7 habits of highly productive people

7 habits of highly productive people will teach you how to build habits that make you more productive. Do you ever feel like you have too much to do and not enough time? Or maybe you find yourself just sitting at your computer, unable to focus on anything? If this sounds like you, don’t worry. People all over the world, including in Malaysia, sometimes have trouble being productive.

In today’s fast-paced society, it can be challenging to stay on top of everything. We’re bombarded with information,distractions, and demands on our time. It’s no wonder that many of us feel stressed, overwhelmed, and unmotivated.

But what if there was a way to be productive without sacrificing our well-being? What if we could achieve our goals while also feeling happy, fulfilled, and energized?

That’s where the concept of “feel-good productivity” comes in. Feel-good productivity is about finding a balance between achieving our goals and taking care of ourselves. It’s about working in a way that is sustainable, enjoyable, and rewarding.

In this article, we will explore seven habits that can help you achieve feel-good productivity. These habits include:

1. Prioritizing tasks with the Eisenhower Matrix
2. Setting SMART goals
3. Time blocking for focused work
4. Practicing mindfulness and meditation
5. Taking regular breaks and exercise
6. Creating a productive workspace
7. Practicing gratitude and positive affirmations

By incorporating these habits into your daily life, you can learn to work smarter, not harder, and achieve your goals without sacrificing your happiness and well-being.

Summary (TL;DR): Feeling overwhelmed and unproductive? Learn how to achieve “feel-good productivity” by prioritizing tasks, setting goals, time blocking, practicing mindfulness, taking breaks, creating a productive workspace, and practicing gratitude.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by a long to-do list? It can be difficult to know where to start when you have so many things to do. That’s where the Eisenhower Matrix comes in.

The Eisenhower Matrix is a time management tool that helps you prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance. It’s a simple 2×2 grid that divides tasks into four categories:

• Urgent and Important: These are tasks that need to be done immediately and have a high impact.
• Important but Not Urgent: These are tasks that are important to your goals but don’t need to be done right away.
• Urgent but Not Important: These are tasks that need to be done immediately but don’t have a high impact.
• Neither Urgent Nor Important: These are tasks that can be delegated or eliminated.

Let’s say you’re a Malaysian student studying for an upcoming exam. You have a lot of things to do, including studying for the exam, completing assignments, and attending extracurricular activities. Using the Eisenhower Matrix, you could prioritize your tasks as follows:

• Urgent and Important: Studying for the exam
• Important but Not Urgent: Completing assignments
• Urgent but Not Important: Attending extracurricular activities (if they don’t conflict with your exam preparation)
• Neither Urgent Nor Important: Watching TV or scrolling through social media

By prioritizing your tasks in this way, you can focus on the most important things and avoid wasting time on less urgent tasks.

Imagine you’re a Malaysian solopreneur running an online Marketplace shop selling handmade crafts. You have a lot of tasks to manage, such as designing new products, sourcing materials, taking photos, and marketing your shop. However,due to your adult ADHD, you often find it difficult to stay focused and organized.

Here’s how you could use the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize your tasks:

• Urgent and Important: Fulfilling customer orders, responding to messages, and attending virtual craft fairs
• Important but Not Urgent: Designing new products, researching potential suppliers, and creating marketing materials
• Urgent but Not Important: Answering non-urgent emails, fixing minor website issues
• Neither Urgent Nor Important: Browsing social media, watching TV

By categorizing your tasks in this way, you can focus on the most important and urgent tasks first, ensuring that your business runs smoothly and efficiently. You can also delegate less important tasks or schedule time for them when you’re feeling more focused.

Prioritizing tasks can have many benefits for feel-good productivity. When you know what to focus on, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed and stressed. You’ll also be more efficient and productive, as you’ll be able to accomplish more in less time.

Additionally, prioritizing tasks can help you avoid procrastination. When you know that a task is important and urgent, you’re more likely to do it right away. This can help you avoid putting off tasks that you don’t enjoy or that are challenging.

By using the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize your tasks, you can improve your productivity, reduce stress, and achieve your goals more effectively. My Focus Nest incorporate Eisenhower Matrix in the Focus Pack designed by us.

Setting goals is a great way to stay motivated and focused. However, not all goals are created equal. To ensure that your goals are effective, they should be SMART.

SMART is an acronym that stands for:

• Specific: Your goals should be clear and well-defined.
• Measurable: You should be able to track your progress towards your goals.
• Achievable: Your goals should be realistic and attainable.
• Relevant: Your goals should be important to you and align with your values.
• Time-bound: Your goals should have a deadline.

As a Malaysian student aiming to improve your grades in math, setting a SMART goal is important. A SMART goal is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. For example, a SMART goal for you could be: “I will score 85% or higher on my next math exam by the end of the month.”

This goal is specific because it targets a particular subject (math), measurable because it has a clear target (85% or higher), achievable because it is within reach with effort and dedication, relevant because it directly relates to your academic improvement, and time-bound because it has a deadline (end of the month). Setting such a goal can help you stay focused and motivated in your efforts to improve your math grades.

Imagine you’re a Malaysian solopreneur running an online marketplace shop selling handmade jewelry. Your goal is to increase your monthly sales by 20% within the next three months.

Here’s how you can apply the SMART goal framework:

• Specific: Increase monthly sales by 20%.
• Measurable: Track monthly sales data and compare it to the previous three months.
• Achievable: This goal is achievable based on your current sales volume and marketing strategies.
• Relevant: Increasing sales aligns with your business goals and financial objectives.
• Time-bound: The goal has a clear deadline of three months.

By setting this SMART goal, you can stay focused, motivated, and track your progress towards your business objectives.

Setting SMART goals can have many benefits for motivation and achievement. When your goals are specific and measurable, you can track your progress and see how far you’ve come. This can help you stay motivated and focused.

Additionally, setting achievable goals can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. When you set goals that are realistic and attainable, you’re more likely to achieve them. This can boost your confidence and motivation.

Finally, setting relevant goals can help you stay focused on what’s important to you. When your goals align with your values and priorities, you’re more likely to be motivated to achieve them.

Time blocking is a productivity technique that involves scheduling specific time blocks for different tasks. This helps you stay focused and avoid distractions. Think of time blocking like creating a schedule for your day. Instead of just listing tasks, you break down your day into specific time blocks and assign each task to a particular block. This helps you:

• Visualize your day: Seeing your tasks laid out in a schedule can give you a clear picture of what needs to be done and when.
• Stay focused: When you know exactly what you’re supposed to be doing at a certain time, it’s easier to avoid distractions.
• Avoid multitasking: Multitasking can actually decrease productivity. By focusing on one task at a time, you can get more done more efficiently.
• Prevent procrastination: If you have a specific time block for a task, you’re less likely to put it off.
• Set realistic expectations: Time blocking can help you understand how long it takes to complete certain tasks and avoid overcommitting yourself.

Remember: It’s important to be flexible with your time blocks. Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. If you find yourself falling behind or needing to adjust your schedule, don’t be afraid to make changes. The goal is to create a system that works for you and helps you stay productive.

Imagine you’re a Malaysian high school student struggling to balance your studies, extracurricular activities, and social life. You often find yourself feeling overwhelmed and procrastinating on your homework.

Here’s a sample time blocking schedule that could help you:

• 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Get ready for school. This includes getting dressed, eating breakfast, and packing your bag.
• 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Attend classes. Focus on taking notes and participating in class discussions.
• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Eat lunch and take a short break. This could involve going for a walk, listening to music, or simply relaxing.
• 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Study for math. Break down your math homework into smaller tasks and take short breaks every 20-30 minutes.
• 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Join extracurricular activities (e.g., sports, clubs). This can help you relax and socialize.
• 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Relax and unwind. Do something you enjoy, such as reading, watching a movie, or playing video games.
• 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Do homework. Try to complete your homework as soon as possible to avoid procrastinating.
• 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Eat dinner. Spend time with your family or friends.
• 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Study for science. Review your notes and complete any remaining assignments.
• 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM: Get ready for bed. Wind down and relax before going to sleep.

By using time blocking, you can create a structured schedule that helps you stay organized and focused.

Imagine you’re a Malaysian solopreneur running an online marketplace shop selling handmade crafts. You often struggle with staying focused and organized, especially when it comes to managing your tasks.

Here’s a sample time blocking schedule that could help you:

• 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Check emails and respond to messages. This is a good time to clear your inbox and address any urgent matters.
• 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Work on new product designs. This is a creative task that requires concentration, so it’s best to do it when your mind is fresh.
• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Eat lunch and take a short break. It’s important to take breaks throughout the day to avoid burnout.
• 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Fulfill customer orders. This is a repetitive task that can be done while listening to music or a podcast.
• 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Take a short break and do some light exercise. Physical activity can help improve focus and reduce stress.
• 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Work on marketing and promotion. This involves things like creating social media posts,running ads, and participating in online craft fairs.
• 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Eat dinner. Take a break from work and enjoy a meal with family or friends.
• 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Work on inventory management and bookkeeping. These are important tasks that need to be done regularly, but they can be time-consuming.

By using time blocking, you can break down your workday into smaller, more manageable tasks. This can help you stay focused and avoid getting overwhelmed. It’s also important to be flexible with your schedule and adjust it as needed.

Mindfulness and meditation are two closely related practices that can help you reduce stress and improve your focus.Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Meditation is a technique that involves focusing your attention on a particular object, thought, or sensation.

While mindfulness and meditation are often used interchangeably, they have slightly different meanings. Mindfulness is a broader concept that includes paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and sensations. Meditation is a specific technique that you can use to cultivate mindfulness.

Mindfulness and meditation have been shown to have many benefits for both physical and mental health. These practices can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, improve focus and concentration, and even boost the immune system. Numerous studies have demonstrated the positive effects of mindfulness and meditation on overall well-being. Some of the benefits include:

• Reduced stress: Mindfulness and meditation can help you relax and reduce stress. When you’re less stressed,you’re better able to focus and concentrate.
• Improved focus: Mindfulness and meditation can help you train your mind to stay focused on the present moment. This can be especially helpful if you struggle with distractions.
• Increased self-awareness: Mindfulness and meditation can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings. This can help you manage stress and improve your overall well-being.
• Better sleep: Mindfulness and meditation can help you improve your sleep quality. This is because they can help you relax and reduce stress.

If you’re interested in trying mindfulness or meditation, here are a few tips to get you started:

• Find a quiet space: Find a place where you won’t be disturbed. This could be a quiet corner of your room, a park, or a meditation center.
• Start with short sessions: If you’re new to mindfulness or meditation, start with short sessions of 5-10 minutes.You can gradually increase the length of your sessions as you become more comfortable.
• Use a guided meditation: There are many guided meditation apps and websites available. These can be helpful if you’re new to meditation and need some guidance.
• Incorporate mindfulness into your daily life: Mindfulness doesn’t have to be limited to formal meditation sessions. You can practice mindfulness throughout your day by paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and sensations. For Muslims, some zikr recitation can be included. As an example, a simple greetings (Selawat) to Prophet Muhammad P.B.U.H may be helpful.
• Find a community: Connecting with others who are interested in mindfulness and meditation can provide support and encouragement.
• Consider a mindfulness retreat: If you’re serious about learning mindfulness, consider attending a mindfulness retreat. These retreats can provide a more immersive experience and help you deepen your practice.

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to get caught up in our work and forget to take care of ourselves. However,taking regular breaks and exercising is essential for both physical and mental well-being. When we neglect our bodies, it can negatively impact our productivity and overall quality of life.

Taking breaks throughout the day can help prevent burnout and improve focus. Our brains need time to rest and recharge,and taking regular breaks can help us avoid feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Additionally, exercise can have a significant impact on our physical and mental health. It can help boost our mood, reduce stress, and improve our energy levels.

In this section, we will discuss the importance of taking regular breaks and exercising. We will also provide tips for incorporating these habits into your daily routine. By prioritizing self-care, you can improve your productivity and overall well-being.

Taking regular breaks throughout the day is essential for both your physical and mental well-being. When you work for long periods without taking breaks, you can experience fatigue, stress, and decreased productivity.

Breaks can help you:

• Reduce stress: Taking short breaks throughout the day can help you relax and reduce stress.
• Improve focus: Short breaks can help you stay focused and avoid burnout.
• Increase productivity: Taking breaks can actually help you be more productive in the long run.
• Prevent injuries: If you’re physically active, taking breaks can help prevent injuries.

If you’re a student or a solopreneur with a busy lifestyle, it can be challenging to find time for exercise. However, even short bursts of physical activity can have a significant impact on your health and well-being. Here are a few tips for incorporating exercise into your daily routine:

• Find an activity you enjoy: The best way to stick to an exercise routine is to find an activity that you enjoy.There are many different types of exercise, so there’s something for everyone.
• Make it a habit: Try to exercise at the same time each day. This will help you make it a habit.
• Start small: If you’re not used to exercising, start with short sessions and gradually increase the duration and intensity.
• Find a workout buddy: Having a workout buddy can help you stay motivated and accountable.
• Take advantage of your surroundings: Malaysia has many beautiful parks and outdoor spaces that are perfect for exercise.

Exercise has many benefits for both physical and mental health. It can help you:

• Improve your mood: Exercise can help boost your mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Increase energy levels: Exercise can help you feel more energized throughout the day.
• Improve cognitive function: Exercise can help improve your memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills.
• Boost your immune system: Exercise can help strengthen your immune system and protect you from illness.
• Improve sleep quality: Exercise can help you sleep better at night.

By incorporating regular exercise into your routine, you can improve your overall well-being and boost your productivity.

Your workspace can have a significant impact on your productivity and overall well-being. A cluttered, disorganized workspace can be distracting and stressful, while a clean, well-organized space can help you feel more focused and motivated.

A well-designed workspace can greatly influence to feel good productivity and maintain a positive state of mind. When your workspace is cluttered and disorganized, it can create distractions and lead to feelings of stress and overwhelm. On the other hand, a clean and well-organized workspace can contribute to a sense of clarity and purpose, helping you to feel more focused, motivated, and in control of your tasks. It’s important to create a workspace that promotes efficiency and comfort, as this can have a significant impact on your overall well-being and work performance.

In this section, we will discuss the importance of creating a productive workspace. We will also provide tips for organizing and decorating your workspace to enhance your productivity and creativity. Nontheless, by investing time and effort into your workspace, you can create a more enjoyable and productive work environment as part of the journey to developing 7 habits of highly productive people.

Tips for Organizing Your Workspace

• Declutter: Remove any unnecessary items from your workspace. A cluttered space can be distracting and make it difficult to focus.
• Organize your belongings: Keep your workspace organized by using storage solutions such as shelves, drawers, and baskets.
• Keep your workspace clean: Regularly clean your workspace to remove dust and dirt.
• Use natural light: If possible, position your workspace near a window to enjoy natural light. Natural light can help improve your mood and concentration.
• Avoid distractions: Try to eliminate distractions from your workspace, such as loud noises or unnecessary clutter.

Tips for Decorating Your Workspace

• Choose colors that inspire you: Colors can have a significant impact on our mood and productivity. Choose colors that make you feel energized and motivated.
• Add personal touches: Decorate your workspace with items that are meaningful to you. This can help you feel more comfortable and inspired.
• Create a comfortable seating arrangement: Ensure that your chair is comfortable and adjustable. A good chair can help prevent back pain and fatigue.
• Add plants to your workspace: Plants can help improve air quality and reduce stress. They can also add a touch of nature to your workspace.

A well-organized workspace can have many benefits for increasing focus and motivation. Apart of being part of the 7 habits of highly productive people, we can also achieve the feel good productivity factor. Here are a few of the key benefits:

• Reduced distractions: A cluttered workspace can be distracting and make it difficult to focus. By keeping your workspace organized, you can minimize distractions and improve your concentration.
• Increased productivity: When your workspace is well-organized, you can find what you need quickly and easily.This can help you save time and increase your productivity.
• Improved mood: A clean and organized workspace can help you feel more positive and motivated. This can have a positive impact on your overall mood and well-being.
• Enhanced creativity: A well-organized workspace can help you feel more inspired and creative. When you’re surrounded by things that you love, you’re more likely to be productive and creative.
• Better sleep: A well-organized workspace can help you feel more relaxed and at ease. This can improve your sleep quality, which is essential for overall well-being.

By investing time and effort into creating a productive workspace, you can improve your focus, motivation, and overall productivity.

Gratitude and positive affirmations are indeed powerful tools for enhancing mental and emotional well-being. By consciously focusing on the positive aspects of our lives and practicing self-compassion, we can foster a more optimistic and resilient mindset. This practice not only helps in alleviating stress and anxiety but also promotes a sense of fulfillment and joy.

In the context of Islam, gratitude (shukr) holds a significant place and is considered a form of worship. It is deeply embedded in Islamic teachings and is seen as a pathway to spiritual fulfillment. Expressing gratitude for the blessings we receive from Allah (SWT) cultivates a heart filled with contentment and draws us closer to our Creator. The Quran emphasizes the importance of gratitude in various verses, underscoring that it is not merely a sentiment but a vital aspect of faith.

One of the most profound verses regarding gratitude is found in Surah Ibrahim (14:7), which states:

“If you are grateful, I will surely increase your favor; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.”

This verse illustrates the reciprocal nature of gratitude in Islam; it suggests that expressing thankfulness opens the door to receiving even more blessings from Allah. The act of being grateful shifts our focus from what we lack to appreciating what we have, which can significantly enhance our overall outlook on life.

In addition to this, the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) further highlight the importance of gratitude. He encouraged Muslims to start their day with expressions of thanks, setting a positive tone for the day ahead. The practice of gratitude is not only beneficial for our relationship with Allah but also enhances our interactions with others. It fosters a sense of community and encourages acts of kindness and compassion.
To cultivate gratitude in daily life, Muslims are encouraged to:

• Reflect on their blessings regularly, possibly through a gratitude journal.
• Incorporate expressions of gratitude in prayers and supplications.
• Engage in acts of kindness towards others, which reinforces their own sense of appreciation.
• Maintain a positive mindset by focusing on solutions rather than complaints.

By embracing gratitude, individuals can navigate life’s challenges with resilience and find peace amid adversity. This holistic approach not only nurtures spiritual growth but also contributes to improved mental health and stronger relationships, making gratitude a cornerstone of a fulfilling life in Islam.

In this section, we will discuss the benefits of gratitude and positive affirmations. We will also provide tips for incorporating these practices into your daily routine. By practicing gratitude and positive affirmations, you can improve your overall well-being and achieve your goals with greater ease.

In the busy world of work and life, it can be easy to focus only on what’s left to do and forget what’s already been achieved. But taking time for gratitude and positive affirmations is a powerful tool for improving your productivity. The “7 Habits of Highly Productive People” remind us that developing a mindset of appreciation helps us stay grounded and motivated. By practicing gratitude daily, you shift your focus from problems to solutions and start recognizing the good in your work and life. This feel-good productivity boost can increase your happiness and reduce stress, making it easier to tackle tasks with energy and enthusiasm.

Positive affirmations work in a similar way. They are simple, positive statements you repeat to yourself that reinforce your confidence and abilities. When used consistently, they help rewire your brain to focus on your strengths and overcome self-doubt. These two habits—gratitude and positive affirmations—can transform your productivity by fostering a sense of fulfillment and progress, even during challenging times.

Together, they help build a resilient, optimistic mindset that keeps you motivated on your journey to becoming highly productive.By incorporating gratitude and positive affirmations into your daily life, you can cultivate a more positive and resilient mindset. Gratitude and positive affirmations are two simple yet powerful habits that can boost your productivity in ways that feel good and meaningful.

According to the “7 Habits of Highly Productive People” developing a mindset of gratitude helps you stay focused on what truly matters. By regularly reflecting on the things you appreciate, you train your brain to see opportunities instead of obstacles. This shift in perspective can lead to more creativity, problem-solving, and motivation to complete tasks. Feeling good about what you’ve already accomplished makes it easier to stay on track with your goals.

Positive affirmations, on the other hand, are short, uplifting statements that reinforce your strengths and abilities. Saying things like, “I am capable of achieving my goals” or “I handle challenges with confidence” can help you overcome self-doubt and stress. When you believe in yourself, your productivity naturally improves. Combining gratitude and positive affirmations creates a feel-good cycle: the more grateful and confident you feel, the more productive you become, and the better you feel about your work.

By practicing these habits, you can enjoy a productive life that feels rewarding and balanced, even on busy days.

In this article, we have discussed seven habits that can help you achieve feel-good productivity:

1. Prioritize tasks with the Eisenhower Matrix
2. Set SMART goals
3. Time blocking for focused work
4. Practice mindfulness and meditation
5. Take regular breaks and exercise
6. Create a productive workspace
7. Practice gratitude and positive affirmations

By incorporating these habits into your daily life, you can improve your focus, motivation, and overall well-being.Remember, feel-good productivity is about achieving your goals while also taking care of yourself. It’s about finding a balance between work and play, and prioritizing your mental and physical health.

Feel-good productivity is not just about being efficient; it’s about enjoying the journey as well. When you’re productive in a way that feels good, you’re more likely to sustain your efforts and achieve long-term success.

So, what are you waiting for? Start implementing these habits into your life today. You may be surprised at how much of a difference they can make. Remember, small changes can lead to big results. By prioritizing feel-good productivity, you can create a more fulfilling and satisfying life.