The Morning Habit That’s Killing Your Productivity (And How to Fix It)
We’re all busy. There never seems to be enough time in the day to get everything done. Sound familiar?
I’ve been there—years of chasing my tail, convinced I was being productive when, in reality, I was sabotaging myself every morning.
It wasn’t until I made one small change that everything started to shift. Now I’m sharing it with you:
Tip #1: Don’t Open Your Email First Thing
It sounds simple, but this one habit transformed my day.
I used to arrive at the office, flip on my computer, and dive into my inbox. Before I knew it, hours had disappeared, and I’d achieved nothing meaningful.
When you let your email dictate your day, you hand over control to everyone else’s priorities. You become a reactive slave to the ping of your inbox.
Instead, make the first hour of your day your “power hour.” Tackle your most important tasks while your mind is fresh and focused. I guarantee this small shift will dramatically increase your productivity.
9 More Productivity Tips to Take Control of Your Time
If you’re ready to reclaim your day, here are nine additional tips to help you stay focused, work smarter, and get more done.
Tip #2: Stop Watching TV and the News
The world doesn’t end if you miss the nightly news. In fact, you’ll gain time—and peace of mind—by stepping away.
Instead of zoning out in front of the TV, I’ve turned to books. I read two business books a week, and the insights I gain are game-changing.
Take a leaf out of Warren Buffett’s book: he reads for 5–6 hours a day. His secret? “Spend each day trying to be a little wiser than you were when you woke up.”
Tip #3: Reduce Your Social Media
Social media is a black hole of productivity. Scrolling through feeds might feel like relaxation, but it’s robbing you of precious time and mental clarity.
Limit your social media to 15 minutes a day. Curate your feed to include content that inspires and informs you rather than mindless junk.
Tip #4: If It’s Not in the Diary, It Doesn’t Get Done
Your calendar is your most powerful productivity tool. If something isn’t scheduled, it’s unlikely to happen.
Block time for essential activities: thinking, eating, exercising. Treat these appointments as sacred and non-negotiable.
For me, exercise is my anchor. Even on Friday afternoons when others head to the pub, I hit the gym. Movement fuels my energy and focus.
Tip #5: Use the 4Ds
When a task comes your way, decide immediately:
- Do it: Does it need immediate attention?
- Defer it: Can it wait for later?
- Delegate it: Can someone else handle it better or faster?
- Delete it: Does it really matter at all?
Urgent doesn’t always mean important. Learn to differentiate, and you’ll focus on what truly moves the needle.
Tip #6: Work When You’re at Your Best
We all have peak performance windows. Mine is early morning, so I schedule my most demanding cognitive tasks during that time.
Dan Pink’s book When breaks it down into three types: larks (morning people), owls (night people), and third birds (somewhere in between). Identify your type and plan your tasks accordingly.
Tip #7: Go to Bed and Wake Up at the Same Time
Consistency is key. Your body thrives on routine.
When you keep a regular sleep schedule, your energy stabilizes, and your productivity soars. It’s not glamorous, but it works.
If you’re interested in creating better habits, I highly recommend James Clear’s Atomic Habits.
Tip #8: Sleep Is the Best Medicine
Forget the hustle culture that glorifies sleepless nights. Sleep is your secret weapon.
Most of us need 7–9 hours to function at our best. If you’re feeling drained, try a 20-minute power nap to recharge without falling into deep sleep cycles.
Tip #9: Exercise for Energy
It sounds counterintuitive, but the busier you are, the more you need to work out.
Exercise reduces stress, boosts dopamine (that runner’s high), and improves focus. Even a brisk walk can clear your mind and restore your energy.
Tip #10: Chunk Your Time
Our brains aren’t designed for endless focus. Break your day into manageable chunks of 90–120 minutes, followed by short breaks.
This method, rooted in ultradian rhythms, allows you to work in sprints and avoid burnout.
Final Thought: Take Back Control
They say we all get the same 24 hours in a day, but it’s what we do with them that counts.
Stop letting distractions and bad habits steal your time. Implement these strategies, and you’ll be amazed at how much more productive—and fulfilled—you feel.
