6 Productivity Tips from Highly Successful People

What do Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, and Richard Branson have in common? Of course, they are all incredibly successful people who have made themselves very rich but, did you know that they are also some of the most productive people in the world?

If you’re looking to give your workday a tune-up, why not learn from the crème de la crème of the business and showbiz world? That’s right – here are 6 productivity tips from highly successful entrepreneurs.

1. Exercise Early in the Morning – Sir Richard Branson

Could exercising and productivity be a match made in heaven? Turns out it is for airline billionaire Richard Branson. A proud owner of 30-acre Necker Island, Richard Branson wakes up as early as 5 am to workout, which he says bolsters his productivity throughout the day. True to that, several studies have shown that exercise triggers the release of happy-inducing neurotransmitters such as serotonin, endorphins, and dopamine. The action of these hormones lifts your mood, keeps stress at bay, and allows you to power through the day with gusto.

2. Own your Calendar — Mary Callahan

According to Mary Callahan Erdoes, the CEO of Asset Management at JPMorgan Chase & Co., you don’t have to let your calendar control you. Instead, stay on top of your schedule, making sure that you own the list of what you need others to do. Oft-times that means taking care of both long-term and short-term to-dos in a maniacally astute way. If you don’t do so, your calendar might end up owning you.

3. Tie Your Emotions to what you do (Tasks) — Mark Cuban

By tying emotions to your projects and tasks, you will be more accountable for what you do at work, hence improving productivity. Remind yourself that filing tax returns on time will make you feel “triumphant.” Such emotional anecdotes might be just what your productivity needs.

4. Get a Headstart — Warren Buffett

The likes of Warren Buffett are known to get a head start the night before. What you need to hit the ground running in the morning is to plan your day the night before and prepare your workspace before you leave at the end of the day. That means take care of your next-day to-do list, delegate tasks, and know what you need to take on the day ahead.

5. Take Advantage of Little Windows of Time — Daymond John

How does FUBU creator and Shark Tank investor Daymond John do to maximize his time? He takes small windows of time (such as being on a plane) to reply to emails; revamp to-do list and other small tasks that might eat into your workday.

6. Take Breaks — Arianna Huffington

Powering through the day without breaks is a surefire killer of productivity. Arianna Huffington, the author and founder of HuffPost, seems to concur. She usually takes small “pauses” throughout the day to get some air, eat healthy, and catch up with friends. Such “pauses,” she claims, not only reduces stress but also boosts productivity.