FOCUS & PRODUCTIVITY MICROSTEPS

In the morning, write down your priorities for the day.

Deciding what’s important and what’s not is key to reducing stress and improving productivity.

Block off time for focused work — ideally in the morning.

Set a calendar reminder so you can maximize focus and minimize distractions. Let colleagues know so they’ll be less likely to interrupt you.

Declare an end to the day, even if you haven’t finished everything.

Truly prioritizing means being comfortable with not completing every item on your list. When you take time to recharge, you’ll return ready to seize opportunities.

Set aside even just five minutes to meditate.

When you calm your mind and shut out outside noises and distractions, you’ll return to your work ready to focus and tackle your to-do list.

Eat lunch away from your desk.

Instead of eating quickly while working, step away from your desk at lunch, even for just a short time. You’ll be more effective the rest of the day.

Take a short break at least once a day.

Step away from your desk, even for just a few minutes, and do something that energizes you: a walk around the floor, a quick stretch, a visit to a colleague. You’ll return with renewed focus and purpose.

Once a day, schedule time for deep work and let others know you need to focus.

Be vocal about going into “Do Not Disturb” mode: time for focused work, without interruption, preferably in a quiet place. You’ll be more productive at the office and less likely to have a lot of work you must complete at night.

Block time on your calendar to manage your email.

It takes an average of 25 minutes to refocus after being interrupted, so setting aside time for email can help you avoid constant inbox distractions.

If something takes less than two minutes, do it immediately.

Finishing a quick task is often simpler than reviewing it, putting it in your calendar, and returning to it later.

Identify one low-value activity — and stop doing it.

You’ll find time you didn’t know you had, which you can devote to more important tasks.

Do one small thing each morning that brings you joy.

It might be meditating, walking, or making breakfast. From this foundation, you’ll be more focused and productive once you get to work.