The most effective productivity methods in a row (and which one suits you)

Want to be more productive but don't know where to start? You're not alone. There are countless methods, techniques, and tools that promise to help you optimize your time. But what really works? And more importantly, what works for you? In this blog post, we'll outline the most popular productivity methods and help you discover which one best suits your work style and goals.

1. The Pomodoro Technique

Works well for: People who are easily distracted or have trouble getting started. The Pomodoro Method revolves around short, focused work blocks. You work on one task for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. After four blocks, you take a longer break of 15-30 minutes. This technique helps you get started faster, boost your concentration, and prevent mental exhaustion.

2. Eisenhower Matrix

Works well for: People who struggle with prioritizing. This method divides your tasks into four categories: important & urgent, important but not urgent, not important but urgent, and not important & not urgent. This way, you can quickly see what you need to focus on – and which tasks you can eliminate or delegate.

3. Deep Work (Cal Newport)

Works well for: People who do cognitively challenging work and want to stay focused for extended periods. Deep Work is a technique where you schedule blocks of undisturbed, focused time to do deep work. Think of writing, designing, or strategic thinking. During Deep Work, you block out all distractions—no email, no phone, just you and your task.

4. Time Blocking

Works well for: People who need structure in their day. With Time Blocking, you plan your day in blocks, dedicating each block to a specific task or activity. This helps you manage your time consciously and prevents your day from slipping away without getting to your most important work.

5. Getting Things Done (GTD)

Works well for: People with a lot of disparate tasks and responsibilities. GTD is a method developed by David Allen that revolves around collecting, organizing, and executing tasks. You write down everything you need to do in a system (like a planner). Then, you work through your tasks based on context, time, and energy, not on stress or memory.

How do you choose the right method?

There's no one-size-fits-all. It depends on your work, your personality, and the challenges you're facing. Are you easily distracted? Then Pomodoro is a good place to start. Do you struggle with oversight? Try the Eisenhower Matrix of Time Blocking. Are you working on large projects? Then Deep Work can be a solution.

You can also combine different methods. The Focus Planner incorporates various elements, such as space for deep work, a weekly overview, and space for priorities. This allows you to mix and match your favorite techniques and build a system that truly works for you.

Productive work doesn't necessarily mean doing more, but doing it smarter. By choosing (or combining) a method that suits your style, you'll get more done with less stress. Experiment, observe, and optimize. And remember: the best method is the one you stick with.

Want to apply various productivity methods in a practical way? The Focus Planner will help you. Discover how to organize your day with purpose, focus, and enjoyment.

Also read the blog: Stop multitasking: this is how you work more productively and with more focus