The top seven most productive ways to close out the year

And just like that the 4th quarter is here; it’s not too late to be productive and close out strong. The way I see it, the more intentional you are at the end of the year will bleed into the next year. It’s a great opportunity to set yourself up for further success.

Here are the top seven most productive ways to close out your year, according to top business leaders.

Table of Contents

1. Organized and Draft a New Plan to Become More Productive

With competing priorities and life events, we don’t always get this one right.

Organizing your home and work environment first. Since I work from home the lines tend to blur. We will have to remodel eventually but until then, I have to keep room #2 clean and free of clutter. Next up is my task flow or to-do list. Every morning, try to write down your must-do activities. You can even do it weekly to help reduce drag.

There is an added benefit of decreasing distractions. All of these are why and how the best thought leaders get ahead. They create and work in an organized environment, which increases their productivity and focus.

2. Managing your time with diminishing efforts

Time management is critical for productivity. Too often, I end up meandering between activities. It’s time to add some pep in my step. Or engage with my time, like we did in the Marines.

Scheduling and managing your time allows you to track your progress and complete tasks on time. Never waste your time twice. For example, it includes not binge-watching on weekdays or weekends if you need to. Your time is money. And your time is your life. Playing video games, driving around town to the next event, or spending time with people who aren’t mindful of their own time, will have you wasting your life away.

3. A More Productive Use of Technology

Using technology can help save time and increase productivity. While computers or cell phones were designed for a better use of your bandwidth, they ended up having the opposite effect. The average American is clocking in over eight hours of screen time daily. It’s no wonder why there is a loneliness epidemic going around.

The Pomodoro timer is my favorite tool. It helps me read books and do tasks more productively, and the best part is I never get bored doing it. The Pomodoro timer is a time management method that involves 25-minute work periods followed by five-minute breaks. The method is based on the Italian word for tomato, “pomodoro“.

To use the Pomodoro timer, you can follow these steps:

Set a timer for 25 minutes for one “Pomodoro“.
Work on the task until the timer is complete.
After the timer is complete, put a checkmark on to-do list.
Take a 5-minute short break.
After four “Pomodoro” take a long break.
Repeat to step 1.

You can also try mixing your intervals based on your available energy, the type of work, and how much a task makes you want to work. For most people, the sweet spot is in the 25-50 minute range for peak concentration.

4. Learning to Delegate based on strengths, not Weaknesses

Tasks Delegation helps in assigning tasks to others, enabling you to focus on your core competencies and strengths. And you must avoid multitasking, as it will drain your productivity, your focus, and your energy.

Delegation is a soft skill that can help you shift from follower to leader. The goal is to become a leader to distribute tasks and responsibilities among their team members based on strengths. Delegating can help teams accomplish tasks quickly and efficiently, build confidence, and can lead to better productivity and decision-making.

At home, this works the same way. For example, my wife is a planner who loves details. I’m a reconnaissance expert. Before every international trip, I scout the route and location. I bring her the details and she gives her spin. By the time we head out, all our bases are covered. We delegate all the tasks in between based on our strengths.

5. Getting Healthy and Rejuvinated

Exercise helps to improve mood, energy levels, and cognitive abilities, ultimately leading to increased productivity. If you’re a busy person like me, a 10-minute walk on the treadmill or at your local park is perfectly good.

This is the part that a lot of people skip but it ends up being the most impactful. Successful people are operating on all cylinders. They are sharp and hungry. You can’t achieve that output by being a casual bystander. You have to get active. And, your entire lifestyle has to reflect this.

A runner doesn’t simply run as a verb; they are runners as a noun.

6. SMART Start to Life

Setting realistic deadlines helps in creating achievable goals, managing timelines, and avoiding overexertion or burnout. I always put a deadline on my work, so I never procrastinate. And I just try to do all of the tasks before the time runs out.

If you want to get deeper, I recommend the S.M.A.R.T.+E.R. approach that factors in an emergency plan and a retirement plan. You really need an exit strategy post-productivity. Having a why helps move you from threshold to threshold.

7. Learning to Say No to Someone Else’s Narrative

Reducing meetings to only necessary ones and ensuring they are efficient and focused helps in avoiding time wastage and improving productivity. Next time your friends invite you to play with them, say no when you still have work to be done. I tried that and noticed that I had fewer friends. Everyone doesn’t want success; you will have to endure a productive life solo if need be.

This is why most people are average; it’s also why you won’t be if you implement these steps.