In today’s fast-paced work environment, most of us strive to be productive. The goal is to complete our tasks during the day so we can leave work behind and enjoy our personal time. However, productivity at work isn’t always easy to maintain. Various factors—both internal and external—can impact how productive we are. While some of these factors are out of our control, the good news is that we do have the power to control one thing: ourselves.

By looking to productive colleagues or mentors for inspiration, we can uncover strategies that help us maximize our efficiency. Below are six key habits that highly productive people often share, and adopting these habits can help you unlock your full potential.

1. Focus on What Truly Matters

Throughout the workday, it’s easy to get bogged down by an overwhelming number of tasks—both large and small. However, staying busy doesn’t necessarily mean you’re being productive. In fact, taking on too much at once can leave you feeling paralyzed or burnt out.

Effective task management is crucial to avoid this. Start by prioritizing the most important tasks first. A helpful method is to categorize your tasks by urgency and importance:

• Urgent and important: Address these tasks first.
• Important but not urgent: Tackle these next.
• Urgent but not important: Deal with these only after handling the important tasks.
• Neither urgent nor important: These should be your last priority.

By mastering the art of prioritization, you can focus on the tasks that truly drive progress.

2. Apply the 80/20 Rule

Once you’ve identified your priorities, the 80/20 rule (also known as the Pareto Principle) can serve as a valuable guide. This rule suggests that 20% of your efforts yield 80% of your results. Conversely, the remaining 80% of your work only generates 20% of the outcomes you desire.

The key takeaway? Focus on the tasks that produce the highest value. By concentrating on this critical 20%, you’ll achieve the majority of your goals and boost your overall productivity.

3. Take Short, Regular Breaks

Many people believe that working nonstop is a sign of productivity, but the reality is quite the opposite. Studies have shown that working without breaks leads to diminishing returns in terms of both focus and efficiency.

High achievers understand the importance of taking short, frequent breaks throughout the day. Even a 5- to 10-minute break can do wonders for your mental state. These brief pauses give you the opportunity to recharge, refocus, and approach your tasks with renewed energy.

4. Eliminate Productivity Killers

To be more productive, it’s important to identify and eliminate habits or environmental factors that hinder your efficiency. For instance, if you often find yourself distracted by social media, consider using apps that block these sites during work hours.

An untidy workspace can also sap your productivity. A cluttered desk can lead to a cluttered mind, so make it a point to maintain a clean and organized workspace. Something as simple as regularly clearing your desk of trash and unnecessary items can dramatically improve your focus.

5. Set Clear Deadlines and Timelines

Some people work best under pressure, using deadlines as their primary motivator. But not every task comes with a hard deadline, so it’s important to set your own. Establishing clear timelines for each task can help you stay on track and avoid procrastination.

If self-imposed deadlines don’t work for you, consider creating a visual timeline that outlines how each task fits into your overall schedule. This can help you stay accountable and focused. For added motivation, reward yourself when you meet your goals within the timeline.

6. Embrace Automation and Delegation

One of the most valuable skills of productive people is their ability to delegate. Delegation isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a way to free up time for more meaningful work.

In addition to delegating tasks to colleagues, take advantage of technology and automation tools. Many repetitive or administrative tasks can be automated, allowing you to focus on high-impact work. If possible, consider outsourcing time-consuming tasks to maximize your productivity.

Final Thoughts

Drawing inspiration from the productivity habits of others can push you to become more efficient and effective at work. By focusing on key tasks, embracing breaks, eliminating distractions, and using technology to your advantage, you can significantly improve your productivity. The benefits go beyond the workplace—being more productive means you’ll have more time to dedicate to the things that matter most to you outside of work.