[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_dropcap]O[/fusion_dropcap]ver the past few years, I have learned a few productivity hacks that allows me to ignore emails, hire talented employees, and control my office environment.

Most days I wake up insanely early. Every morning, I start my day with Eminem verse reminding me that “You Get One Shot.”

Knowing I get only one shot at this deal, every day I focus on execution and productivity hacks that allow me to do more faster.

According to research published in the American Marketing Journal and the Chicago Journal of Consumer Research, the environment that you work in and the noise levels have a huge impact on creativity and innovation.

So naturally, I created my personal work areas based proven scientific principles, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Star Wars Change Management Process.

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Kendall Matthews Darth Vader Productivity Hacks — I look for pain everyday.

One way that I’ve adjusted my workspace for maximum productivity is by using dual screen monitors to help process information. For example, my large monitor will display an MS Word file or analytical software program like Google Webmaster Tools. The smaller monitor will show the research programs that I’m running, like Keyword Spy or Yahoo Finance, or maybe a YouTube playlist of the entire soundtrack of Lord of the Rings. Another example is when I’m working on strategic campaigns. The left monitor has browsers showing analytics programs while the right monitor displays the content marketing assets.

You’ve heard the saying that there’s no reason to reinvent the wheel? Well, there’s also no reason to manually complete tasks when there are hordes of amazing (and sometimes free!) software application and mobile apps at your fingertips.

Here are 5 niche software and productivity hack tools that I use every day to help me execute at a high level.

Evernote – I have the premium account.
Promodroido – Here’s a hint: change the preferences to adjust your time settings.
Momentum – Each day, it changes to another beautiful image and powerful quote.
Workflowy – Simple the best online outlining program there is.
Coffitivity – You don’t have to go to Starbucks anymore for the background noise.

Kendall Matthews Desk of Productivity Hacks — The “It” that I bring everyday is results.

Finally, I make sure to recharge regularly. Instead of Smoke Breaks, I take Nap Breaks – The Ultimate Productivity Hack.

I have no shame in going to my car, opening the windows, putting on a sleeping mask, and taking a good 10-15 minute power nap.

Just like when you were toddler, taking one or two naps every day is important to stay highly active.

According to research from University of California, Berkeley, the more hours we spend awake, the more sluggish our minds become.

Try this.

The next time you hear your boss bragging that she wakes up at 4:30 a.m. and goes to sleep at midnight,. Ask her how many naps she takes in her Lexus.

If she says, none, then simply say with a smile, “Oh, that explains it.”

Kendall Matthews Desk of Productivity Hacks - Boots to Asses — Before leaving my office, team members must slap my customer service sign.

Notes:

Chicago Journal of Consumer Research, “How Noise Effects Creativity & Buying,” available at http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1086/665048
University of California, Berkeley, “Naps Boost Learning,” available at http://newscenter.berkeley.edu/2010/02/22/naps_boost_learning_capacity/

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