12 Ways to Improve Your Productivity in 5 Seconds Flat

Set a mini goal

Before you jump into a task, take a few seconds to set an intention about what you hope to accomplish over the next 20 to 40 minutes or so, suggests Chris Bailey, author of The Productivity Project. “When we work and when we live with this intentionality, it’s what allows us to shut off this mindless autopilot mode and choose what we want to work on,” he says. Knowing exactly what you want to get out of each little chunk of time helps you put every minute in perspective. If getting sidelined by an email or link won’t help that goal, don’t even start. Don’t miss these other almost effortless ways to be more productive.