I'm lazy, so I need to be productive

Working 8 or more hours a day in front of a computer is extremely tiring. The brain is not able to maintain focus for such a long time. The result is that we often waste time on unproductive activities, such as browsing social media, reading news, or just staring at the screen.

Research shows that the average person can only focus for about 4-5 hours a day. The rest of the time we are just pretending to work. This is why so many people feel burned out and exhausted at the end of the day, even though they haven't accomplished much.

The key to solving this problem is to understand that productivity is not about the number of hours you work, but about how effectively you use your time. This is where the concept of "deep work" comes in.

I've adopted a deep work methodology that has transformed my productivity. Here are the key principles I follow:

• Block time for focused work - I schedule 2-3 blocks of 90 minutes for deep, focused work each day. During these blocks, I turn off all notifications and focus on a single task.
• Take regular breaks - Between work blocks, I take 15-30 minute breaks to rest my brain. I go for a walk, do some stretching, or just relax.
• Limit meetings - I try to batch all my meetings into specific days or time slots, leaving the rest of my time free for focused work.
• Use tools wisely - I use automation tools like Zencal to handle scheduling so I don't have to waste mental energy on administrative tasks.
• Set clear boundaries - I have a clear start and end time for my workday. After that, I disconnect completely.
• Prioritize ruthlessly - Each day, I identify the 2-3 most important tasks and focus on those first. Everything else can wait.

The result? I accomplish more in 4-5 hours of focused work than I used to in 8+ hours of scattered effort. And I have more energy left over for my personal life.

Once you've completed your deep work sessions, you have the rest of the day to use differently. This is not wasted time – it's recovery time that makes your focused work possible.

Here's how I use my non-work time:

Physical activity - Exercise is crucial for maintaining cognitive performance. I try to work out at least 30 minutes every day, whether it's a gym session, a run, or just a long walk.

Learning - I spend time reading books, taking courses, or exploring new ideas. This keeps my mind sharp and often leads to insights that help with my work.

Hobbies - Having interests outside of work gives you perspective and prevents burnout. I spend time on photography, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.

Rest - Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is nothing. Taking time to truly relax and recharge is essential for sustained productivity.

The key insight is that being "lazy" in a strategic way – by not working all the time – actually makes you more productive when you are working. Your brain needs time to process information, consolidate memories, and generate creative ideas. This happens during rest, not during work.

So embrace your inner laziness. Work hard during your focused hours, then give yourself permission to truly rest. You'll be amazed at how much more you can accomplish.