling a meeting, ask yourself if it can be resolved through an email or a quick chat. If a meeting is necessary, limit the number of attendees to those who are essential to the discussion. I coach my clients to always consider whether a meeting could be replaced with a short update or memo. This practice reduces time spent in meetings and increases time for productive work.

Keep it simple (Steve Jobs)

Steve Jobs was a master of simplicity, and this philosophy extended to his approach to productivity. He famously said, "Simple can be harder than complex. You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it's worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains.” The client I worked with who embodied this principle most effectively ran a tech startup. He constantly challenged his team to strip down processes to their simplest forms, resulting in a more agile and responsive organization. Regularly review your processes and eliminate unnecessary steps. Simplifying your workflow can lead to significant improvements in efficiency and clarity. With clients, I suggest conducting a quarterly review of their workflows to identify and remove any redundant tasks. This keeps their operations lean and effective, allowing them to focus on what truly matters.

2 minute rule (David Allen)

The 2 minute rule, part of David Allen's "Getting Things Done" methodology, is a powerful tool against procrastination. Allen advises, "If an action will take less than two minutes, it should be done at the moment it’s defined.” I coached a client who struggled with an overwhelming to-do list. By adopting the 2-minute rule, he was able to clear many small tasks quickly, freeing up mental space for more significant projects. Next time you face a small task, do it immediately instead of postponing it. This practice can help you maintain a cleaner, more manageable to-do list. I encourage clients to integrate this rule into their daily routines, ensuring that minor tasks are handled promptly and don’t accumulate, which keeps their work environment organized and stress-free.

The power of no (Warren Buffet)

Warren Buffet’s strategy of saying no is about focusing on what truly matters. He states, "The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything." I had a client who was a serial overcommitter, often spreading himself too thin. By learning to say no, he was able to concentrate on the projects that had the most significant impact on his business and personal life. Evaluate your commitments and practice saying no to tasks or projects that don’t align with your primary goals. This will help you focus your energy on what truly matters. I work with clients to create a clear set of priorities and encourage them to say no to any new requests that don't fit within these priorities. This helps them stay focused and ensures their time is spent on the most impactful activities.

Eat that frog (Brian Tracy)

The concept of "eating the frog" is about prioritizing your most challenging task first thing in the morning. Brian Tracy, who popularized this technique, explains, "If you eat a live frog first thing in the morning, nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day." One of my clients, a high-level executive, swears by this method. By addressing his biggest challenge first, he found that the rest of his day flowed more smoothly and productively. Identify your "frog" each day—the task you are most likely to procrastinate on—and tackle it first. This practice can set a positive tone for your entire day. I advise clients to start their day by writing down their most daunting task and committing to completing it before moving on to anything else. This not only boosts their confidence but also sets a productive pace for the day.

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By incorporating these six productivity techniques into your routine, you can transform your approach to work and life. Remember, productivity is not just about doing more—it's about doing what matters most, efficiently and effectively. Feel free to share your feedback and let me know how these techniques work for you. Stay tuned for more insights on mindset and productivity!