How to be more productive in life: 20 expert tips

Most people want to be more productive, but it’s easy to confuse that with just staying busy.

Real productivity comes from managing mental energy, building supportive habits, and making smarter choices with your time.

So, how do you put that into practice?

Keep reading for 20 practical strategies to boost your productivity using a blend of science, mindfulness, and cognitive training. Whether you’re managing school, work, or your home life, these tips will help you stay focused, work efficiently, and maintain your energy—without pushing yourself to the edge.

Twenty strategies for being more productive

Contrary to popular belief, being more productive doesn’t mean doing everything. It means doing what matters—with more clarity, less stress, and better results.

1. Use time blocking to improve your focus

Time blocking is simple: assign a specific time on your calendar for each task. It keeps you focused and prevents you from jumping between unrelated tasks all day.

It’s a method used by leaders like Bill Gates—and it works. 

2. Try the Pomodoro technique

This method helps you work in short, focused bursts—25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break. It’s great for staying on task without getting mentally drained.

Use a timer to stay consistent and take those breaks seriously. Stretch, hydrate, or meditate with the Balance app’s fully customizable Pomodoro Single.

3. Start your day with a brain warm-up

Your brain needs a warm-up, just like your body. Try a quick word puzzle, logic challenge, or math problem. It activates your working memory and improves focus for the rest of the day.

Apps like Elevate offer these in easy-to-use formats.

4. Meditate for 5 minutes to reset your mind

If meditation is more your speed, we have good news: Mindfulness can improve your ability to stay present and focused. Just five minutes of meditation can help reduce stress and clear mental fog.

Try Balance for short, guided meditations designed for busy people.

5. Tackle your most important task first

Start your day with your highest-priority task—before emails, meetings, or distractions take over. You’ll feel more accomplished and reduce procrastination.

This “eat the frog” method works best when your energy is highest, usually in the morning.

6. Write down your top three wins each day

Instead of a long to-do list, focus on your “Top 3 Wins.” This keeps your priorities in check and gives your brain a clear target.

Celebrating small wins also boosts motivation by reinforcing progress, increasing dopamine, and making it easier to stay engaged with your goals. 

7. Take microbreaks every 60–90 minutes

Short breaks aren’t lazy—they’re smart. Studies show that taking breaks boosts focus and prevents fatigue. One study found that the most productive people work for 52 minutes, then take a 17-minute break. This is known as the 52-17 rule.

During your break, try walking, stretching, or even a breathwork session on Balance.

8. Train working memory and focus

A strong working memory helps you juggle multiple ideas, make decisions faster, and stay organized. Use cognitive training apps like Elevate to boost your brainpower.

These tools are backed by neuroscience, and many are free to try. So there’s nothing to lose!

9. Use the “2-minute rule”

If something takes less than two minutes, do it now. This simple trick helps clear mental clutter and prevents tasks from piling up.

It’s especially helpful for emails, quick chores, or follow-ups.

10. Create a “not-to-do” list

Distractions matter. Write down habits or tasks you want to avoid, like doomscrolling or checking notifications every few minutes.

Personal boundaries are part of productivity.

11. Design a distraction-free environment

Your space matters. A cluttered desk or a noisy room makes it harder to concentrate. Turn off notifications, use noise-canceling headphones, and try a website blocker during deep work.

Set yourself up for success with your environment.

12. Practice single-tasking

Multitasking might feel productive, but it isn’t. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that switching between tasks can cut efficiency by up to 40%.

Focus on one thing at a time. The results are better, and so is your brain.

13. Track your energy, not just your time

If you’ve made it this far, you might realize you don’t have to work nonstop. Instead, notice when your brain feels most alert—and schedule your hardest tasks then.

This idea, called chronoworking, helps you match your energy to the work that matters.

14. Use affirmations or visualization to focus

A quick morning affirmation or visualization can help you start the day with intention. 

You don’t have to overthink it: Just say it, picture it, and follow through.

15. Batch similar tasks together

Switching between different types of tasks burns energy. So group similar things together—like answering emails or running errands—and do them in one session.

Task batching helps reduce context-switching and makes your work feel smoother.

16. Journal or reflect at the end of the day

A 5-minute journaling habit can help you process the day, celebrate progress, and reset for tomorrow. It’s a great way to build self-awareness and track what’s working.

You don’t need to write much—just be honest.

17. Prioritize sleep for mental clarity

Sleep is the foundation of focus and productivity. According to the Sleep Foundation, people who sleep 7–9 hours are more likely to hit their goals.

However, oversleeping can have downsides, too.

18. Practice gratitude to combat burnout

Taking a moment to notice what’s going well—even if it’s small—can shift your mindset. Gratitude builds resilience and helps you stay motivated over time.

Try writing down one thing you’re grateful for before bed.

19. Turn off autopilot and reassess your priorities

Don’t let habits run the show. Check in with yourself weekly: Are you spending time on what matters? What’s no longer serving you?

Real productivity is aligned with your goals, not just your schedule.

20. Don’t just work—recover

Downtime is part of performance. Elite athletes know this, and it applies to mental work too. Rest helps you recharge and come back stronger.

Build in time for hobbies, rest, or doing nothing. It’s crucial to keeping the momentum going. 

Be more productive by focusing on mental fitness

Productivity isn’t just about what you do—it’s about how you think, focus, and recover. Mental fitness plays a huge role in staying productive long-term.

That’s why tools like Elevate’s brain training games and the Balance app’s guided meditation matter. They help you train focus, build memory, and manage stress—so you can keep showing up with energy and purpose.

FAQ on being productive

Here are answers to common questions about productivity tools and rules.

How can you be productive with the 3-3-3 rule for productivity?

You do 3 hours of deep work, complete 3 medium-effort tasks, and knock out 3 small to-dos. It’s a simple way to manage your workload without burning out.

What is the 90/90/1 rule?

Spend the first 90 minutes of your day on one high-impact goal for 90 days. This will help you build focus and progress.

What is the 8-8-8 rule of productivity in life?

This rule divides your day into 8 hours of work, 8 hours of sleep, and 8 hours of personal time. It’s a helpful way to create balance.

What is the 5/25 rule?

Write down your top 25 goals. Then circle your top 5. Only focus on those, and ignore the rest until they’re done.

Ready to build a more productive life?

You don’t need a complicated system or nonstop work to be productive. You just need clear focus, strong habits, and the right tools to support your mind and energy.

The Balance app offers guided meditations that help you reset, refocus, and recharge—so you can stay productive without burning out. It’s completely free for the first year, and personalized to your goals.

Download Balance today, and start building a more focused, intentional, and productive life—one habit at a time.