I've been tricking my brain into being more productive... AND IT'S WORKING!

If you're anything like me, you tend to overthink or over-analyze things, especially when it comes to work. I have multiple calendars (professional and personal, a calendar on my email, phone, desk and hanging in my kitchen), and I'm sure you won't be surprised to learn that I also have at least one clock in every room. One year in college (circa 2007 I think) I realized I was so fixated on time that I ditched my watch. If I really needed to check the time I'd whip out my handy-dandy Blackberry. Those days are over and I'm back to being a slave to the clock.

I was so focused on time and ensuring I made the most of it that I was breaking the #1 cardinal rule of productivity:

Don't fixate on something 24/7.

When you overthink something over and over and over again, you put stress on your brain that will force it to default to the "busy" setting. "Gotta stay busy! Can't stop now!" We all know busy does not equal productive.

Instead, I've learned, and now teach, techniques to trick your brain into maximizing productivity such as the Pomodoro and countdown timer technique.

Pomodoro is where you work for 25 minutes, then take a 5 minute break. A countdown timer is used so you know exactly how much time you have to complete a task.

By knowing exactly how much time you have to complete a task, you give yourself the ability to allocate a specific amount of time for an assignment or project- instead of stressing out about it.

Countdown timers are a useful and effective time management tool because once you know exactly how much time you need (and therefore allot) to finish a particular task, you gain back your sense of control. This sense of control will pave the way for confidence to make its grand entrance, and in the race against time, confidence is key.

I can't tell you how many times I've set my to-do list in front of me with the best of intentions, only to start multi-tasking and eventually completely lose track. I never got that feeling of accomplishment because in all honesty, I only accomplished a few tasks. The remaining projects were only half-finished, and I bet you could guess what I would start doing next... Immediately stress about tomorrow's to-do list. Not cool brain, NOT COOL.

So what else do countdown timers do that create subconscious incentives?

Gives you the "I won" feeling after completing your tasks.

It actually makes you more creative! From artists to business people, everyone benefits from countdown timers because it helps kick mental fatigue.

Timers help you focus NOW which leads to enjoying your breaks and fun-time later. Accomplishing your task(s) gives you the feeling, the right, that you earned your break!

Being productive and being busy are not one in the same, so don't treat it as such! Stay productive with the countdown timer technique, and start reaping those rewards (otherwise known as breaks, happy hour, fun-time, family time and overall enjoyment of life without useless stress)!!

Be sure to comment below with your favorite productivity maximizing technique!