Productivity: Simple Tweaks, Big Impact for Busy Entrepreneurs

Running a business demands your full attention, but that doesn’t mean you should be working around the clock. If you're constantly juggling tasks, glued to your phone, or eating lunch at your desk (again), it’s time to rethink your approach. Small changes can have a huge impact on your productivity, mindset, and overall efficiency.

Here are some simple but powerful ways to optimise your workday:

1. Clearly Define Your Work Hours—And Stick to Them

When you're your own boss, it’s easy for work to bleed into your personal time. But without set working hours, burnout is inevitable.

📌 Example: A consultant we work with used to take client calls at all hours, feeling she had to be available 24/7. We helped her set clear office hours, with an emergency-only exception for VIP clients. Now, she’s more productive during work hours.

💡 Tip: Block out specific hours for deep work, meetings, and admin tasks—then communicate them to your clients and team.

2. Take Proper Breaks—And Actually Step Away from Your Desk

It’s tempting to power through your to-do list, but breaks aren’t a luxury—they're essential. Stepping away from your desk helps reset your mind, boost creativity, and improve focus.

📌 Example: If you struggle with creative blocks, simply scheduling a 15-minute walk after lunch (instead of scrolling emails), and you'll return back to work with fresher ideas and sharper focus.

💡 Tip: Set a timer to remind yourself to move every hour and add breaks into you calendar.

Put your laptop down and take a break

3. Turn Off Notifications & Check Emails on Your Terms

Constant pings and alerts pull you out of deep work and kill productivity. Instead of reacting to every email or message, set designated times to check them.

📌 Example: We help our clients implement only a few daily email check-in times rather than have your emails open all day, allowing them to focus on high-impact tasks in between. Having emails pop up all the time interrupts your day and flow.

💡 Tip: Turn off non-essential notifications and schedule specific email and social media check-ins.

4. Declutter Your Workspace—Your Mind Will Thank You

A cluttered space can lead to a cluttered mind. Keeping your workspace tidy helps reduce stress and increase efficiency.

📌 Example: We worked with a CEO who had stacks of paperwork everywhere, making it hard to focus. After implementing a simple filing system, she felt more in control and less overwhelmed.

💡 Tip: Start small—clear your desk at the end of each day so you start fresh tomorrow.

5. Add Some Greenery to Your Space

Plants don’t just look nice—they improve air quality and create a calming environment.

📌 Example: Add a few low-maintenance plants (like a snake plant and a peace lily) to your office. The small change can make your workspace feel more inviting and help reduce stress.

💡 Tip: Not great with plants? Try a low-maintenance option like a ZZ plant or an air-purifying pothos.

Small Tweaks, Big Results

Optimising your workday isn’t about radical changes—it’s about small shifts that make a big impact. By setting clear work hours, taking real breaks, managing distractions, keeping a tidy workspace, and even adding a little greenery, you can boost your productivity and enjoy a healthier work-life balance.