Work Less Finish More

Work Less Finish More is a hands-on guide to adopting a more focused frame of mind and developing habits that will enhance your productivity levels, give you a sense of accomplishment and put you in the right direction in order to achieve your objectives.

Similar to science, productivity works based on principles. The first one is the Pareto principle from mathematics, which states that 80% of the effects come from 20% of the cause. Identify what is it that matters most in your work and focus on that. For example, stop checking emails more than twice per day, as they are not relevant for your ongoing work.

The second principle states that motivation doesn’t matter. Work because you’re disciplined, not because you feel motivated at that moment. Keep in mind that motivation is the result of hard work, not the cause of it.

Thirdly, learn that your willpower doesn’t work. Create an environment that fosters learning and allows you to focus on your work, not one that is filled with distractions, such as a phone or sweets, as you are extremely likely to give in once you see them.

The fourth principle is that multitasking is a myth. Focus on just one chore at a time, and you will notice how you’ll become more productive. Big achievements come from small actions, according to the fifth principle. Shape your future by taking action in the present, and notice how small actions, such as making your bed, will make you more disciplined and productive in time.

The last principle is that your success comes from your habits. Similar to the fifth principle, accepting this truth can make you more productive. Learn that past habits shaped your personality and who you are today, so take action and work on the person you want to be tomorrow, starting now.

Every day we have to make choices. Even if we don’t realize it, we make dozens of choices, from where to have our coffee, to more important decisions, such as the ones related to our job or family. This lesson is about how we make our choices and how we prioritize our activities. If you use the six principles to achieve everything, you will end up achieving nothing, the book says. So you have to be careful with what you start, as you have a limited time in a day. Learn to be focused and when to say no to what doesn’t matter to you. But first, you have to know what to focus on. Carefully set your objectives by working backwards. Picture your ideal life in detail. Then picture your current life. The gap between the two is what you should focus on. Then,…