A More Human Take on Productivity

Ever feel like you’re running at full speed but never quite reaching the finish line? Like you're constantly busy, yet the things that really matter always seem to slip through the cracks?

We’ve all been there. Checking boxes, putting out fires, answering endless emails, but at the end of the day… what really got done? Did you move the needle on what matters most? Or just stay afloat? And, did you honor your humanity along the way?

What if productivity didn’t mean doing more? What if it meant doing less—but focusing on what actually counts? Imagine waking up each day and knowing you’re not just checking off a to-do list, but aligning your actions with your biggest priorities.?

It sounds like a dream, right?

But it’s possible.

In this week’s newsletter with Laura Mae Martin , Google's Executive Productivity Advisor, she reveals how real, sustainable productivity isn’t about cramming more into your day. It’s about aligning your work with your values and building fluid routines that create space for both success and well-being.

Here’s how you can make that shift, too.

1. Productivity isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most.

For many of us, productivity means checking off as many boxes as possible—busy work that fills our days but leaves us feeling empty. Laura Mae Martin, Google's Executive Productivity Advisor, turns that concept on its head. She defines a productive day not by the sheer volume of tasks completed, but by the alignment between our intentions and our actions.?

Imagine spending a full day watching your favorite show, but feeling productive because you intentionally set aside time to relax. That’s the power of aligning your time with your core values. Productivity, then, isn’t about cramming in more work; it’s about creating space for the things that truly matter.

2. Rigid schedules don’t work for real people—fluid routines do.

In today’s world, where life rarely fits into neat blocks of time, rigid schedules often set us up for failure. Instead, Laura recommends adopting “fluid routines,” which allow for flexibility while maintaining focus. For example, instead of time-blocking every hour of your day, identify “power hours” when you’re naturally most productive. Maybe it’s 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., or maybe it’s late afternoon.?

By creating flexible yet intentional spaces for focus, you leave room for spontaneity while ensuring that your most important work gets done. It’s a strategy that’s rooted in self-awareness—knowing when you work best and allowing yourself the grace to adjust when life gets in the way.

3. Define your top three priorities and let them guide your actions.

One of Laura’s most effective strategies is helping people define their top three priorities. Why three? Because when everything’s a priority, nothing is. Narrowing your focus ensures that you’re dedicating time and energy to what truly matters. These priorities aren’t just for work; they span both personal and professional life.?

For example, if moving your family is a top priority this quarter, it might mean stepping back from a work project. When you define your top three, you give yourself permission to say no to distractions and non-essential tasks. This creates clarity and focus, helping you achieve deeper, more meaningful progress.

4. Procrastination might not be a bad thing—it could be a signal.

We all procrastinate, but instead of seeing it as a flaw, Laura suggests looking at it as feedback. If you keep putting off a task, it might be because you're trying to do it at the wrong time. Maybe you’ve scheduled early morning writing sessions, but you find yourself dreading them. Instead of forcing it, ask yourself, “When am I naturally more inclined to do this work?”?

By experimenting with different times and environments, you can find the rhythm that works best for you. Sometimes, simply tweaking the timing or breaking a task into smaller steps can turn procrastination into productivity.

5. Boundaries are the secret to sustaining productivity and well-being.

We often think of productivity and well-being as two opposing forces, but Laura reminds us that they’re interconnected. Setting boundaries—both at work and in your personal life—creates the space needed for both. For instance, if you stop taking meetings after 3 p.m., you protect time for deep work or family. And it’s not just about saying “no” to everything.?

Laura emphasizes framing boundaries positively: instead of “I don’t take calls after 5 p.m.,” try “I’m available for calls from 8 to 5.” This shifts the focus from what you’re restricting to what you’re offering, making it easier for others to respect your boundaries while you stay aligned with your priorities.

Feeling like you could use more alignment and less chaos in your day? These strategies are just the beginning. In our conversation, Laura Mae Martin shares even more insights into how you can align productivity with well-being, work with your natural cycles, and create space for what matters most. Listen to the full episode to dive deeper into practical tools for transforming the way you approach your time and energy.

#Productivity #WellBeing #TimeManagement #PersonalGrowth #SPARKEDPodcast

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