How to Become More Productive at Work

How to Become More Productive at Work

By Mark Wager

Work can often feel like an endless cycle. The paperwork on your desk keeps piling up, your phone rings the moment you put it down, and your inbox is flooded with unread messages. To stay afloat, you work harder and longer, pushing yourself to meet your targets. But just when you think you’ve caught up, your boss thanks you by piling on even more work. Sound familiar?

This is the reality for many professionals. Every year, we’re expected to do more with less, leaving time as our most precious resource. But the key to success isn’t working harder—it’s working smarter. As a leadership coach, I’ve helped countless leaders and professionals increase their productivity by shifting their focus from time to energy, from doing what’s easy to what’s important. Here are a few strategies to help you become a more productive version of yourself.

Tip One: Energy Is More Important Than Time

The most important law of productivity is to focus on energy, not time. Productivity is not about working more hours—it’s about making the most of the time you have by ensuring that your energy levels are high.

When work increases, our natural instinct is to extend the hours we work. This might help in the short term, but it’s a recipe for burnout in the long run. The more hours you work, the more your effectiveness diminishes, and with each passing hour, mistakes and poor decisions become more likely—leading to even more work later on.

The key to maintaining energy is getting enough rest. Sleep is essential to productivity. You may feel like your workload is keeping you up at night, but remember this: your work will still be there in the morning. It’s not going anywhere, so you might as well rest. With a good night’s sleep, you’ll be much more equipped to tackle your tasks efficiently the next day. I’ve seen this approach transform how leaders manage their days, helping them accomplish more in less time, all while maintaining their well-being.

Tip Two: Do What’s Important, Not What’s Easy

When your workload increases, so does your stress. Under stress, people often seek comfort by focusing on tasks they enjoy or find easy. While this might give a temporary sense of control, it doesn’t address the real issue—avoiding important tasks can lead to more work in the future.

In my coaching sessions, I often encounter managers who are overwhelmed with their workload. On closer inspection, it’s clear that they’re delaying crucial tasks simply because they don’t enjoy them. This creates a backlog, and over time, the additional work generated by this procrastination worsens the situation.

To get on top of your workload, always prioritise the most important tasks, not the easiest ones. Identify the tasks that will have the most significant impact on your business and those that can’t wait until tomorrow. Prioritise these tasks, even if they’re uncomfortable or challenging. Remember, everything is difficult at first, but with time, it becomes easier. When you consistently tackle the most important tasks, you’ll find your productivity skyrockets.

Tip Three: Avoid Interruptions

Interruptions are one of the biggest productivity killers. Studies have shown that when someone is interrupted during a task, it can take up to 20 minutes to regain the same level of focus and effectiveness.

To be productive, you must limit interruptions—both from others and yourself. If possible, find a quiet space where you can focus solely on your work. But be mindful of self-inflicted distractions as well. Modern technology allows us to be contacted anytime, anywhere, whether through phone calls, emails, or social media. Consider turning off your phone and disabling your internet connection when you need to concentrate. Trust me, the world will still be there when you’re done with your work.

Many of the leaders I coach have found that by blocking out distractions for even short periods, they’re able to achieve far more in a fraction of the time. It’s about creating space to do deep, uninterrupted work.

Tip Four: Control Your Work—Don’t Let It Control You

One of the saddest things I encounter when coaching leaders is seeing people overwhelmed with stress because of their workload. They often feel like their stress is caused by their boss or company, but the truth is that the only person who can control your stress is you.

Stress is a reaction, not a stimulus. Your work is the stimulus, but how you respond to that work determines whether or not you feel stressed. Ask yourself: What state of mind will help you achieve your goals more effectively—calm or stressed? The answer is obvious. By remaining calm, you are far more productive than when you are stressed.

When workload is high, it’s easy to believe that it’s the most important thing in your life. But this is a trap. Don’t let your job determine your value. Work is important, but it should never be the most important thing. Your value as a person far outweighs your professional achievements. By keeping this perspective, you’ll find it easier to manage stress and maintain productivity.

Take Your Productivity to New Heights

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your workload or struggling to stay productive, you’re not alone. As a leadership coach, I’ve helped professionals across New Zealand and the Pacific region not only boost their productivity but also find a better work-life balance.

I invite you to reach out and explore how my leadership coaching can help you develop the strategies and mindset needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced business world. Use the enquiry form below to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward becoming a more productive and effective leader.

Remember, success isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter. Let’s work together to make that your reality!