It doesn’t matter what you do or where you work; everyone is looking for ways to be more productive on their job. But excessive amounts of caffeine and list-making won’t get you any closer to peak productivity levels.

The search for a more productive workday has led to many misconceptions about productivity, and it’s a lot more than checking tasks off your to-do list. Truly productive people aren’t focused on doing more things; this is the opposite of productivity. If you want to be effective, you’ve got to do fewer things.

1. Manage your energy, not your time.

If you take a moment to think about it, you’ll probably realize that you are better at doing specific tasks at certain times. What type of energy do you have in the morning? Afternoon? Evening? Determine what tasks each energy level and time of day are best suited for.

2. Obey the 80/20 rule.

Only 20 percent of what you do daily produces 80 percent of your results. Eliminate the things that don’t matter during your workday -- they have a minimal effect on your overall productivity. For example, break your next project down into steps and systematically remove tasks until you end up with the 20 percent that gets 80 percent of the results.

3. Work in a relaxed enviroment.

Have you ever noticed how you feel groggy and sluggish in a hot room? Turning the temperature down or moving to a more relaxed place is easy to focus your mind and body.

4. Adopt a relaxed posture.

When you sit hunched over, your chest is in a collapsed position, and your diaphragm is pressing against the bottom of your lungs, hindering your ability to breathe easily and deeply. Sit up straight or stand up, and you’ll find that you can breathe easier. As a result, your brain will get more oxygen, and you’ll be able to concentrate better.

5. Develop a “pre–game routine” to start your day.

Some people kick off their day with ten minutes of meditation. Similarly, you should have a sequence that starts your morning ritual. This tiny routine signals to your brain that it’s time to get into work mode, exercise mode, or whatever mode you need to be in to accomplish your task. Additionally, a pre-game routine helps you overcome a lack of motivation and get things done even when you don’t feel like it.

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