8 Proven Productivity Methods and How to Get Started

If you’re on a quest to boost your productivity, you’ve probably come across a ton of tips, tricks, and hacks. But with so much information out there, it can be hard to know where to start. Don’t worry; we’ve got your back! We’ve rounded up 8 tried-and-tested productivity methods that can help you get more done, with less stress. And as a bonus, we’ll show you how AppBlock can be your secret weapon in making these methods work for you. Let’s dive in!

1. The Pomodoro Technique

Ever found yourself staring at the clock, waiting for the workday to end? The Pomodoro Technique might just be the solution you need. This method is all about breaking your work into focused intervals, traditionally 25 minutes, followed by a short break. These intervals are called “Pomodoros.” After four Pomodoros, you take a longer break. If you prefer a slightly longer work session, you can opt for a 45-minute work interval followed by a 15-minute break.

Why it works: By working in short bursts, you can maintain a high level of concentration without burning out. Plus, those little breaks are perfect for recharging your brain.

How to get started: Set a timer for either 25 or 45 minutes and dive into your task. When the timer goes off, take a 5- or 15-minute break. Rinse and repeat!

How AppBlock helps: Use AppBlock to block distracting apps during your Pomodoro intervals. Whether you’re doing 25-minute sprints or 45-minute deep work sessions, AppBlock ensures you stay on track by keeping those pesky notifications at bay.

2. Eat the Frog

No, we’re not suggesting you literally eat a frog (yuck!). “Eat the Frog” is a quirky way of saying that you should tackle your most challenging or dreaded task first thing in the morning. The idea is simple: once you’ve knocked out the toughest task, everything else will feel like a breeze.

Why it works: By getting the hardest task out of the way early, you’re less likely to procrastinate, and you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that fuels the rest of your day.

How to get started: Identify your “frog” the night before, so you wake up knowing exactly what to tackle.

How AppBlock helps: Set up a morning block on AppBlock to ensure you’re not tempted by social media or other distractions when tackling your toughest task first thing. This way, you can focus entirely on your “frog” without interruptions.

3. The Eisenhower Matrix

Struggling to figure out what to work on next? The Eisenhower Matrix is a decision-making tool that helps you prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance. You divide your tasks into four quadrants:

1. Urgent and important: Do these tasks immediately.
2. Important, but not urgent: Schedule time for these.
3. Urgent, but not important: Delegate if possible.
4. Not urgent or important: Consider if these tasks are even necessary.

How to use it: Take a sheet of paper and draw a large plus sign to divide it into four quadrants. Label each quadrant as mentioned above. Once you’ve listed your tasks in the appropriate quadrants, start with the first quadrant and work your way down. For tasks in the second quadrant, make sure to block out time in your schedule to complete them. Delegating tasks from the third quadrant can free up your time, and for those in the fourth quadrant, it might be time to cross them off altogether!

Why it works: This method helps you focus on what truly matters, so you’re not just busy but productive.

How AppBlock helps: AppBlock can help you stay on track by blocking low-priority apps or websites during work hours, so you only focus on what’s important. This way, your digital habits align with your priorities, making sure you’re working on what matters most.

4. Time Blocking

Time blocking is about dedicating specific chunks of time to particular tasks or types of work. It’s like making an appointment with yourself to ensure you stay focused on the task at hand. During these blocks, you concentrate solely on the designated task and avoid multitasking.

Why it works: Time blocking helps reduce distractions and the temptation to multitask, which can actually decrease productivity.

How to get started: Use your calendar to block out time for your most important tasks. Treat these blocks as non-negotiable appointments.

How AppBlock helps: Create custom schedules in AppBlock that align with your time blocks. Whether it’s deep work time or a dedicated block for emails, AppBlock ensures you stay on task by blocking distractions during these periods.

5. The 2-Minute Rule

If a task takes less than two minutes to complete, do it immediately. This rule, made popular by productivity guru David Allen, is designed to help you eliminate small tasks that can clutter your to-do list.

Why it works: It’s easy to put off tiny tasks, but they can pile up quickly. By knocking them out right away, you keep your to-do list from becoming overwhelming.

How to get started: As you go through your day, when a small task pops up, ask yourself, “Can I do this in two minutes?” If the answer is yes, do it then and there.

How AppBlock helps: When you need to quickly get these tasks out of the way, use AppBlock’s Quick Block feature to start a blocking session with just one tap. This ensures you’re not tempted by distractions while you focus on clearing those small tasks from your list, helping you stay efficient and on track.

6. The SMART Method

The SMART method is all about setting goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This approach ensures that your goals are clear and realistic, making it easier to stay on track and measure your progress.

Why it works: By breaking down your goals into these categories, you create a roadmap that guides your efforts and keeps you focused on what matters.

How to get started: When setting a goal, ask yourself if it meets the SMART criteria. Write down your goal and check it against each component. For example, instead of saying “I want to be more productive,” you might set a SMART goal like, “I will complete the first draft of my report by Friday at 5 PM.”

How AppBlock helps: Set up app blocking during key times to help you stay focused on achieving your SMART goals, without distractions pulling you off course. AppBlock ensures that when it’s time to work towards your goals, nothing gets in the way.

7. Biological Prime Time

Everyone has a time of day when they are naturally more alert and focused, known as their “biological prime time.” For some, this might be early in the morning; for others, it could be late at night. Identifying your prime time can help you schedule your most demanding tasks during the periods when you’re most productive.

Why it works: By aligning your work with your body’s natural rhythms, you maximize your efficiency and reduce the struggle of working against the clock.

How to get started: Pay attention to your energy levels throughout the day for a week. When do you feel most alert and focused? Use this information to schedule your most important tasks during your peak hours.

How AppBlock helps: Use AppBlock to schedule blocks during your peak hours, ensuring you make the most of your biological prime time by staying laser-focused on your tasks. When you’re in your prime time, AppBlock helps you avoid distractions that could derail your productivity.

8. Personal Kanban

Kanban is a visual workflow management method that helps you keep track of your tasks using a board with columns like “To Do,” “In Progress,” and “Done.” Personal Kanban adapts this method for individual use, allowing you to see your tasks at a glance and move them through the process as you complete them.

Why it works: The visual nature of Kanban makes it easy to see what needs to be done and track your progress. It also helps you limit the number of tasks you’re working on at once, reducing overwhelm and improving focus.

How to get started: Create a simple Kanban board using sticky notes on a wall or a digital tool. Start by listing all your tasks in the “To Do” column, then move them to “In Progress” as you work on them, and finally to “Done” when completed.

How AppBlock helps: AppBlock can help you limit distractions while you move tasks through your Kanban board, keeping your workflow smooth and efficient. By blocking apps that typically pull you away from your work, AppBlock ensures that your Kanban process stays streamlined and effective.

Bottom Line

At the end of the day, boosting your productivity isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter. By incorporating these methods into your daily routine, you’re setting yourself up for success.

With tools like AppBlock by your side, you have the power to cut through distractions and unlock your full potential. So, go ahead and tackle those tasks, one focused moment at a time. You’ve got this!