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With the constant barrage of emails, meetings and distractions, finding real focus and productivity in your workday can be challenging. Many professionals struggle to maintain momentum long enough to finish a project. However, the right techniques can help boost concentration and productivity on even the busiest of workdays.
Here, 15 Rolling Stone Culture Council members share their favorite techniques for staying on track and explain why these strategies work so well in a busy work environment. From using time-blocking methods to taking strategic breaks, these tactics can help boost focus and efficiency, even when you’re in a productivity slump.
Work in a New Environment
Change your scenery! One of the best ways to boost concentration and focus is to work in different locations and environments. In today’s world of working from home, it is vital to mix up your work location to elevate creativity. Go to a coffee shop, park or any place with an energy and vibe. You will reap the benefits of a changed environment. – Nathan Green, New Level Radio
Learn to Quiet the Chaos
Embrace the chaos! Mayhem exists around us all day, offering up distractions at every turn. You can, however, train your mind to ignore these things. You can notice them but learn to not react. You’ll often see people in a bustling airport with throngs of people and activity around them — and they’re functioning perfectly well. Maybe even better than if they were in an isolated room! – Scott Cowperthwaite, AfterFiveMedia
Create a Supportive Environment
The clever technique I use is lifting everyone up. I make everyone feel good and positive and welcome, knowing they have a supportive environment. We all learn, we all make mistakes — and keeping it real and upbeat boosts productivity in so many ways, and it helps big time in keeping good talent. – Paul Fitzgerald, Salt & Pepper Media Inc.
Take a Break to Refresh Your Mind
Take a pause. Constant movement, physically and mentally, is an enormous distraction. It may not sound like an exceptionally clever tip, but stopping whatever you’re doing can welcome fresh ideas, even for just a few moments. Productivity requires tapping into creativity, which comes from pausing at your desk, quieting your mind and taking some time to try on new perspectives and inspiration. – Andy Hale, Hale & Monico
Listen to Music
Music is always the solution for me when it comes to productivity. I can put earbuds in and listen to a playlist while I’m working, and I find myself more motivated for whatever it is I’m working on. Music keeps me driven. It’s interesting how many creative ideas develop from song to song and manifest into more powerful output for the work I am doing. It makes the work fun and it’s done better. – Josiah Corbin, Elite Multimedia Productions
Use the Two-Minute Rule
One technique I use is the “Two-Minute Rule.” This method suggests that you immediately tackle any task that takes two minutes. It is based on the idea that if something can be done quickly, it should be done immediately rather than being put off. This technique works because it reduces procrastination and keeps your to-do list simple. By handling small tasks right away, you maintain momentum and clear mental space. – Kristin Marquet, Marquet Media, LLC
Create Time for ‘Play’
Add in blocks for playtime. Literally, find something to do that leans into escapism and lets your brain wander. Have a creative impromptu brainstorm, fidget with something, play with your food — anything to get out of the grind. By allowing your brain to have space, you’re statistically better equipped to handle what has to get done on your plate when you get back to work. – Sarah Jenkins, The Romans New York
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Use the ‘Pomodoro Technique’
I often use the “Pomodoro Technique.” I work intensely for 25 minutes, then take a five-minute break. It boosts focus by creating urgency and prevents burnout with scheduled breaks, keeping my mind fresh and (mostly) productive. – Francis Hellyer, tickadoo
Avoid Multitasking
Don’t multitask. If you are writing a report, do not check your social media and email accounts. It’s hard to concentrate on a task if you keep updating or replying to posts and emails. As for important meetings, plan your concentrated work activities around those if unavoidable. – Zain Jaffer, Zain Jaffer Foundation
Take the Time to Check in With Yourself
Check in with yourself, regularly. In this moment, are you enjoying what you’re doing? Are you optimistic? Do you feel energetic about continuing to work on this project right now? If not, take a break. Constant productivity is a myth — and an unhelpful one. All of us have pockets and windows throughout the day of greater focus. Regularly checking in with ourselves can help us find them. – Jed Brewer, Good Loud Media
Go Back To Learning
Take a step back from “doing” and go back to learning. Sometimes, a block in concentration comes from trying to do too many things. Leaders often need to remember to relax and take in new information rather than putting it out. Create space for open communication with your team, consult a mentor or read something inspiring and informative. – Cynthia Johnson, Bell + Ivy
Prioritize Your Work Using the ‘ABCDE’ Method
I use a combination of positive reinforcement and the ABCDE Method. Here, A stands for “Must do (high priority),” B means “Should do (medium priority),” C is “Nice to do (low priority),” D is “Delegate” and E is “Eliminate.” – Matthew Forster, CMS Nashville
Delegate What You Can
As someone with ADHD, I don’t focus on productivity (as much as I love finishing tasks). I focus on my gifts (hyperfocus) and delegate nearly everything else. For example, I haven’t personally prepared my business or personal taxes since 1997. I call it “the workaround.” Let’s create a world fit for all of us — including the neurodivergent. – Baeth Davis, YourPurpose.com
Dedicate Time for Quiet
In a busy work environment with employees, colleagues, clients, artists and managers, I find that sitting quietly for an hour or two alone every day helps me conquer a to-do list. This, in turn, helps me share and learn. – Matt Altman, Headline Booking
Avoid Long Periods of Focused Work
Regular breaks are essential for optimal performance and productivity. Extended periods of focused work can lead to poor work quality. Incorporating break periods into your workday can enhance concentration, reduce errors and prevent burnout. Engaging in brief periods of mindfulness will ultimately contribute to increased efficiency and overall job satisfaction. – Jason Peterson, GoDigital Media Group
