Underrated Productivity Tips That Actually Work

Being productive seems more important than ever. We're constantly bombarded with productivity advice, lifehacks, and new tools promising to revolutionize how we work. But which tips actually move the needle? And what are the underrated techniques that can make a real difference?

To find out, I dove into a fascinating Reddit thread where users shared their most impactful yet under-appreciated productivity hacks. The responses were eye-opening, ranging from simple mindset shifts to clever tricks to overcome procrastination.

Let's break down the top insights and actionable tips that emerged.

One of the most popular approaches centers around breaking tasks down into very small, manageable pieces.

As user u/dirtynerdyinkedcurvy explains:

"When I'm having trouble getting motivated, I set a timer for 15 minutes and challenge myself to get as much done in that time frame. I'm constantly impressed with what I can accomplish in such a short amount of time."

This technique leverages a few powerful psychological principles:

1. It overcomes inertia and gets you started, which is often the hardest part.
2. It creates a sense of urgency and focus.
3. It provides quick wins and a feeling of accomplishment.
4. It makes daunting tasks feel more approachable.

Many users echoed the effectiveness of this method. u/CoachAngBlxGrl added: "Similarly I will commit to doing one thing for ten/15 min. Once I sit and do it, I can sometimes continue longer."

The key is to make the initial commitment small enough that your brain doesn't resist. Once you get going, you often find yourself in a state of flow and continue working. As u/petro1313 noted: "It also often ends up in going longer than 15 minutes because it just gets the ball rolling and you realize that it's not even bad so you just keep the momentum going."

This approach can be applied to any type of task, from household chores to creative work.

The takeaway: When you're struggling to start, commit to just 10-15 minutes. You'll often accomplish more than you expect and build momentum to keep going.

Another hugely popular tip came from r/reuters-no-bias-lol:

"Figuring out the definition of done before you start any task, no matter how small."

This simple yet powerful idea addresses a common productivity pitfall - unclear objectives leading to wasted time and effort. By clearly defining what "done" looks like upfront, you:

1. Provide clarity and direction for your work
2. Avoid scope creep and perfectionism
3. Know when to move on to the next task
4. Feel a sense of completion and progress

One user shared a quote from productivity guru Chris Croft, "Don't waste time perfecting tasks that are fine with good enough"

This ties into the popular "80/20 rule" or Pareto principle - the idea that 80% of results come from 20% of efforts. By defining "good enough" for each task, you can allocate your time and energy more effectively.

A great example of this principle in action - ironing only the front of your shirt if you're wearing a jacket to hide a wrinkled back. While perhaps not applicable to every situation, it illustrates the core idea of only doing what's truly necessary to achieve the desired outcome.

The takeaway: Before diving into a task, take a moment to clearly define what "done" looks like. This will help you work more efficiently and avoid wasting time on unnecessary perfectionism.

Several users highlighted the importance of understanding and working with your body's natural energy cycles. As u/ubokkkk shared:

"Know when your optimal productivity time in the day is for you. For me, I am a morning person- I make sure to do everything I need to do before 2/3pm or at the latest 5pm. After 6pm my brain is mush."

This ties into the concept of "chronotypes" - our natural inclinations for sleep and wake cycles. While some people are early birds, others are night owls. Understanding your personal chronotype can help you schedule your most important work during your peak energy hours.

Beyond daily rhythms, it's also important to work with your body's ultradian rhythms - natural cycles of higher and lower energy that occur throughout the day.

Working in focused sprints followed by short breaks aligns with these natural rhythms. This is the basis for popular techniques like the Pomodoro method. While some users found strict time blocking too rigid, others had success with modified approaches. u/master_zombie_1212 shared: "I changed mine to 50 minute blocks - ten minute blocks."

The takeaway: Pay attention to when you naturally feel most alert and productive. Schedule your most important work during those peak hours, and experiment with focused work sprints followed by short breaks.

Our physical environment has a huge impact on our focus and productivity.

Several users shared environmental hacks that made a big difference:

1. Changing locations: ok_yogurt3128 explained: "when it comes to computer work - going to a library for a couple of hours (not a coffee shop where i can procrastinate by buying a snack or drink lol). i dont like leaving my stuff to go to the bathroom etc so i focus in on my work really quickly!"
2. Ergonomics: As mdxwhcfv shared: "Getting a desk suited for my height did WONDERS for my productivity. People often neglect the importance of having ergonomic desk setup since improper desks don't immediately cause pain; but you have no idea how much the constant, small physical discomfort of sitting at an unergonomic desk can disrupt with your concentration and your productivity."
3. Lighting: NeurosisByAnalysis recommended: "Getting 1.00x reading glasses ("eye strain reduction glasses") for computer use (I wear contacts)." Proper lighting and reducing eye strain can significantly impact your ability to focus for long periods.
4. Nature exposure: Several users mentioned the benefits of getting outside, even briefly. As atherises shared: "Sit in the sun for 15 minutes a day around noon. Litterally life changong"

The takeaway: Don't underestimate the impact of your physical environment. Experiment with different locations, improve your ergonomics, optimize lighting, and try to get some nature exposure during the day.

In our hyper-connected world, managing our relationship with technology emerged as a crucial factor for productivity. Many users shared strategies for reducing digital distractions:

1. Turn off notifications: As bwtdwwnsts explained: "Email? OFF WhatsApp? OFF when I need to finish something. Telegram? Messenger? FB? OFF App Store updates? OFF Twitter? Instagram? Delete Any app seeking notification access? Reject."
2. Use app blockers: katxwoods recommended "Social media blocker apps for your desktop and phone"
3. Airplane mode: locomocopoco simply stated "Airplane mode that phone"
4. Physical separation: olivefancy shared: "Leaving your phone in another room while you work has truly changed the game for me. So simple but pays off so well."
5. Grayscale mode: celestialscribbles offered an interesting hack: "If you can't part with your phone, change the colors to black and white. I set it as a shortcut on my iPhone, so just triple click the power button. It helps me lose interest, and as a side effect my children likewise lose interest in seeing what I am doing, or trying to take it away from me."

The key is finding a system that works for you. Some users preferred scheduled email/message checking times, while others used more extreme measures like deleting social apps entirely.

The takeaway: Be proactive in managing your technology use. Experiment with different strategies to reduce digital distractions and create focused work time.

Establishing solid routines emerged as a key factor for consistent productivity. Many users shared specific routines that set them up for success:

1. Morning routines: Natenat04 shared: "Forcing myself to shower first thing in the morning. It's gets me into a more productive mental space. Kind of sets the tone for the rest of the day."
2. Exercise: songbolt recommended "good sleep hygiene to sleep well + morning exercise"
3. Planning: Gimperina explained: "write my checklist for the next day before I go to bed. My thinking is fuzzier in the mornings and having that list helps me to just get going, rather than struggle to make the list in the wrong frame of mind."
4. Mindfulness: Several users mentioned the benefits of meditation or other mindfulness practices.

The specifics varied, but the common thread was having a consistent routine to transition into a productive mindset.

The takeaway: Develop a morning routine that works for you, incorporating elements like exercise, planning, and mindfulness. Consistency is key for building momentum and setting a productive tone for the day.

Beyond specific techniques, many users shared psychological shifts or "mind hacks" that boosted their productivity:

1. Reframing language: 00000000j4y00000000 (that's quite the username) shared an interesting technique: "Phrasing the task in the past tense." This mental shift can help make tasks feel more achievable.
2. Gamification: important_squash672 explained: "I love gameifying everything. Clean the shower? 20+ points! Read a chapter of a book? 15+ points! I assign a point system to everything productive and positive I WANT to be doing to remind my brain how satisfying it is."
3. Habit stacking: oberon_swanson suggested: "chain tasks you have trouble starting with tasks you have no trouble doing. eg. if you always brush but rarely floss try 'doing dental hygiene' in which you brush and floss."
4. Positive self-talk: Several users mentioned the importance of being kind to yourself and avoiding negative self-talk when facing productivity challenges.

The takeaway: Experiment with different psychological techniques to reframe tasks and build positive momentum. Find ways to make productivity feel rewarding and satisfying.

While the focus was on underrated tips, several users shared specific tools or systems that significantly boosted their productivity:

1. Time tracking: woodyb23 suggested: "be honest with yourself and write down what you are doing every 15 minutes"
2. Pomodoro timers: Several users mentioned using physical Pomodoro timers to stay focused.
3. Habit trackers: anakingsman shared: "Simply tracking habits you want to improve. No pressure to keep a streak or anything - just record it when you end up doing it."
4. Calendar blocking: daven1985 explained their system: "Having a structured inbox. And spending 5 minutes every few hours organising it. Inbox -> Tier 1 -> Tier 2 -> Backlog -> Holding -> Travel"
5. Pen and paper: Several users emphasized the benefits of analog tools like physical planners and notepads.

The key is finding tools that work for your specific needs and preferences. As bookt_app provocatively suggested: "Stop using productivity tools and apps." While perhaps extreme, it highlights the importance of not getting caught up in shiny new apps at the expense of actually doing the work.

The takeaway: Experiment with different tools and systems, but focus on what actually helps you get things done. Sometimes simple analog methods can be more effective than complex digital solutions.

A common theme throughout the thread was the foundational importance of health and wellbeing for sustained productivity. Key factors mentioned included:

1. Sleep: Multiple users emphasized the critical role of quality sleep. As fire2b stated: "For me, the most underrated productivity tip is to get enough sleep :)"
2. Nutrition: Proper diet and hydration were mentioned as crucial for maintaining energy and focus.
3. Exercise: Regular physical activity was frequently cited as a productivity booster.
4. Mental health: any_intern2718 bluntly stated: "Getting your depression under control"
5. Stress management: Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and regular breaks were suggested for managing stress and avoiding burnout.

The takeaway: Prioritize your physical and mental health as the foundation for sustained productivity. No technique can compensate for chronic sleep deprivation, poor nutrition, or unaddressed mental health issues.

As we've seen, there's no one-size-fits-all solution for productivity. The key is experimenting with different techniques and finding what works best for you. Here are some steps to get started:

1. Assess your current habits and identify areas for improvement.
2. Choose 1-2 new techniques to try for at least two weeks.
3. Track your progress and how you feel.
4. Adjust and iterate based on what's working.
5. Gradually build a personalized productivity system that aligns with your natural tendencies and goals.

Productivity isn't about cramming more work into every minute. It's about intentionally using your time and energy to focus on what truly matters. As you experiment with these techniques, keep the big picture in mind. Are you making progress on your most important goals? Are you maintaining a healthy work-life balance?

Ultimately, the most underrated productivity tip might be giving yourself permission to rest and recharge. As one user wisely noted: "Productivity isn't just about doing more, it's about doing the right things and taking care of yourself in the process."

By trying out some of these underrated tips and finding what works for you, you just might build a sustainable approach to productivity that enhances both your work and your overall wellbeing.

Here's to working smarter, not just harder!