Three overarching principles apply to all productivity tips.

• Start with small increments. You can't expect to instantly change years of working habits overnight. Start with one tip, and keep adding more as you find strategies that work for you.
• Be ac...

When you're trying to do many things at once, you're often getting very little done.

• We have limited cognitive bandwidth. Your brain may trick you into thinking it has more capacity, but your ability to work efficiently depends on how well you can focus on one task a...

As best as you can, set up a work environment that encourages doing one task at a time. Even doing one task for five minutes can be beneficial:

• Actively resist the urge to check social media while you are busy with a task. You may have to install anti-distraction app...

Your physical workspace can either energize you or deplete your energy.

• Twenty-five percent of a desk's messiness is related to organizational skills. The rest is part of time management.
• If the piles on your desk are moving, you're probably doing O.K. with ...

Know your computer. Understanding the capabilities of your computer will enhance your productivity.

• Set aside specific times every day to process email.
• Divide email into two groups: Those requiring quick responses and those needing thoughtful answers. Immediat...

The way you treat your body will affect the way your mind works.

• Move more. Sitting for long periods is bad for you and for your ability to be productive.
• To make desk-work more productive, sit for 20 minutes and work, stand for eight minute...

• Good multitaskers get more done. In reality, research shows people get more done if they focus on one task at a time.
• Zero emails in your inbox at the end of your day is essential. Inbox zero does not work for everyone. Find a method that works bes...