5 Scientifically Proven Ways to Enhance Your Work Output

I’ve been studying the science of productivity seriously since 2010 when I was in grad school. Even from that period, I wanted to learn how to increase and enhance my work output in a sustainable way that avoids burnout.

Back then, I was writing my thesis for my degree in Business Administration, and I also started a company with my dad.

I initially thought, “How hard is writing a thesis? And how hard is it to start a company?”

It took me only a few weeks to realize that the answer is: VERY HARD times two.

Especially if you just wing it or try to accomplish results by simply working hard. Sheer force and willpower aren’t sustainable. After running around in circles and not making any meaningful progress, I decided to take my productivity as seriously as my business and thesis.

In fact, I prioritize my personal productivity over everything else. I used a scientific approach to getting more things done and improving my work output.

In just four minutes, I will share with you five scientifically proven ways you can raise your productivity. All these tips are rooted in science, research evidence, and 14 years of personal experience.

While these tips might sound obvious, you’ll be at least twice more productive than 99% of the population if you actually live by the following tips.

Tip 1: Start with micro productivity

Research has shown that micro productivity, or breaking your work into smaller, manageable tasks can significantly help you increase and improve your work output.¹

This method lowers the cognitive load, making the task feel less daunting and easier to accomplish. That’s how you get more done with less time.

This advice sounds SO obvious, but it never fails. I honestly think that many smart folks tend to discard simple advice because it’s simple. I was like that too. But it’s a big mistake.

Jack Welch, the former CEO of General Electric, said it well:

“Don’t make the process harder than it is.”

Any time you’re working on a larger project, break it into small tasks. Then tackle each one individually.

You’ll make it easier for yourself to start. And when you start, you generally keep going.

Tip 2: Use the Pomodoro Technique

You’ve likely heard or read about this technique already. If you’re already using this, then that’s great. Keep at it.

But if you’re not, then this is the reminder to start. Remember that starting is the most crucial part. Too many folks don’t get things done because they never start.

The Pomodoro Technique involves a few simple steps:

Break your work into 25-minute intervals with short breaks in between. This allows for focused and productive bursts of work without burning out.
For your short breaks, it’s usually advised to have 5 minutes only. For long breaks,
Use a timer or app to keep track of your intervals and breaks. (I use the Be Focused app).

You can also level up this strategy by incorporating Flow into your Pomodoro workflow.

By doing these, you’ll find yourself completing tasks more efficiently while also giving your mind and body the necessary breaks throughout the day.

I’m still amazed by how well this super simple technique works.

Tip 3: Stop multitasking

Multitasking might seem like a great way to get more done, but research suggests otherwise.

Research suggests that multitasking often causes us to make more mistakes, retain less information, and change the way our brain works.²

So instead of trying to do everything at once, focus on one task at a time. This will allow you to give your full attention and effort to each task, resulting in better-quality work output.

Also, try removing distractions as much as possible. Close unnecessary tabs on your computer, put your phone on silent or in another room, and let others know when you need uninterrupted time to work.

By avoiding multitasking and focusing on one important task at a time, you improve your work output and avoid making mistakes.

Tip 4: Set specific and challenging goals

Research also points out that individuals who have specific, challenging, but attainable goals have better performance than those who set vague ones.³

The keywords here are “specific” and “challenging.” You have to be clear about your goal, and it must be hard enough that you find it challenging – but not too hard that it becomes impossible for you.

Want to run a marathon, but you can barely do 2 kilometers? Try running 5k every day. That should build up your stamina.
Want to earn more? Allocate an hour or two every day to improve your income-generating skills, or start working on your side hustle.

So always set goals. And be precise about what you want to achieve. Specificity is the key.

Tip 5: Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness involves focusing on the present moment without judgment.

To me, the greatest benefit of mindfulness is improved focus. Every time I meditate, I feel like I have more clarity. And the best thing is that daily meditation for a longer period will change your mind forever.

Studies suggest that focusing on the present can have a positive impact on health and well-being. These things are crucial if you want to enhance your work output.⁴

While I don’t meditate daily anymore, I did meditate every day for nearly three years. Since then, my ability to focus and tune out the foggy thoughts has remained.

Implementing mindfulness into your daily routine could be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath, paying attention to your surroundings, or even enjoying your morning coffee without distractions.

If you want to use a guided meditation app, I recommend Waking Up. That’s my favorite app.

Enhancing your work output isn’t about hard work

It’s about creating habits and systems that allow you to get more things done in a sustainable way. Productivity isn’t just about willpower. It’s about having strategies that don’t solely depend on it.

The author Greg McKeown described productivity well in his book, Essentialism:

“It is about making the wisest possible investment of your time and energy in order to operate at our highest point of contribution by doing only what is essential.”

So stop running in circles and start implementing these evidence-based strategies to get more done.