Use These Science-Backed Hacks to Help You Be Less Lazy in 2025 These tips come from experts and entrepreneurs who made it their goal to be more productive in 2024 — use them to become more sharp and focused on the year ahead.
By Mark Klekas
Key Takeaways
- Learn about "power hours"
- Utilize your "in-between" moments
- Schedule "joy" snacks
- Using the "red and blue" technique
There's a lot of New Year's resolutions to pick from. And maybe yours is as simple as being less lazy and more productive in 2025.
This year, we've uncovered some of the best productivity hacks from experts and successful entrepreneurs. The following are four science-based productivity tips you can use to start off next year on the right foot.
Related: Adopt These 9 Habits and You'll Be Unrecognizable
1. Identify your "power hours"
Google's executive productivity advisor, Laura Mae Martin, swears by the "Morning 3." Most people have a three-hour window in which they can get their best work done — for some people, it's early morning, while for others, it's late at night. The trick is to block off this time and don't waste it on low-energy tasks. By incorporating this simple strategy into your routine, you'll set yourself up for a focused and satisfying day.
Start by creating a playlist that relaxes and motivates you. Martin recommends instrumental music to lift your mood and energize your morning. Next, focus on lighting — make sure it's just right for you to be productive. Finally, prepare something for "future you" — whether it's setting up your coffee or clearing the sink — so you can start or end your day with fewer tasks to tackle. These strategies are easy to add to your routine, and your future self will thank you for the boost in both productivity and well-being.
"Once you've identified your power hours, you want to do whatever you can to keep those hours blocked."
2. Utilize your "in-between" moments
Commuting and other "in-between" moments might feel like wasted time, but studies suggest these buffer zones can actually impact your workday happiness and productivity. Instead of using this time purely for pleasure, consider using it to set priorities, plan your day and break down big projects.
By clarifying your goals during your commute, you can start your workday with a clear focus, leading to higher job satisfaction and a smoother transition into work mode. Breaking tasks into smaller steps also helps you maintain momentum and reduces overwhelm, even in short, fragmented moments. These strategies could transform your "dead zone" into a productivity booster.
In my role as CEO of Jotform, I've taken this data to heart, and come up with something of a life hack. Today, I treat those buffer zones as, at least ideally, akin to easing into a hot bath rather than plunging into a cold pool and have been witness to resulting differences in motivation and productivity.
3. Schedule "joy" snacks
It's important to have something to look forward to if you want to stay productive, according to Elisette Carlson, founder of SMACK! Media.
"Joy" snacks can be anything to help yourself to have something to look forward to — listening to your favorite song, calling a friend or going for a quick walk. The trick is that they are small, meaningful activities, not just scrolling or zoning out. Carlson says it's good to set alerts so you'll remember to take your "joy" snacks.
Sometimes, energy doesn't come from food or sleep alone; it's fueled by moments of joy. I schedule mini "joy" snacks throughout my day — moments that offer a quick mental recharge.
4. More red and blue
A British Columbia study found that red and blue work together to support task performance. The color red can assist with detail-oriented tasks and stimulation. While blue can help with creative tasks, motivation and relaxation.
It doesn't have to be these colors exactly — everyone responds to colors differently, but the theory remains the same. Pick two colors that can help separate your tasks.
Surrounding yourself with these colors doesn't necessarily mean you need to repaint your office (although you could). You could use red accents or backgrounds for tasks that require attention to detail, such as studying for exams or proofreading documents. Use blue as a background color for brainstorming sessions or creative projects to stimulate innovative thinking and problem-solving.
