The Science-Backed Productivity Strategy You Probably Ignore

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For many of us, what we accomplish on a particular day impacts everything from our reputation to our mood. Productivity serves as a cornerstone of success, acting as the driving force behind achievement in both our personal and professional lives. Research reveals a strong positive correlation between productivity and various measures of well-being, including career advancement, financial stability, and overall life satisfaction (Dierdorff, 2019; Judge et al., 2010). The ability to efficiently manage time, prioritize tasks, and maintain focus on goal-oriented activities significantly contributes to an individual's capacity to excel in their chosen field (Grant & Ashford, 2008). While the relationship between productivity and success is well-established, it is crucial to recognize that productivity itself is not a fixed trait. Rather, it is a skill that can be cultivated and enhanced through the implementation of targeted strategies and learned techniques.

Use techniques based on science, not "expert" experience

However, when it comes to productivity strategies, we often rely on sources and techniques that have little basis in science. The allure of advice from self-proclaimed experts often falls short because, while the "gurus" may offer appealing quick fixes, their recommendations frequently lack scientific rigor and fail to account for the complex interplay of neural processes that underpin human behavior and cognition (Lilienfeld et al., 2013). Although personal experience can be valuable for individual growth, it is inherently limited by factors such as cognitive biases, environmental influences, and the exclusion of individual differences in neural architecture. Instead, the reliance on neuropsychology leverages how your body operates, irrespective of how you or anyone else thinks.

When someone is being super productive, several key processes occur in their brain and body. At the neurochemical level, dopamine synthesis promotes motivation and focus, while norepinephrine enhances alertness and attention (Cools & D'Esposito, 2011). When you're in the zone, crushing your to-do list, your brain is like a well-oiled machine because dopamine helps increase activation in the prefrontal cortex, the brain area that is critical for cognitive control impacting things like planning, decision-making, and goal-directed behavior. As you use your cognitive horsepower and repeat productive behaviors, you begin to feel successful. The more you flex those productivity muscles, the stronger they get and the better you feel. That's neuroplasticity in action, rewiring your brain to make being productive feel like second nature (Lövdén et al., 2010). In addition, productivity is influenced by the body's circadian rhythms, meaning that cognitive functions and energy levels fluctuate throughout the day in accordance with our internal clocks.

Make it happen!

Knowing what happens behind the scenes in your brain and how neurotransmission impacts motivation, you can now use this knowledge to enhance your productivity. Just like you feed your body with food for energy and movement, you need to feed your brain to be productive. Stanford neuroscientist and ophthalmology professor Andrew Huberman recommends a specific morning protocol to get you going based on how your brain operates, with the objective of producing game-changing dopamine transmission while leveraging your natural circadian rhythms.

The routine starts with exposing yourself to natural sunlight soon after waking. This means going outside, without sunglasses, and before drinking coffee/tea and staying outside for at least 20 minutes (ideally moving) to significantly boost dopamine production and overall well-being. This practice helps regulate your circadian rhythm and triggers a cascade of positive neurochemical changes. The bright light stimulates melanopsin receptors in your eyes, which then signal the brain to release cortisol, providing an energy boost. More importantly, this early light exposure sets off a delayed release of dopamine and serotonin later in the day. This natural light exposure is crucial even on cloudy days, as outdoor light is much stronger than indoor lighting. This simple habit can improve mood, increase alertness, and enhance overall cognitive function throughout the day. For those living in areas with limited morning sunlight, use bright artificial lights designed to mimic sunlight, although natural sunlight is always preferable when available. Always take precautions to not look directly into the light as a way to shorten the process; it is the prolonged natural exposure that matters most.

While you may be skeptical, this simple technique works! I can tell you from personal experience when I follow the protocol my productivity is far better than when I don’t. Give it a try and see how you can exponentially increase your productivity and also your satisfaction about what you accomplish. By acknowledging the malleability of productivity and taking this one small step to improve it, you can unlock your full potential and pave the way for greater success in all areas of life.