Small Shifts That Quietly Double Your Productivity

Productivity is not about working longer hours or doing more tasks. For leaders and executives, productivity is about clarity, energy and intentional choices made every single day. Below are simple but powerful shifts that, when practised consistently, can significantly elevate how you lead, learn and grow.

1. Start your day before the day starts

Beginning your day even 10 minutes earlier than planned creates mental space. This quiet time allows you to ground yourself before emails, messages and meetings take over. Leaders who own their mornings lead their days with more focus and confidence.

2. Delay emails and news in the morning

Checking emails or news first thing instantly puts you in reaction mode. Instead, give your mind time to settle and set priorities. As I shared earlier in my blog How Successful People Handle Stress, the way you start your day directly impacts how well you manage pressure throughout it.

3. Be intentional about the people around you

Your productivity is deeply influenced by your environment. Surrounding yourself with people who energise you, challenge you and make work enjoyable improves collaboration and reduces unnecessary friction.

4. Commit to making a difference daily

True productivity is not just output driven. When leaders commit to adding value to others each day, work feels purposeful. Purpose fuels momentum and momentum drives results.

5. Nourish your mind and body

High performance leadership is impossible without physical and mental wellbeing. What you eat, how you move and how you rest directly affect decision making and focus. I explored this idea further in my blog The Biggest Difference Between Average and Peak Performers, where energy management plays a central role.

6. Stop relying on long to do lists

Endless lists often create overwhelm rather than progress. Instead of trying to do everything, identify what truly moves the needle. Productive leaders focus on impact, not activity.

7. Build strong routines, not rigid schedules

Consistent routines create rhythm and reduce decision fatigue. When your mornings, work blocks and evenings have structure, your mind is free to focus on higher level thinking and leadership.

8. Prioritise sleep and happiness

Sleep is a leadership strategy, not a luxury. Happiness and inspiration are not distractions from work. They are essential drivers of creativity, resilience and sustained growth.

9. Learn to enjoy the process

Productivity improves when leaders stop rushing through life and start being present. When you enjoy the work, you naturally perform better and grow faster.

Remember: Productivity is not about doing more. It is about leading yourself better. When your energy, focus and intent are aligned, growth becomes inevitable.

Your Good Friend and Coach

Payal Nanjiani

Tap to Subscribe