Mindset and Productivity: Techniques for More Productive Habits Through Mindset

You don’t need to be born a productivity virtuoso. All of us have the ability to increase our productivity and best practices with a mindset shift. Here an in-depth look at the fundamentals of the mindset and tips to increase awareness of your own productive habits.

What Is Productivity?

Productivity is often defined as the amount of work done in a certain period of time, or the amount of output one can produce in a given time frame. Yet it can also be viewed from a more expansive perspective, tied to the quality of the work and its impact on the organization. Productivity can also be seen as a combination of focus, direction, and capacity to get things done efficiently and intentionally.

What Is Mindset?

Mindset encompasses the thoughts, beliefs, and emotions a person has about their capabilities and potential. It affects one’s behaviors and interpretive lens when faced with a new task or challenge. A growth mindset embraces taking risks and believing one can succeed with effort, while a fixed mindset views learning as a means of proving one’s worth. Most people have a combination of a fixed and a growth mindset.

The Connection Between Productivity and Mindset

Productivity and mindset are inextricably linked. A positive mindset helps with staying focused and motivated to achieve your goals, create healthy habits, and find creative solutions to challenges. On the contrary, having a negative mindset can lead to higher stress levels which can have a direct effect on productivity. A healthy and positive mindset doesn’t just enable one to be productive and achieve their goals, but also helps them build resilience in their life and career.

Techniques for Increasing Productivity Through Mindset

Here are five techniques for increasing your productivity and getting the best out of your work through mindset:

1. Set Specific and Measurable Goals: Goals are the cornerstone of productivity. Setting specific and measurable goals helps motivate you to stay focused and on track. Doing this also enables you to monitor your progress and adjust your goals as needed in order to maximize your success.
2. Identify and Adjust Beliefs: Our mindset is in large part determined by our beliefs. Identifying and adjusting these beliefs is an essential step in building the right mindset for productivity. Ask yourself what you believe is possible, and look at evidence that supports it. Be sure to adjust any beliefs that set you back.
3. Reduce Mental Clutter: Mental clutter can make it difficult to focus, leading to decreased productivity. The best way to reduce mental clutter is to prioritize tasks and focus on only the most important ones. Make sure to take breaks when needed, and practice mindfulness techniques to stay present and mindful during your work.
4. Stay Positive and Reflect: Productivity isn’t just about getting things done, it’s also about enjoying the process and staying motivated. Staying positive and reflecting on what’s been accomplished helps increase productivity. Reflect on the reasons why you want to achieve the goals you set, and take the time to celebrate small successes.
5. Avoid Comparisons: Comparing yourself to others can be detrimental to your productivity. Everyone is on their own journey, and comparing yourself to others can lead to negative emotions, such as jealousy and disappointment. Focus on your own goals and successes, and understand that everyone has their own unique set of strengths and weaknesses.

Examples

Setting Specific and Measurable Goals

Example 1: Let’s say you’re trying to complete a project that involves creating a website for an online store. Your goal could be to have the website up and running within 2 months. Therefore, your specific and measurable goal should be detailed, such as “complete website design and development within 2 months.”

Example 2: You’re trying to improve your programming skills. Your goal could be to complete 3 courses in 1 month. Therefore, your specific and measurable goal should be “complete 3 programming courses within 1 month.”

Example 3: You want to increase your physical fitness. Your goal could be to run a 5K race in 2 months. Therefore, your specific and measurable goal should be “complete a 5K race within 2 months.”

Identify and Adjust Your Beliefs

Example 1: Let’s say you believe that you’re not capable of working long hours. You can adjust this belief by focusing on why you want to work long hours and acknowledging your capabilities to do it. Once this is done, you can start by taking small steps to increase your productivity, such as setting specific goals.

Example 2: You believe that you’ll never be able to get anything done on time. You can adjust this belief by focusing on the process of completing tasks and developing healthy habits, such as creating daily plans and breaking down tasks into smaller, achievable goals.

Example 3: You believe that you’re not capable of learning new skills quickly. You can adjust this belief by embracing the process of learning and focusing on the different tools and resources available to help you gain proficiency. You can also set specific goals that reflect the level of proficiency you want to achieve.

Reducing Mental Clutter

Example 1: Let’s say you have a list of tasks that need to be completed. You can prioritize these tasks by making a list of the most important tasks and focus on completing these first. Depending on your needs, you can also break these tasks into smaller parts, creating an achievable timeline and schedule.

Example 2: You want to stay focused on a project but you find your thoughts wondering all over the place. You can reduce mental clutter by taking breaks throughout the day and using mindfulness techniques, such as taking deep breaths and focusing on the present moment. This can help keep your mind focused and clear.

Example 3: You have a lot of projects that need to be completed. You can reduce mental clutter by taking the time to plan each project out ahead of time and make lists of the action items that need to be completed. Having a clear plan of what needs to be done can help keep your focus on the important tasks.

Staying Positive and Reflective

Example 1: Let’s say you’re working on a big project and it’s taking longer than you expected. You can stay positive and reflective by celebrating any small successes you’ve had and reflecting on the reasons why you wanted to complete the project in the first place. This will help you stay motivated and focused.

Example 2: You completed a course, but you’re not sure whether it was worth the effort. You can stay positive and reflective by celebrating the completion of the course, and assessing what you’ve learned and how it could benefit you in the future. This will help you gain perspective on the importance of the completion of the course.

Example 3: You completed a task ahead of schedule. You can stay positive and reflective by taking a moment to understand what specific actions or habits enabled you to complete it ahead of time. This will help you be aware of the things that help you stay productive and motivated.

Avoiding Comparisons

Example 1: Let’s say that you’re seeing your colleagues working long hours and you’re feeling like you’re not doing enough. You can avoid comparisons