Master Productivity in 10 Minutes a Day

Thursday, January 02, 2025

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Summary:

When it comes to becoming more productive, most people have it backwards. The common misconception is that you constantly need to do more and more and more to be successful. But in reality, it's about doing LESS! The main productivity issue people face is that they're just busy, not productive. Improving your productivity the smart way means figuring out what the most crucial activities are and focusing everything on those. You can most likely drop at least half your daily activities and still get way more done by completing the few crucial things. This post helps you to discover which activities you should focus on.

Full Article:

Did you know that being productive isn’t about cramming more into your day? Shocking, isn’t it? Actually, true productivity is about doing more of the right things with less effort and stress. Sounds dreamy, right?

Don't worry, I’ve got you. I’m about to share a ridiculously simple 3-step productivity system you can master in just 10 minutes a day. Yes, 10 minutes. That’s less time than it takes to scroll aimlessly through Instagram (like 4 hours less)!

​Grab a pen, a piece of paper, and let's get started.

Video:

Prefer listening over reading? Watch this video here to learn my 10-minute productivity system:


The Problem With Productivity

Before we fix things, we need to uncover the real problem. Most of us aren’t being productive—we’re just busy. There’s a big difference.

Think about your day. You spend hours clearing emails, fielding messages, or tackling what’s screaming for your attention the loudest. Sound familiar? These tasks feel urgent but often steer us away from what truly matters.

Imagine rowing a boat desperately for hours, but in the wrong direction.

Guess what?

You’re not getting to your destination!

​You can work 10 hours a day, but if you’re working on the wrong tasks, you won’t achieve your goals. Ever. ​That’s why you need a system to drown out the noise and focus on what actually moves the needle.

The 3-Step Productivity System

Becoming more productive isn't rocket science. The system I use is simple, flexible, and effective, so you can start seeing results immediately. Here's how it works.


Step 1: Identify your Top 3 Priorities

Start either in the morning or the night before—whichever works best for you. Grab a pen and paper (yes, old-school style), and write down your top 3 priorities for the day.

Not just to-dos for work or tasks to please your boss. These should be goals that matter to you. Every single person wants something from you. But what do you want to from yourself today?

​For example, you might write:

  • Finish an intense workout
  • Write the first chapter of my book (that I procrastinated on for 7 years)
  • Go through 1 module of my online course
  • Apply for 5 (higher-paying) jobs

You decide which tasks are crucial to you. And once you decide on them, think of these priorities as your compass. No matter how chaotic your day gets—whether it's surprise emails or unexpected drama—you’ll always know what deserves your focus.

​This clarity is your competitive edge in a world full of distractions.

Step 2: Figuring Out the Timing

Now that you know what to do, it’s time to figure out when to do it. In other words: Time management 101.

​The perfect timing depends on your personality. Are you Team Chaos or Team Organisation?

For the Chaos Brigade (like me):

If you thrive on flexibility, ditch the rigid schedules. Just keep your list of 3 priorities handy and fit them in whenever it feels right. For example, you might work on your project mid-morning, hit the gym in the afternoon, and journal at night. Go with the flow!

For the Super Organised:

​If you can’t function without structure, plan your day down to the minute. Schedule specific times for each task. For example, write from 8–9 am, exercise at 6 pm, and respond to emails after lunch. Structure calms you and ensures productivity doesn’t get left to chance.

The  Middle Ground:

​Not chaotic or overly organised? Try setting reminders on your phone. A gentle nudge like “Remember to write your chapter!” can do wonders. You can balance staying on track with keeping it flexible enough to adapt to life’s curveballs.

​The key here is to find what works for you.

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all system. Test, adjust, and figure out your sweet spot.

Step 3: Track Your Progress

This step is where the magic happens. Goals without feedback are like running a marathon blindfolded—you’ll have no idea if you’re on track or headed into a ditch.

​At the end of each day, spend 2 minutes asking yourself three simple questions:

  • Actions: "Did I complete all tasks on my priorities list?"
  • Reflections: If you failed: "Why didn't I hit my goals?". If you succeeded: "What allowed me to be effective with my time, energy and focus?"
  • Corrections: "What can I do differently to optimize further or make sure I don't fall short tomorrow?"

Here’s an easy way to track progress:

Get a simple calendar and mark each completed day with a checkmark and each failed day with an X.

You’ll notice a funny thing happening when you visibly track your behaviour—you start working harder to avoid those Xs. Who knew our brains hated failure so much? Sidenote: Tracking daily activities has been proven to have better results than following a structured plan through willpower and discipline!

And don’t stop at tracking. Reflect on why something didn’t get done. Was it lack of time? Poor planning? Or maybe you got distracted binge-watching cat videos (we've all been there)?

Use those insights to improve. Each day is a chance to get better.

Why This Productivity System Works

When combined, these three steps create a system that is simple, sustainable, and adaptable. You’ll stop feeling overwhelmed by endless tasks and start making real progress toward goals that mean something to you. There are distractions everywhere. Focus on the few things that actually move the needle.

​This simple productivity system gives you 3 things:

  • Focus: Cut through the noise and focus on what matters.
  • Accountability: Visualize your actions (or lack thereof) to create accountability to yourself.
  • Feedback: Find new ways to improve and become your best self.

Within days, you’ll notice a boost in productivity. But the best part? You’ll feel less stressed and more in control of your life.

Let's Kick it into gear!

My challenge is for you to put this into action immediately!

​If it's still early in your day, write down your 3 priorities for today! And make sure you do those before going to bed tonight. If it's already late, write them down for tomorrow and get started on following this system.

Trust me, by day one you’ll feel more accomplished, and by the end of the week, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.

Oh, and before you go—share this post with a friend who could use a productivity boost. Because conquering chaos together is way more fun.

​Cheers to crushing your goals with less stress and more ease!

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Hi, I Am Maikel

Your down to earth mentor for growth!

With over 10 years in personal development, I've learned what does and does not work. This blog teaches you the lessons you need to become your BEST self!

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