Extreme Productivity: The Four Pillars to Skyrocket Your Business Success

Running a thriving business, especially one hitting the million-pound mark, requires exceptional productivity. Yet, many business owners find themselves bogged down in tasks that neither drive results nor foster growth. Add procrastination to the mix, and it’s a recipe for stagnation.

But here’s the good news: achieving extreme productivity hinges on mastering four key areas. Let’s break them down.

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1. Control of Self: The Ultimate Starting Point

At its core, productivity starts with you. But let’s be honest—self-discipline alone isn’t enough. It’s fleeting and can falter in the face of distractions. Instead, you need to create compelling reasons to stay on track, ones that evoke either extreme pain or extreme pleasure.

Find Your “Why”

For example, imagine a scenario where completing today’s tasks directly impacts the safety or well-being of a loved one. In my mind, I visualise a family member in distress, and their freedom depends on my ability to finish what I set out to do. While this is purely imaginative, the emotional weight pushes me past procrastination and distractions.

Leverage the Power of the 90-Minute Rule

One of my most effective strategies is my daily 90-minute productivity block. During this time, I focus exclusively on the most critical tasks. No exceptions, no interruptions. Once this habit takes hold, your output will skyrocket.

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2. Control of Your Environment: Setting the Stage for Success

Your surroundings play a pivotal role in your productivity. To perform at your peak, your environment must be distraction-free and optimized for focused work.

Eliminate Distractions

During my 90-minute block, I’m completely uninterruptable. Phone calls, emails, and meetings are off-limits. My email is shut down, and my phone is silent. This sacred time is reserved solely for deep work.

Create a Productivity-Friendly Space

Your workspace should inspire you to perform at your best. For me, it means carefully curating my office environment. From the artwork on my walls to the way I organise my materials, everything is designed to keep me motivated and focused. Having the right tools and technology also ensures there are no unnecessary hurdles.

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3. Control of Others: Guarding Your Time Against Time Bandits

Let’s face it: people are one of the biggest threats to your productivity. Whether it’s colleagues, employees, or friends, time bandits can derail even the best-laid plans if you let them.

Set Clear Boundaries

Here’s a rule I swear by: I never answer unscheduled phone calls. Instead, all calls are booked into my calendar. This way, I control when conversations happen. Similarly, my staff know they can’t interrupt me in the mornings or during my 90-minute block. They’re welcome to pop in during the afternoons, but only if it’s essential.

Train People to Respect Your Time

Even something as simple as replying to emails strategically can make a difference. I intentionally delay responses to non-urgent emails for a day or two. Why? It trains others to send fewer emails and prioritize their communications with me. Over time, this reduces the constant stream of interruptions.

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4. Control of Your Time and Priorities: Focus on What Truly Matters

Time is the great equaliser—we all have the same 24 hours in a day. What sets successful people apart is how they prioritise and use that time.

Plan Ahead

I subscribe to the mantra: “Today isn’t over until tomorrow’s planned.” Before leaving the office each evening, I outline my priorities for the following day. This ensures I hit the ground running every morning.

Focus on the Important, Not Just the Urgent

It’s tempting to spend your day firefighting urgent tasks, but it’s the important ones that drive real progress. These are the tasks that align with your long-term goals and move the needle in your business. Make it a habit to tackle these first during your 90-minute block.

Weekly Reflection and Goal Setting

Take time at the start of each week to identify what truly matters. What are the key outcomes you need to achieve? Align your daily plans to ensure these priorities don’t fall through the cracks.

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Final Thoughts: The Price of Productivity

Achieving extreme productivity isn’t just about getting more done—it’s about getting the right things done. By mastering control over yourself, your environment, others, and your time, you can dramatically increase your output and, ultimately, your success.

Remember, none of us can create more time. But by using it wisely, we can gain an edge over the competition and make incredible strides in our businesses.

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FAQs

1. What is the 90-minute rule, and how do I implement it?
The 90-minute rule involves dedicating a distraction-free block of time each day to your most important tasks. Turn off your phone, close your email, and focus solely on one priority.

2. How can I reduce procrastination?
Create a strong emotional reason to act, whether it’s associating extreme pleasure or pain with completing or neglecting tasks. Visualising impactful outcomes can motivate you to push past resistance.

3. How do I manage interruptions from colleagues or employees?
Set clear boundaries. Inform your team of specific times when you’re available and when you’re not. Scheduling all communication ensures you stay in control of your time.

4. What’s the difference between urgent and important tasks?
Urgent tasks demand immediate attention but don’t always contribute to long-term goals. Important tasks, on the other hand, align with your objectives and drive growth. Prioritise the latter.

5. How do I start planning my days more effectively?
End each day by outlining tomorrow’s priorities. Focus on tasks that align with your weekly and monthly goals, ensuring they take precedence over distractions.

If you would like any help with implementing better time management, which will provide you with 20% more time, then do arrange a FREE Consultation.

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