How do you stay productive without burn out?

Question

I am about to launch (soon) a productivity system called Focused. It is designed to help people stay focused, motivated and productive over the long-term so that they can achieve their goals without experiencing burnout, productivity fatigue or just a short-term productivity boost that doesn't translate into actual results.

I am keen to know how others are currently achieving that today?

Thanks
Luca

Shon Wu (Shon Wu) · Accepted Answer

Focus significantly boosting creativity and productivity. I've tried various methods to maintain focus, but curiosity and interest are the best natural remedies.

Enhancing user motivation is key. Breaking down daunting tasks into small goals and providing instant rewards like points or leaderboards can strengthen motivation to complete tasks through focused effort.

Another approach is simplifying existing products to help users focus on one thing, such as offering limited features or curated information to rescue users from information overload.

These are my initial thoughts. Let's discuss further.

Cristian Stoian Urzica · Answer

Take breaks, go out, workout and spend time with your people

Luca · Answer

@shonwu those are great ideas and is what I have built into Focused as well. For example, Focused has built into it the idea of breaking down goals (which take ~1-5 years to complete) into projects (~1-5 months) and then into milestones (~1-5 weeks) and then eventually individual tasks.

Built in is a progress system so that as you complete each task the progress rolls up so the person can see their progress across all the various milestones, etc. Users can also associate rewards to completing milestones, projects and goals so that can help them stay on track, much like how video games are designed to keep people playing.

Luca · Answer

@founder_daksh Yeah I agree, I do the same! I find when I exercise and eat well and sleep enough, I am more productive and happier. I also use the pomodoro technique especially when starting a daunting task or something I have put off for a while. Just those first 25 mins generally helps me get into the zone. And I use it as a trick to my brain saying "all I need to do this for is 25 mins". It's enough to get me started.

I have built all of these features into Focused to help people stay sustainably productive without burnout. This includes, goal setting, breaking down goals into smaller chunks, progress tracking, habit tracking, journalling and even weekly, monthly and yearly reviews to reflect on what you have achieved and how to adjust to keep going.

Thanks for sharing

Luca · Answer

@cristian_stoian_urzica Yeah 100% agree, I find getting out and socialising does help, even though it may seem like a productivity waste of time because there is always that thought in the back of your mind saying "I could do more".

I think the key that we all (especially me) needs to learn is that we are much like a rechargeable battery.. we need those breaks and times of unwinding with friends to charge up so that we can go again. Seeing it like that has helped me at least not feel so bad about it and helps me to actually unwind and relax more.

It is all a balancing act I guess.

Tedel · Answer

Taking many breaks, as often and as long as I need.

Marvin Mändle · Answer

I think it's all about work life balance and getting some hours off the screen everyday. For me it's meditation and sports to balance stress after a long day.

Shon Wu (Shon Wu) · Answer

@luca3927 That's great, I can't wait to participate in the real-life video game challenge!

Daksh Tyagi · Answer

To stay productive without burnout, I prioritize regular breaks, set realistic goals, and use tools like time-blocking and the Pomodoro technique. Exercise and a healthy diet are key, along with maintaining a work-life balance. Additionally, I reflect weekly on my progress and adjust my strategies to stay motivated.

Kehui Guo · Answer

Balancing productivity and avoiding burnout is tough. Personally, I find taking regular breaks, setting realistic goals, and prioritizing self-care really helps.

Answer

I prioritize tasks based on importance and urgenc

Luca · Answer

@marvin_maendle what sport do you play? For me it's basketball.... such a massive stress remover.

Luca · Answer

@kehui_guo yeah I agree 💯. I do something similar and to help people actually achieve goals I built all of this type of functionality into Focused. Breaks are important so a combination of using the GTD methodology where you use the Today view only the tasks for today combined with a Pomodoro timer built in helps people stay on task, don’t over burden themselves daily and also take regular breaks throughout the day. Using the life vision to define your life goals and then break that down into goals, project and milestones helps people plan and set realistic goals. Combine that with trackable progress plus the ability to review progress and direction weekly, monthly and yearly with specific views helps people stay on track, adjust direction where necessary but also set those realistic goals. Finally for self-care having a built in habit tracker helps people make sure they are taking care of themselves body, mind and spirit through healthy eating, drinking enough water, exercising, sleeping enough and visualizing their life vision. This along with a daily journal helps people process their emotions to ensure they aren’t harboring internally which can build up and effect productivity and their progress towards goals. That is one thing I found very useful for myself, even after many years of not believing it. If you keen to know more check out Focused - https://focusednotion.me. I’m launching soon 🥳

Luca · Answer

@simplytedel yeah I agree, regular breaks are important. It is where the pomodoro technique or something similar to that can really help.

Answer

I will write down what needs to be done today, everything is written in order from the most important. then, I set how long it takes to do it and don't forget to take a break

How do you stay productive without burn out?

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