Success Advice
3 Tips To Becoming More Productive Instantly
Have you ever felt guilty for delaying on a project? Maybe it’s putting together a slide deck for that presentation you need to make. Maybe it’s making phone calls to new clients. Maybe, to the millions of students out there, perhaps it’s waiting until 2am to start that paper that’s due tomorrow.
Well, if you’ve ever felt guilty, today we’re going to turn procrastination on its head. Today I’m going to show you why procrastinating will make you more productive and more successful – given that you use it to your advantage.
In our constantly moving culture, we villainize delay. Anyone who delays in any task is:
- Lazy
- Unmotivated
- Not “up to par”
But this begets the question: why do we procrastinate? The answer lies in biology.
Biologically, there are two main “nervous systems” in your body that dictate your mood and actions.
- Sympathetic Nervous System. Your sympathetic nervous system is responsible for your “flight or fight” response. It gets you amped up, pumps you full of adrenaline and cortisol, and makes you ready to face danger at a moment’s notice
- Parasympathetic Nervous System. Your parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for relaxation. It calms you down after a fight-or-flight response and brings you back to a state of normalcy with large releases of serotonin.
Why is this important? Well, biologically, our bodies try to avoid using energy as much as possible. Why? Because if you’re expending all of your energy jogging and doing yard work, how will you have enough left over to run away from a bear (or so your body asks)?
At the end of the day, that’s how we are designed. In fact, that’s how all animals are designed. We conserve our energy until dangerous situations, then either run or fight in a high-pressure state, and then return to a state of relaxation and grazing again.
Do you see a lion hunting at all hours of the day and night? Absolutely not. They spend a lot of their time relaxing by a lake, playing, and sleeping. Then when they need to hunt or defend themselves, they go into an intense – temporary – predator mode.
So if we want to do good work, we have to understand this essential nature of ourselves.
“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” – Abraham Lincoln
1. Procrastinate well
“When doing powerful work, the work is least important of our success.”
So how do you “procrastinate well?”
Well, if you’re reading this blog, you’ve probably heard of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by the late Steven Covey. Do you remember what Habit 7 is? That’s right: Sharpen the Saw.
One of my old high school teachers used to say: “Sometimes, just think about the project or paper you’re working on. Some people don’t think that that’s work. But in my opinion, that’s the hardest work you can possibly do.”
The whole idea of sharpening the saw is making sure that you’re mentally and physically prepared to do a burst of powerful work. This can take many forms:
- Sleeping
- Eating Nutritiously
- Meditating
- Brainstorming/Story boarding
- Going for a walk
- Eating a meal with a loved one
- Setting up materials
- Planning
- Thinking
“Procrastination is your body telling you that you need to back off a bit and think more about what you are doing.” – James Altucher
2. No time constraints? No results
Have you ever given yourself all-day to do a task? You probably thought: “Wow, look at all of this time I have.” And then at the end of the day, you probably thought: “Where did this day go?”
Why? You didn’t give yourself any structure. Time constraints actually allow us to get things done. When we see an impending deadline, we know that we have no choice but to deliver. But if there is no deadline, we’ll just find excuses to check Facebook, watch House of Cards, and waste time. Time wasting is poor procrastination.
Sharpening the saw allows you to do all of the preparation around your work, so that the work won’t take you very long.
Let’s look at to hypothetical scenarios in which you had 3 hours of work to do after a full shift of your job. Which of these would be more effective:
- Working late at 7pm after a 10-hour day, telling yourself you’ll just “push through it,” while you feel exhausted, hungry and burnt out.
- Going home at 7pm, eating a healthy meal, listening to your favorite podcast, calling an old friend, and then getting up 2 hours earlier than normal in the morning, refreshed and alert, to address the extra work.
I think the answer is pretty clear. So why don’t we do this more often?
The answer? GUILT.
Don’t feel guilty for sharpening the saw
I used to feel extremely guilty for taking time to storyboard out a project, or walk away from my computer to take a restorative nap.
Once I let go of this negative self-talk, I realized just how powerful this method is. I think there’s a reason why Dr. Covey left this habit for last: it’s the hardest one to internalize, but it’s also the most important factor for your success.

3. How do you do great work when it’s time?
So how do you do your great work when it’s time? Here’s how:
- Know Your Rhythm. Some people can’t do their best work at traditional hours. I myself am a night owl so I know I’m most productive after midnight. Don’t try to hide it or conform to other people’s standards. Own your rhythm
- Find the Best Environment. Whatever this means for you, you have to find the best environment to be your most focused self. Maybe it’s your desk, your conference room, or a library. Maybe it could be a coffee shop or your home office. Find what is best for you.
- Give Yourself Less Time. Think a task will take 1 hour? Give yourself 45 minutes. The added pressure will force you to focus and work at maximum efficiency. We can always work far more efficiently than we believe.
- Add Risk & Reward. Maybe you’ll have a nice dinner with your spouse if you get your work done, or maybe you’ll have to pay your friend $100 if you don’t complete your project by your decided deadline. Whatever the system, adding accountability will allow you to be effective and properly invested while you work.
As human beings, we spend too much time trying to fight our biology. But we can’t fight our natural tendencies. So why not use them to our advantage instead?
So the next time you’re feeling guilty for procrastinating, just remember: as long as you properly prepare, that procrastination is likely the key to your success.
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These 11 Habits Will Make You More Productive, Successful, and Confident
Boost your focus, confidence, and results with 11 powerful habits successful people use every day.

Successful people love to help beginners. They have an incredible work ethic and rarely complain. As a result, others naturally look up to them and want to follow in their footsteps.
But here’s the truth: there’s no success without sacrifice. You’ll need to give up comfort, excuses, and sometimes even social approval to accomplish your goals.
Value comes from solving problems, and these 11 powerful tips will help you become more productive, successful, and confident, starting today.
1. Take Short Breaks After Finishing a Task
Psychology shows it’s important to reward positive behaviour.
After completing a big task or finishing a book, take five minutes to walk, stretch, or simply breathe. This quick reset helps your brain recharge and strengthens focus.
Many great writers swear by morning walks, solitude, and reflection can unlock creativity.
But if you refuse to take breaks, don’t be surprised when burnout hits. Your brain needs recovery time just as much as your body does.
2. Schedule Your Most Important Tasks First
Multitasking kills productivity. If you want to get more done, try time blocking, a method where you dedicate set periods for specific tasks.
Productivity expert Caitlin Hughes explains, “Time blocking involves scheduling blocks of time for your tasks throughout the day.”
For example, if you’re a writer:
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Research your topic at night.
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Write your first draft in the morning (don’t worry if it’s rough).
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Edit in the afternoon, great writing comes from rewriting.
You can’t buy more time. Use it intentionally and without regret.
3. Eliminate Distractions from Your Workspace
Focus is the foundation of success.
According to Inc. Magazine, it takes an average of 23 minutes to recover from a distraction. That’s nearly half an hour of lost productivity every time you check your phone.
Put your phone away. Close unnecessary tabs. And yes, limit your Netflix binges.
Meeting deadlines consistently is one of the fastest ways to stand out and earn respect.
4. Take Full Responsibility for Your Life
Entrepreneur Derek Sivers once said, “Everything is my fault.”
This mindset doesn’t mean self-blame; it means self-ownership. Stop pointing fingers, making excuses, or waiting for others to change.
If your habits (like smoking or drinking too much) hold you back, it’s time to make better choices. Your friends can’t live your dreams for you; only you can.
5. Invest an Hour a Day in Learning New Skills
Knowledge compounds over time.
Whether you read books, take online courses, or practise a craft, consistent learning gives you a competitive edge.
I used to struggle with academic writing, but I improved by studying the work of great authors and applying what I learned.
Your past doesn’t define you; your actions do. Every new skill adds another tool to your arsenal and makes you more unstoppable.
6. Develop a Growth Mindset
Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck introduced the concept of fixed vs. growth mindset.
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A fixed mindset believes success is based on natural talent.
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A growth mindset believes success comes from effort and learning.
Choose the growth mindset. Embrace challenges. See failures as feedback. In today’s fast-moving digital world, adaptability is your biggest advantage.
7. Learn Marketing to Reach People Who Need You
I once believed marketing was manipulative, until I realised it’s about helping people solve problems.
If your work provides genuine value, marketing is how you let others know it exists. Even Apple spends billions on it.
Don’t be ashamed to promote your skills or business. Without visibility, your ideas will never reach the people who need them most.
Creative professionals who understand marketing and sales have an unfair advantage.
8. Ask Your Mentor the Right Questions
Good mentors can fast-track your growth.
While mentorship often costs money, it’s one of the best investments you can make. Great mentors don’t care about titles; they care about your progress.
If you don’t have access to a mentor yet, books are your silent mentors. Read the best in your field, take notes, and apply what resonates.
9. Build Confidence Through Action, Not Affirmations
Author Ryan Holiday once said, “I don’t believe in myself. I have evidence.”
Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations into the mirror; it comes from proof. Doing hard things, keeping promises to yourself, and following through.
When you consistently take action, your brain gathers evidence that you can handle whatever comes next. That’s real confidence, grounded, earned, and unshakable.
10. Focus on Your Strengths
Your strengths reveal where your greatest impact lies.
If people compliment you on something often, it’s a clue. Lean into it.
A former professor once told me I was creative, and that simple comment gave me the confidence to go all in. I studied creativity, applied it daily, and turned it into my career advantage.
Double down on your strengths. That’s how you build momentum and mastery.
11. Identify and Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs
Your beliefs shape your reality.
For years, I believed I couldn’t be a great writer because of my chronic tinnitus and astigmatism, sensory challenges that made concentration difficult. But over time, I realised those struggles made me more disciplined, observant, and empathetic.
Your limitations can become your greatest motivators if you let them.
Avoid shortcuts. Growth takes time, but it’s always worth it.
Final Thoughts
Becoming productive, successful, and confident isn’t about working harder than everyone else. It’s about working smarter, consistently, and intentionally.
You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start small: take a break after your next task, schedule your priorities, or spend one hour learning something new.
Every habit you change compounds into long-term success. Remember, true change comes from practising new behaviours.
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