How to stop getting distracted and get more done (Even if you think productivity isn’t for you)

This guide is based on Mixergy’s course with Jason Womack.

After spending most nights working late at the office, Jason Womack left his job and started his own consultancy firm. He did this by developing a system to increase productivity, so we invited him to teach you how to do it.

Jason is the author of Your Best Just Got Better and is the CEO and co-founder of The Womack Company, a personal development firm that presents techniques to enhance personal productivity and team effectiveness.

Here are a few actionable highlights from the course.

1. Identify big-impact tasks so you’re not overwhelmed by distractions

Jason helped a client who had put off making his living will for a decade by identifying action tasks, which prompted the client to finish the will in a week.

Take Action:

Create a to-do list using verbs instead of nouns to emphasize the action points, and break down large tasks into steps.

2. Assess your day so you can set up a more productive schedule

Jason’s client saved half an hour each day by eliminating the task of checking emails repeatedly from his daily routine.

Take Action:

List down all your actions during the first six hours of your day, identify cycles or redundant actions, and either delegate or eliminate them from your routine.

3. Envision your ideal day to motive you to work toward living it in real life

Jason mapped his day to create a more productive schedule, and now 90% of his day matches his ideal.

Take Action:

Reflect and write down what your ideal work day would be like, in detail, from beginning to end.

4. Connect with people you want to be like to get motivated

Jason wanted to add a millionaire to his network, so he invited Steven Snyder, an author and speaker, to dinner so he could learn how Steven did things in his niche.

Take Action:

Research on successful people in your niche, learn more about their philosophy and interests, and spend time with them if you can.

5. Get feedback from mentors to benefit from their experience

Jason set up a five-week mentorship program with Kevin, which helped him assess and decide on a proposal that involved one of his products.

Take Action:

Seek out mentors from your network, send personalized notes or call to set up a meeting, and meet with them regularly throughout the year, if possible.

6. Use your spare time to get small tasks down and maximize idle time

Jason had a client who was 15 minutes late, so he made car and hotel reservations, sent emails, and confirmed flights while he waited.

Take Action:

Set up to-do lists using software such as Evernote or Remember The Milk, group small tasks together, and go through them during your spare time.

Written by Hazel Chua, based on production notes by Jeremy Weisz