5 Friends to Boost Your Productivity

Whenever I have an idea for a new list-making tip or think of a trick for how to look better on camera and work with the media, I always run it past my friends first. It’s not just for their great advice, but because talking it through can often help me understand what I want from my project or idea.

Friends aren’t just great for advice — they can help you to get more done! I’ve written before about having a friend as an accountability buddy, but friends can also push you to achieve more than you thought possible. 

This might not work for all friendships, but we all have different types of friends for different reasons. No matter what kind of friendship you have with someone, you can still encourage them to be their best selves and vice versa! 

Here are some of the classic types of friends and how they make you more productive and help you reach your goals: 

The Cheerleader

This friend is always there on the sidelines cheering you on. They’re the one you meet for coffee before an important interview and the one there to high five you after a big race. 

Sometimes they’re just the first person to like your photos on Facebook (there’s always that nervous first few minutes with no activity!).

We need cheerleader friends when times are good, but also when things are tough — like right now. When you start to doubt yourself, it’s always good to have someone who believes in you unconditionally. 

Whenever I reach a mid-project slump I always call my Mom, because I know she will give me the inspiration I need! Lots of people are struggling to adjust to working from home (I have some great tips in my LinkedIn Learning course about setting up your remote office) or feeling generally stressed out right now. If that’s you, your cheerleader friend is here to help. 

The Mom

When you need to organize a virtual gathering or are feeling stuck on your goals, this is the friend you phone first. This friend knows how to get stuff done. They’re also there to kindly remind you when you start lapsing on your goals. For example, if you’re writing a book, this friend can be relied on to subtly ask when was the last time you actually put pen to paper. Like an accountability buddy, the Mom is always there to keep you in check. This friend is also great if you need to brainstorm some ideas as they often like to get stuck into projects.

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Your Polar Opposite

As an organized person, I sometimes feel the need to plan every second of my day. But this friend couldn’t be more opposite. Rather than getting wrapped up in a plan they live each day in the moment. I like having friends like this who can remind me that every second doesn’t have to be planned. The web designer and marketing strategist for ListProducer.com, Cass McCrory, is very good at going with the flow. Finding someone who is the total opposite of you can help you come out of your shell and learn more about yourself.  

The Pillar

While they may be one of the quieter members of a group of friends, the pillar makes for a great listener. Sometimes we just need to have a good rant or try to sound something out and this friend is just perfect for that. Plus they can always be relied upon when you need them, like for a last minute outfit purchase or when you’re moving.

The Partier

This person knows how to throw a great party! So when you finally achieve your goals they can help you celebrate in style. They may not help you actually cross the finish line, but they’re the one waiting with a big bowl of guacamole and a margarita. Now that we often can’t see our friends in person, the partier is especially important. This friend knows how to throw a (virtual) party and is the perfect person to help you celebrate your wins remotely!

Now that you know the five kinds of friends for productivity, it’s time for some reflection. Let me know in the comments below one of the following: 

• Which of your friends fits into each of these categories?
• What kind of friend are you when it comes to your friends’ productivity?
• How can you support your friends with their goals and challenges, too?