How to Actually Get More Work Done (Without Going Crazy)
Every second person is giving productivity gyaan these days:
“Wake up at 5 AM.”
“Take cold showers.”
“Read 78 books a month.”
But for most of us in India, reality looks different:
↳ Noisy homes
↳ Random relatives dropping by
↳ Chai breaks that turn into life updates
↳ A thousand distractions on our phones
So if you’re tired of the same old tips, here’s a real talk guide. For desi folks. With real lives.
► 1. Stop trying to do everything in one go
You’re not a machine. Don’t act like one.
Instead of writing a 3,000-word article, sending 4 emails, and making a pitch in one sitting, just ask:
“What’s the one thing I’ll be happy to finish today?”
↳ Do that first.
Small wins > Big plans that never happen.
► 2. Get out of your pyjamas
Sounds silly, but your brain listens to what you wear.
If you work in the same t-shirt you sleep in, your brain thinks, “Are we working or dreaming?”
Just wash your face. Change your clothes. Comb your hair. It switches something in your head.
► 3. Don’t work with 37 tabs open
Productivity dies when:
▧ 1 tab is Gmail
▧ 1 tab is a YouTube playlist
▧ 1 tab is a sale on Myntra
▧ And you don’t even remember what you opened Tab #12 for
Work in one tab. Finish. Close. Breathe.
► 4. Use chai as a bribe
Set a deal with yourself:
“Finish 1 task = Get 1 chai.”
You’ll be surprised how fast your brain gets moving.
Desi jugaad motivation works better than fancy apps.
► 5. Switch spots if your energy dies
Feeling sleepy or stuck?
↳ Move to a new corner.
↳ Work standing.
↳ Sit on the floor.
↳ Go to the balcony.
Or better: go to a quiet café or coworking space. A change of vibe brings back your focus.
► 6. Mute the noise — literally and digitally
▧ Put phone on silent
▧ Mute WhatsApp groups
▧ Block social apps for 2 hours
And if home is too noisy — wear headphones with white noise or calm music.
Silence isn’t a luxury. It’s fuel.
► 7. Make a “Not Now” List
Not everything needs to be done today.
Write down things you keep thinking about like:
▧ “I have to reply to Sharma Ji”
▧ “I should check that new course”
▧ “I should clean my inbox”
Now say out loud:
“Cool, I’ll do it tomorrow.”
Park the thought. Focus on now.
► 8. Make your workspace feel good
Light a candle. Open a window. Keep one nice photo on your table.
We’re human — we work better when the space feels good.
A ₹20 agarbatti can do more for your focus than a ₹2000 productivity course.
► 9. Stop copying Western routines
5 AM Club is not for everyone. Neither is bulletproof coffee.
If your brain works best from 11 AM to 7 PM — that’s fine.
Find your rhythm. Not what influencers are doing in California.
► 10. Respect your sleep like your boss
You can’t function on 4 hours of sleep, 2 coffees, and 1 Red Bull.
Get proper rest.
No productivity tool beats a fresh, well-slept brain.
◮ Final Thoughts:
You don’t need more willpower.
You just need less noise, clearer priorities, and a little bit of self-respect.
And maybe a working fan and a steady Wi-Fi 😅
So no pressure. Just start with one thing.
▧ Clean your desk
▧ Close extra tabs
▧ Do one task without checking your phone
That’s it.
