Sometimes a new productivity technique is exactly what’s needed to up our efficiency and make more time for the good things in life. Here are four popular suggestions, any of which could provide the jumpstart you may be (and I definitely am) looking for.

Pomodoro

This one is like interval training for your work self. Set a timer for a short duration, 45 minutes is generally suggested, and commit to working furiously for that period. When the timer bings, you get a break to refresh. String a few Pomodoros together and you earn an extended break, like a long walk.

The idea is that when you’re working, you’re really working. And when you’re breaking, you’re taking a true, relaxing break away from your desk—one worth spending 45 minutes going all-out to earn. This strategy can make your butt-in-chair time very focused; you know, rather than the usual mishmash of a little progress, a little Instagram, and an embarrassing amount of staring at the wall.

Easy and Empowering

I love this procrastination beater. You gird yourself for that ONE awful thing on your list. You know the one I’m talking about. It’s not hard, it won’t take long, you just hate it. It might be a 5-minute cold call you’ve been avoiding or a 3-line marketing email you’re not sure how to write—or, in my case, anything involving forms. Then you grit your teeth and you get it done. The aftereffects of marking a dreaded little beastie off the “to do” list are like a jolt of caffeine and can propel you forward to bigger and better things. I swear it works.

MITs

The acronym stands for “Most Important Things.” Each day, you write down just 3 things you really must do. Each one should be well defined and achievable in a couple of hours at most, so break down those big projects into smaller, discrete tasks. And whenever possible, make sure to include something that will deliver serious punch for your overarching business or personal goals. Admittedly, the important but uninspiring—I’m thinking taxes here—sometimes have to make the list, too, but at least one MIT should be a small step forward toward your big picture vision.

The list-making should take only a few minutes. From there, keep your MITs in sight all day and do whatever you can to get through them—it’s just 3 things, after all. The flood of emails may bring 101 other requests, but like its name indicates, the MIT list helps keep the focus on what’s most important.

Empty Inbox

Here’s a day-closer of an activity—empty that inbox. Archive emails that you already dealt with. Add outstanding tasks to your “to do” list, but still move the email (maybe into a client folder). This way, you have greater visibility into your tasks come morning and the joy of a blank slate. Of course, with all of us constantly on our smart phones, the blankness won’t last long, but it still feels good.

Or if shuffling emails isn’t for you, consider applying the same rule elsewhere. May we suggest transferring any contacts you made that day into your CRM system? Making that a regular practice can keep the clutter (digital and paper) from piling up and get you ahead on your sales goals—exactly what we’re all looking for from these productivity techniques anyway!