Productivity doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built on simple habits that set you up to succeed. Here are some strategies and 5 habits I use to boost focus and get more done:

1. Set yourself up the night before.

Knowing what’s on the agenda and prioritizing the work makes everything run smoother. I lay out what I need ahead of time and review the schedule so I’m prepared. I’d rather not be surprised by a phone conference or caught off guard. My clients depend on me so it's important that I'm ready for what they need.

2. Make a complete to-do list.

Write everything down that you want to accomplish, from early morning exercises to necessary but straightforward tasks, and of course, the big things that absolutely must get done. Crossing them off feels good!

3. Tackle your most significant task first.

Mark Twain called it eating the big frog first.* Identify the most challenging or most crucial task and knock it out during your peak energy hours. For me, that’s in the morning, so I prioritize deep work before noon.

4. Manage energy dips wisely.

When an afternoon slump hits, I don’t try to push through. Instead, I take a walk outside if the weather permits. I get up and move around, have a cup of tea and a snack, maybe even do a few bicep curls. Then I return to my desk and switch to lighter tasks, such as making phone calls or organizing files. I also allow myself a quick 5 or 10 minutes of daydreaming. It’s a nice break and helps me get back to being creative.

5. End with a sense of accomplishment.

When my work day is over, I review the tasks on the list and note the ones that I completed. If some items remain (hopefully not too many!), I put them on the schedule for tomorrow. I’ve found that the best days aren’t the ones where I coast along. The best days are those when I make good progress and create something that has a meaningful impact.

✨ Try these small shifts and you’ll find yourself moving through the day with more clarity, energy and purpose.

*"If it's your job to eat a frog, it's best to do it first thing in the morning. And If it's your job to eat two frogs, it's best to eat the biggest one first." - Mark Twain