The Productivity Experiment: One Week of Intentional Work
Lately, I’ve been feeling like my productivity is slipping-not in a catastrophic way, but in a slow, creeping sense that I’m not making the most of my time. So instead of just reflecting on it, I decided to turn it into an experiment: one week of intentional work.
The Productivity Experiment
Rather than relying on generic advice, I wanted to put a structured plan to the test. My goal? To track what actually boosts my efficiency, focus, and energy levels. Here’s what I tried:
1. Daily Intentions Over To-Do Lists
Instead of overwhelming myself with long to-do lists, I started each morning by setting three key intentions for the day—non-negotiable tasks that would make me feel accomplished by evening.
2. The 90-Minute Focus Blocks
I replaced multitasking with deep work sessions. Each block was 90 minutes long, followed by a 20-minute break. This approach allowed me to work with my natural energy rhythms instead of against them.
3. Intentional Breaks & Movement
Rather than scrolling on my phone during breaks, I committed to short walks, stretching, or journaling to reset my mind.
4. Dopamine Management
I became more mindful of what was draining my energy (constant notifications, social media) and replaced those distractions with small rewards after completing focused work blocks.
5. Reflecting & Adjusting Daily
At the end of each day, I journaled about what worked, what didn’t, and what I needed to tweak for the next day.
What I Learned
This experiment showed me that productivity isn’t about doing more-it’s about working smarter. Some key takeaways:
Setting intentions over tasks helped me stay motivated and focused.
Deep work blocks reduced context-switching and made complex tasks feel easier.
Movement and mindful breaks prevented burnout and mental fog.
Limiting digital distractions gave me more control over my time and energy.
Will I Keep This Up?
Absolutely! While I won’t be perfect every week, I now have a better system to reset when I feel like I’m losing track. If you’re struggling with productivity, I highly recommend testing different approaches and finding what works best for you.
Here’s to working smarter and making real progress.