23 Productivity Hacks to Stay Motivated at Work

Staying motivated at work can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, but with the right strategies, you can keep your energy high and your productivity soaring. Whether you’re dealing with a mountain of taks or just trying to stay focused throughout the day, these productivity hacks to stay motivated at work from industry leaders can help you be on track and maintain your motivation.

The Importance of Productivity at Work

Productivity isn’t just about getting more done—it’s about working smarter, staying focused, and managing your energy effectively. In today’s fast-paced work environments, staying productive can be a real challenge, especially with endless distractions, competing priorities, and the inevitable burnout that can creep in. When productivity dips, it’s not just your output that suffers; your motivation, job satisfaction, and even overall well-being can take a hit.

That’s why it’s crucial to find strategies that not only help you stay on top of your workload but also keep you motivated and engaged. From time management techniques to simple daily habits, the right productivity hacks can make all the difference in maintaining your momentum and achieving your goals. By integrating these practices into your routine, you can transform the way you work, making your days more efficient, fulfilling, and ultimately more rewarding.

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Here are 23 productivity hacks that can help you stay motivated and make the most of your workday:

1. Start a Wins Journal

A "wins journal" is a simple yet powerful tool. At the end of each day, jot down three accomplishments, no matter how small. This habit shifts your focus from setbacks to successes, creating a positive feedback loop that fuels your motivation and keeps you moving forward.

"I've found that starting a "wins journal" has been a game-changer for maintaining motivation and productivity. At the end of each day, I spend five minutes jotting down three accomplishments, no matter how small.

This practice serves two purposes. First, it provides a tangible record of progress, which is incredibly motivating when facing challenging projects. Second, it trains the mind to focus on positive outcomes rather than dwelling on setbacks.

This simple habit creates a positive feedback loop, fueling consistent motivation and performance."

Yoyao Hsueh, Founder, Blustrat Digital Agency

2. Utilize Accountability Partners

Having an accountability partner can work wonders for your productivity. Whether it’s a colleague or a service, someone checking in on your progress can help you stay on track, meet deadlines, and even gain valuable feedback on your work.

"One tool that greatly boosts motivation and productivity is an accountability-partner service. By having an accountability partner look over your shoulder, you can set your own deadlines to get work done, improve your time management, and make sure you're working smartly and efficiently. Plus, your partner can also help provide objective advice and feedback to help you see how you can be more productive at work and in your personal life."

Manasvini Krishna, Founder, Boss as a Service

3. Incorporate Walks for Clarity

When you’re feeling stuck, take a walk. Whether it’s during your lunch break or after a long meeting, walking helps clear your mind and boost creativity. It’s a refreshing way to reset your focus and return to work with renewed energy.

"Walking. Walk to work, take a walk during your lunch break, and go for a walk after work. If you work from home, use your one-hour lunch break wisely—don't spend the entire time eating.

Sometimes, we can feel stuck and unmotivated, especially when working from home. I experienced this myself, so I decided to split my workday with a one-hour break in the middle. I use only 20 minutes for eating and the remaining 40 minutes for a walk. This routine provides a mental break, clears my head, and boosts creativity. A study even supports this, showing that walking can enhance creative thinking.

Walking also helps me feel more refreshed, so when I return to work, I'm more motivated and ready to tackle the rest of the day. If you're finding it hard to stay motivated, giving this a try might make a difference."

Geninna Hernando-Ariton, Outreach, Salvage Data

4. Implement Time Blocking

Time Blocking involves dedicating specific periods to particular tasks. By organizing your day into focused time slots, you can improve efficiency and stay motivated to complete each task within its allotted time.

"I've been running a business for 15 years, and only in the last few months have I managed to implement a system that's kept me focused and motivated—and it's been annoyingly straightforward: time blocking. Time blocking is the simple process of blocking out periods of the day and assigning specific (or thematic) tasks to that block. 

I created a spreadsheet, with each day of the week broken down into 30-minute slots. Over the first few weeks, I continually reorganized and reprioritized tasks, until I reached a stage where I found the structure was most efficient and effective. I then transferred the schedule to my calendar system with the relevant alert notifications set up to keep me on track. 

This process ensures that I remain focused on the task at hand, and I'm motivated to complete it within the time limit to ensure everything stays on track."

Ryan Stone, Founder & Creative Director, Lambda Films London

5. Delegate and Hire Strategically

Maximize your impact by identifying tasks you can delegate. Hiring the right people to handle specific responsibilities allows you to focus on the work that matters most, increasing your overall productivity.

"It might sound a little counterintuitive, but my productivity hack is figuring out what I don't need to do. In order for me to make the most out of my time and have the greatest impact on my clients, I have to delegate the tasks that others can do and hire new team members as they are needed."

Candice Elliott, HR Strategist, Fortress and Flourish

6. Plan Realistically and Avoid Motivation Reliance

Instead of relying solely on motivation, structure your day around realistic plans and time blocks. By separating planning from execution, you can bypass the need for motivation and get straight to work.

"My best productivity hack for staying motivated is actually to sidestep motivation altogether. Research shows that action begets motivation, not the other way around. And motivation can be fleeting and hard to conjure. So, instead of trying to hack my way to being more motivated, I plan my day realistically, based on the time I have available, and I time-block my calendar as a guide. 

By doing so, I don't need to rely on motivation; I just move straight to execution, as I've separated the planning from the doing, and I know from experience (and research) that by just getting started, I'll become motivated.

But if you're looking for a 'hack,' just set a timer for 5 minutes and tell yourself you only have to do the thing for 5 minutes. Chances are, once you've started, you'll be motivated to finish."

Alexis Haselberger, Time Management and Productivity Coach, Alexis Haselberger Coaching and Consulting, Inc

7. Write To-Do Lists on Paper

There’s something satisfying about crossing items off a physical list. Writing your to-do list on paper not only helps you retain information better but also gives you a tangible sense of accomplishment as you complete tasks.

"Plan on paper. When you write your to-do list or schedule on paper, you actually remember and retain more of it. When you cross items off, you experience an endorphin release that can help you stay encouraged and productive. Planning on paper also helps reduce distractions, so it's easier to stay on track. It's so simple, and the results are so powerful!"

Samantha Lane, Time Management Consultant & Keynote Speaker, Origami Day

8. Use the Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique breaks your work into 25-minute intervals with short breaks in between. This method helps maintain focus, prevents burnout, and keeps you energized throughout the day.

"As the founder of a legal process outsourcing company, one productivity hack that has significantly helped me stay motivated at work is using the Pomodoro Technique. I first tried it during a particularly hectic period when juggling multiple high-stakes cases.

The technique involves working in focused 25-minute intervals, followed by a 5-minute break. This structured approach kept me from feeling overwhelmed and allowed me to maintain high levels of concentration.

For example, during a major project with tight deadlines, breaking down tasks into manageable intervals made the workload feel less daunting and kept my energy levels up throughout the day. Incorporating regular breaks also helped me avoid burnout and stay refreshed.

By setting specific time blocks for work and breaks, I found that I could maintain motivation and productivity even during the busiest of times."

Aseem Jha, Founder, Legal Consulting Pro

9. Track Deep Work Hours

Deep Work involves dedicating uninterrupted time to your most important tasks. By tracking your deep work hours, you can set goals and monitor your progress, turning productivity into a rewarding game.

"The Deep Work methodology, combined with tracking the number of Deep Work hours I've achieved, is the productivity hack that helps me stay motivated. The Deep Work formula requires a person to dedicate uninterrupted working time. During this period, the expectation is that you get to do your most valuable work, which requires intense concentration and delivers the most value in your role.

Using this formula and setting my Deep Work periods to first thing when I check into work has helped me stay motivated because I can see the valuable work I've completed. My decision to track the number of Deep Work hours I achieve is so that I can set realistic goals and impress myself whenever I exceed them. This gamification routine has helped to keep me motivated at work and ensure that I can go to work each day geared up to deliver value for my company, colleagues, and customers we serve."

Clooney Wang, CEO, TrackingMore

10. Leverage Productivity Tools and Apps

Productivity apps and tools can be game-changers, especially if you struggle with staying focused. From task management systems to apps that gamify focus, there’s something for everyone to boost efficiency.

"For me, I embrace tools and apps. I'll admit it—I'm a bit of a tool junkie, and I'm not ashamed of it. I'm all about fitness and biohacking tools, and honestly, they've been game-changers in helping me shift my habits and build new ones.

When it comes to focus and productivity, I'm always the first to try out new tools and apps—basically anything that can help me be more productive or stay present.

Here's why it works: for people with ADHD, task management apps, focus apps, and reminder systems can be especially helpful. These tools add external structure and cues, making up for difficulties in regulating internal attention.

A few of the tools I use and love:

• Monday: It's my go-to for project management, my to-do list, date reminders, and organizing the big team projects we're working on.

• Forest: You set it for however long you want to focus, and a plant starts growing on your screen for every minute you stay focused. If you exit the app to do something else, you kill the plant. It's great for tracking productivity and keeping phone distractions at bay.

• Aro Box: We got this months ago, and now we use it every day. It tracks your time off your phone through an app and gamifies the experience, making it more fun to stay off your phone.

• Core: This is a meditation app and tool that helps me meditate. You hold the ball in your hands, and it vibrates, making the experience more engaging. Plus, it tracks your meditation daily."

Amir Elaguizy, CEO and Co-Founder, Cratejoy, Inc

11. Take Regular, Effective Breaks

Taking breaks might seem counterintuitive, but they’re crucial for maintaining motivation. The key is to take breaks that involve movement, creativity, or social interaction to recharge your energy.

"My favorite productivity hack is one that seems counterintuitive: I take regular breaks. In fact, I make sure I've carved out time in my calendar each day specifically for them.

I started doing this when I read a study that found breaks boost motivation and enhance performance. Not taking them leads to stress, fatigue, and burnout.

But you have to take the right kind of breaks. I've found the most effective ones involve creativity, movement, nourishment, and social interaction."

Carey Bentley, CEO, Lifehack Method

12. Complete Tasks for Fresh Starts

Finishing tasks before the day ends gives you a sense of accomplishment and a clean slate for the next day. This fresh start keeps you motivated to dive into new challenges with a clear mind.

"Having a to-do list is my go-to for staying motivated at work and properly tackling the day. Getting the list fully checked off or having my inbox down to zero helps me feel accomplished. The motivation comes from wanting to complete my tasks or clear emails that I want done by a certain deadline, so that the next day feels like a fresh start and can have my undivided attention."

Jessa Farber, Director of Creative Operations, Bristol Associates, Inc.

13. Apply the Two-Minute Rule

If a task takes two minutes or less, do it immediately. This prevents small tasks from piling up and cluttering your to-do list, keeping your workload manageable and your motivation high.

"A productivity tip that boosts my work drive is the 'two-minute rule.' When a task can be done in two minutes or less, I tackle it immediately. This method stops small tasks from accumulating and crowding my to-do list. For instance, I make it a point to reply to emails as soon as I get them, addressing any questions or concerns without delay. 

Similarly, if I notice minor errors in documents, such as a typo or formatting issue, I correct them immediately rather than putting them off for later. This practice helps me maintain a manageable workload, fostering a sense of accomplishment and enhancing my focus throughout the day."

Ryan Perdue, Partner, Simon Perdue Law

14. Connect with Team Members

Interacting with colleagues can reignite your passion for work. Whether it’s celebrating small wins or sharing challenges, these connections boost morale and keep you motivated.

"Staying motivated can be challenging when the tasks are endless. But taking the time to check in with my team members, understand their challenges, and celebrate small wins gives me the energy to keep going.

In my 19 years as CEO, I've seen how important it is to create an environment where people feel valued. One experience that stands out was during a particularly demanding period. We had just taken on several new clients, and the pressure was high. Instead of isolating myself to focus on the workload, I made a point to engage more with my team. I asked them how they were managing and shared my own struggles.

I advise anyone feeling unmotivated at work to focus on the human element. Technology is at the core of what we do, but the people make it all work. Taking a few minutes to connect with those around you can change your outlook and reignite your passion for your work."

Konrad Martin, CEO, Tech Advisors

15. Schedule Work During Peak Productivity

Identify your peak productivity hours and schedule your most important tasks during that time. This ensures you tackle challenging work when you’re most focused and alert.

"One productivity hack that keeps me motivated is working when I know I'm most productive. I've figured out that my energy peaks in the morning, so I schedule important tasks for then. This way, I tackle my most challenging work when I'm sharp and focused.

Even if you work in an office with set hours, you can plan high-focus tasks for times you're most alert and save less demanding work for other times."

Omër Güven, Co-Founder & CEO, Fintalent

16. Prepare with Mise en Place

Borrowed from the culinary world, "mise en place" means having everything in place before you start working. By preparing your workspace and gathering your tools ahead of time, you eliminate distractions and stay on task.

"Here's a tip that's really helped me stay productive: Mise en Place. If you've ever worked from home and suddenly realized it's midday, with half a load of laundry done, an organizing project started, and lunch half-prepared—but no actual work completed—then this tip is for you. Distractions can easily throw off your day, especially when you underestimate how long a side project will take.

I first learned about the concept of mise en place from my friend Marie Forleo in her Time Genius program, and it's something I've used ever since. Mise en place is a culinary term that means "put in place." In cooking, it's all about prepping ingredients and organizing tools before you start. I've applied this idea to my daily routine by preparing everything I need in advance to complete my tasks. For example, before I record a podcast episode, I make sure my office is organized, my equipment is set up, and everything is ready to go. This helps me eliminate distractions and stay focused.

Try applying mise en place to different areas of your life, whether it's organizing your home or setting up a routine that supports your productivity. You might be surprised at how much it helps!"

Adam Klein, Certified Integral Coach® and Managing Director, New Ventures West

17. Create a Reverse Reward System

Use a reverse reward system to motivate yourself. Attach small rewards to each task and only allow yourself to enjoy them once the task is complete. This turns your to-do list into a series of mini-challenges with built-in incentives.

"One productivity hack that I've found incredibly effective is using a "Reverse Reward System." It's simple yet powerful: instead of waiting for motivation to strike, I create mini-rewards that I can only access once I've completed a task.

Here's how it works: At the start of each day, I list out the tasks I need to accomplish. For each task, I assign a small, enjoyable reward that I can only indulge in once the task is done. This could be something as simple as a special coffee, a short walk outside, or a few minutes of my favorite show.

By attaching a reward to each task, I trick my brain into associating work with pleasure. It's like setting up little incentives throughout my day that keep me focused and driven. The anticipation of these rewards creates a sense of urgency and turns my to-do list into a series of mini-challenges rather than a daunting pile of work.

This approach not only helps me stay motivated but also makes my workday more enjoyable. It's a win-win because I'm consistently checking off tasks and rewarding myself along the way."

Raviraj Hegde, SVP of Growth & Sales, Donorbox

18. Engage in Meaningful Conversations

Conversations with colleagues can be a great source of motivation. Whether you’re brainstorming ideas or discussing business strategies, these interactions can spark creativity and energize your day.

"Engage with people!

There's no better way to find energy, motivation, and fuel than to engage with people and keep the conversation going on ideas, solutions, and strategies. When at work, I make it a point to sprinkle into my schedule a healthy dose of meetings so that, at the end of every task, I can look forward to interacting with a real person and sharing just about anything under the sun.

Quite often, these interactions turn out to be more rewarding than any other task I take up, which makes me look forward to these fruitful exchanges even more. Whether it is a serious discussion around our business roadmap or a hearty conversation about employee well-being and morale, touching base with different stakeholders in our organization is what keeps me motivated.

And no, these rewarding meetups do not eat into my productivity at all. They do just the opposite, giving me the fuel I need to refresh my thoughts, put to work new ideas, and carry on with my day with even more vigor and resolve."

Anilkumar Shetty, Director, TecHighQ IT Solutions

19. Prioritize High-Impact Tasks

Start your day by tackling high-impact tasks. Focusing on what truly matters not only boosts productivity but also gives you a sense of accomplishment that propels you forward.

"Prioritize tasks based on their impact and urgency. Focusing on high-value activities first, you get to experience a sense of accomplishment and momentum. Setting clear and achievable goals can serve as powerful motivators. Breaking down larger projects into smaller, manageable steps helps maintain focus and prevents overwhelm. Remember, celebrating small wins along the way reinforces positive behavior and keeps motivation high.

Also, have a positive work environment. Surrounding yourself with supportive colleagues and fostering a culture of collaboration can significantly boost morale. Taking short breaks throughout the day to recharge can also enhance productivity and prevent burnout."

Steve Britchford, Senior Partner, Polycote

20. Commit to an Accountability Partner

Sharing your goals with an accountability partner increases your commitment to achieving them. Knowing that someone else is aware of your deadlines can keep you motivated to deliver on time.

"I always feel more motivated when I have an accountability partner. It has been proven that we perform at a higher level when we have made a commitment to others and/or when others are made aware of our personal goals. By sharing a specific deadline or a goal, large or small, with a colleague or friend, I stay more committed and motivated to deliver on time and as promised!"

Elisabeth Galperin, Executive Coach | Business Productivity Consultant, Peak Productivity

21. Track Your Progress Regularly

Tracking your progress visually can be incredibly motivating. Watching your achievements stack up over time reinforces positive behavior and drives you to keep pushing toward your goals.

"Make progress-tracking part of your workday. Progress tracking involves monitoring and recording all actions, behaviors, and outcomes over time as you work towards achieving a goal. There's no bigger motivator than seeing small, incremental wins that bring us closer and closer to a desired goal. Tracking your progress naturally builds a series of visual cues that show a winning streak, motivating you to keep going and be more productive to maintain that streak. It essentially serves as a feedback mechanism that can provide you with insights into your performance, helping you identify areas for improvement if necessary."

Pedram Kordrostami, Founder & CEO, Omre

22. Control Your Environment

Minimize distractions and create a workspace that supports your focus. Keeping your goals visible and distractions out of reach helps you maintain a productive and motivated mindset.

"A simple productivity hack I've found helpful is to control my environment. I do this by making distractions less accessible and goals more visible. For instance, I'll put my phone out of reach to minimize interruptions. On the flip side, I keep my to-do list front and center to maintain focus on my tasks. It's a small adjustment, but it makes a big difference in staying motivated and productive."

Kimberley Tyler-Smith, VP of Strategy and Growth, Resume Worded

23. Limit Daily To-Do Items

Overloading your to-do list can be overwhelming. Instead, focus on a few key tasks each day. This manageable approach keeps you motivated and reduces the stress of unfinished work.

"I used to make lists of to-dos, and they would get tossed aside because the list became overwhelming. It marked my failure to complete items rather than motivate me to get them done. So, I shifted gears, and now, at the end of each day, I write no more than five small things I need to do tomorrow and stick it on my computer screen. Now, when I log in each morning, I tackle the items on the list and feel great about getting them done, which motivates me to continue on with my day without feeling overwhelmed and underwater with to-dos. I get a lot more done using this method."

Diane O'Connell, Speaker | Wellbeing Reinvention Strategist, Sorting it Out, Inc.

Staying motivated at work don’t have to be a struggle. With these 23 productivity hacks, you can create a work routine that keeps you energized, focused, and ready to tackle whatever comes your way. Whether it’s taking regular walks, using time management techniques, or connecting with your team, there’s a strategy here to help you maintain motivation and achieve your goals.

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