As an executive coach, I am always fascinated by how small, deliberate changes can significantly impact productivity. Recently, I asked several clients a simple question: “What’s a small change you’ve made that had a big impact on your productivity?” The answers were insightful and consistent with what I’ve seen in my coaching practice. Here are five small yet powerful changes my clients made that transformed their productivity:
1. Time Blocking for Deep Work
One of the most common changes mentioned was time blocking—setting aside specific times during the day for focused, uninterrupted work, also known as 'deep work. ' Several clients found that by allocating 60-90 minutes to a single task, they could make significant progress without distractions. One client shared how this strategy allowed them to tackle major projects that were dragging on for weeks. This slight shift also reduced multitasking, which can fragment attention and reduce overall efficiency.
As my clients have discovered, the key to effective time blocking is respecting the schedule. That means saying “no” to unnecessary meetings or calls during these periods and setting clear boundaries with coworkers or family members.
2. Morning Planning Routine
Many clients found that starting their day with a 5-10-minute planning session dramatically improved their focus and output. Instead of diving into emails or immediate tasks, they took a few minutes each morning to map out their top priorities. One client remarked, “I used to jump straight into work and felt like I was playing catch-up all day. Now, I feel in control.”
By focusing on three to five key tasks that would have the most impact, they reported feeling more purposeful and less overwhelmed throughout the day. Creating a daily roadmap helped them channel their energy into the tasks that mattered.
3. Eliminating Notifications
We often underestimate the impact of constant digital distractions, but my clients quickly highlighted the benefits of turning off notifications. From email pings to social media alerts, these minor interruptions can significantly drain focus. By silencing these, particularly during time blocks, my clients felt a sense of liberation, enabling them to immerse themselves thoroughly in their work.
Several clients found that silencing these notifications—particularly during time blocks—enabled them to immerse themselves in their work thoroughly. One client summed it up perfectly: “Turning off notifications felt like regaining control of my attention. It’s amazing how much more I can accomplish when I’m not distracted every few minutes.”
4. Taking Regular Breaks
Interestingly, some clients mentioned that taking more breaks improved their productivity. While it might sound counterintuitive, research shows that brief mental breaks can enhance focus and creativity. One client adopted the Pomodoro Technique—working for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break—and noticed a significant improvement in their energy levels throughout the day. This strategy made them feel more in control of their energy and focus, leading to a more productive day.
Another client took a 10-minute walk after a couple of hours of intense work, which helped them recharge and come back to their tasks with renewed focus.
5. Delegating More
Delegation is often overlooked, but one client’s slight shift in this area had a massive impact. They realized they were spending too much time on tasks that could easily be handled by someone else, such as administrative tasks, routine emails, or data entry. By delegating more responsibilities to their team, they freed up time to focus on higher-priority work.
It wasn’t just about time savings; delegation also gave them more mental space to think strategically rather than get bogged down in the day-to-day details. This shift in focus made them feel more strategic and less bogged down, leading to a more productive and fulfilling work experience.
Final Thoughts
It’s often the small changes that create the biggest shifts in productivity. Whether adopting time blocking, silencing notifications, or simply planning the day, these minor adjustments can lead to significant improvements. What small change could you make today that might transform your productivity tomorrow?