What are techniques you use to stay productive at work or completing a task?

Drowning out all distracting environmental sounds and noises with loud and fast punk rock.

I write a list of things I want to get done, then try to misplace it.

Make a plan to breakdown the steps to be completed by a time line.
Example: When I did the NaNoWriMo writing challenge last year to complete 50,000 words written by the end of the month I divided the number of days into 50,000 and came up with 1666.67 ( rounded off) to write a day in order to complete on time.

However last year the Library stated us in Canada a week later , thus we were doomed to failure as we were already (1666 X 7 days = 11,669 words lost).
I stepped my writing up to 3000 per day and did that by doing 1500 in the Am and 1500 words in the late evening. It was tough going but I did it and won my winners T shirt but actually all of us won ( our drafts for a story).

Bottom line things can be completed , for me anyways by making a plan and sticking to it.

I face it immediately and head on, making sure I have all the tools or info to complete the task or project, basically an overview to make sure I fully understand the desired result. Then I execute with all my focus until completed with single-minded determination. Basically, if you tell me to get it done, it gets done and correctly, take it to the bank lol.

I drank lots of tea.

Do the easy stuff first, then work on the harder pieces.

I’m a list guy. I make lists for the week and sometimes for the day if it’s appropriate.

@Caravanfan – Where do you keep the lists?

@lucillelucillelucille I have a notebook I keep in my backpack.

@Caravanfan – I need to pin mine to my shirt. XD

When I was working in an office I always arrived 5 minutes early and started work immediately. I never indulged in personal business on company time.

At home, I simply do what needs to be done, as I choose.

I take small doses of caffeine, about once an hour. It keeps me sharp, and motivated.

Sounds funny, but my key to staying productive is… taking breaks and having enough rest! Hard to stay productive when you are overtired and have zero energy. Healthy sleep is also important.

Coffee helps. I agree with @donnanorton – take a break, rest your eyes, clear your mind temporarily.