Here’s the Productivity Hack You Need, Based On Your Myers-Briggs® Personality Type

No matter what our lives are like we all want to be more productive in some way. Whether that means getting closer to completing a book we’re writing or getting more of our work done in a faster amount of time, productivity is key to accomplishing any goals – personal or work-related. That’s why in today’s post we’re taking a look at productivity and the “hacks” that will work best for each of the 16 Myers-Briggs® personality types. Let me know if you agree with your tip or if you have any other suggestions in the comments!

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Here’s the Productivity Hack You Need, Based On Your Myers-Briggs® Personality Type

ENFJ – Leave your phone somewhere else or set up social media blockers

When there’s a project you’re really itching to get done, leave your phone in another room so that texts and social media alerts don’t distract you from the task at hand. You’re someone who cares deeply about your relationships, and the buzz of an alert can be unbearably tempting. After all, one of your friends might need you! Leaving your phone elsewhere, or setting up “do not disturb” on your texts allows you to put your goals first for a change. This simple step can enable you to amp up your productivity, maintain more focus, and achieve your goals faster. And when you’ve gotten your prioritized tasks done then you can check your texts without feeling guilty or scattered.

Find out more about ENFJs: A Look Inside the ENFJ Mind

ENTJ – Take regular breaks

This might seem counter-intuitive. After all, if you want to get more done, shouldn’t you just work harder and longer? The truth is surprisingly less black-and-white. Taking regular breaks actually helps you to be more productive rather than less. Effective breaks can help you to reduce stress, relax your body, and also find creative solutions to problems that have been lingering in your mind. When you return to work after taking a break, your clarity and focus will be revitalized so that completing tasks will become easier than ever! You’ll have more energy and drive to tackle everything with newfound vigor. It’s far better than just trying to power through without any rest.

INFJ – Create a work space that works for you

As an INFJ you are deeply sensitive to your surroundings. Distractions, clutter, and commotion can really throw you off your game. If you create a work space that is peaceful, organized, and tailored to your needs then you’ll be much more productive. Declutter any surfaces that might distract your mind with too many items or thoughts of ‘what should I do next?’ and keep things simple – just the essentials. Invest in ergonomic chairs, lighting fixtures that you can control, and even noise-proofing or headphones if the environment around you is too loud. Leave one or two things on your desk that inspire you; maybe a quote of the day or a vision board that will keep your inspiration tank fueled. These items will bring focus and clarity back to your productivity game.

Find out more about INFJs: A Look Inside the INFJ Mind

INTJ – Let go of perfectionism

INTJs are known for being perfectionists. You’re probably someone who maps out a plan ahead of time, comes up with the strategy, but then continually improves upon your idea in order to try to make it perfectly match what’s in your mind. According to the Harvard Business Review, perfectionism can be the enemy of productivity. Perfectionists struggle to delegate tasks because they worry that other people will mess them up. And perfectionists get annoyed when everything they do isn’t 100% perfect. This self-defeating drive can create a lot of stress and anxiety that gets in the way of getting things done. Instead, focus on the lessons learned in failure, meaning over perfection, and lower the pressure you put on yourself. Without the burden of perfectionism, you can focus on your tasks with more inspiration, clarity, and motivation.

Find out more about INTJs: 12 Stress-Busting Techniques for INTJs

ENFP – Avoid multi-tasking

As an ENFP you probably have a million ideas buzzing around your head at once. But if you try to tackle all of them at the same time, then it’s likely that none of them will get done well or even finished at all. Multi-tasking is an illusion; your brain can’t actually do multiple tasks simultaneously. Instead, try the Pomodoro technique to amp up your productivity! Set a timer for 25 minutes and focus on one task until the timer runs out. Then, take a 5 minute break to restore your energy levels before coming back to another task. The Pomodoro technique works because it breaks down complex tasks into smaller parts, allowing you to stay focused yet refreshed – the perfect combination for productivity!

Find out more about ENFPs: 24 Signs That You’re an ENFP, The Visionary Personality Type

ENTP – Use web site blockers

As an ENTP you enjoy perusing the internet and exploring random rabbit trails of thought. Whether you’re replying to Reddit threads, catching up on the news, or checking out the latest memes – all of these activities can be great sources of entertainment and inspiration. But when your work requires focus, web site blockers are your best friend. Install a browser extension that restricts access to any websites that distract you so that you stay productive for various chunks throughout the day. Then when you’ve finished a task, reward yourself with access to all of your favorite curiosity-satisfying websites! This cycle will ensure that you stay focused and productive while still enjoying the occasional break.

INFP – Give yourself 30 minutes of free writing time every morning

Did you know that writing for 30 minutes every morning can increase productivity throughout the day? As an INFP, journaling is a great way to tap into your own thoughts and emotions, helping you stay motivated and energized. At the start of each morning, give yourself 30 minutes for free writing so that your brain can wander through any ideas or stories that it wants to explore. Allowing your creativity and imagination 30 minutes of free reign will help clear your mind and get inspired sot hat you can tackle the day in a productive manner. So grab that pen and paper and let go of any expectations; just write!

Discover more about INFPs: 25 Quotes That INFPs Will Instantly Identify With

INTP – Use an Important/Urgent Matrix for decisions and organization

As an INTP, you’re probably a master of analyzing and understanding information. But sometimes it can get easy to get “lost in the weeds” of a project or get distracted by too many options. An effective way to manage your tasks is in an Important/Urgent Matrix. To do this, simply draw four squares on a piece of paper. In quadrant 1, put tasks that are both important and urgent – like deadlines. Quadrant 2 is for tasks that are important, but not urgent. These can be long-term projects or creative endeavors. Quadrant 3 covers tasks that are urgent but not important – these could be things like coworkers stopping by for a chat or phone calls. And finally in Quadrant 4, list activities that are neither important or urgent – like watching TV or browsing the internet. This matrix can help you organize your tasks, prioritize them, and strategize ways to cut down on distractions and interruptions that are getting in your way.

Find out more about INTPs: A Look at the INTP Leader

ESFJ – Learn to say “No”

As an ESFJ, you thrive on helping others and being a team player. But if you want to be productive then sometimes it’s important for you to say “No”. By prioritizing yourself and your own goals you’re setting a healthy boundary. Learning to do this can help free up your time so that you can focus on the tasks that are important to you and move your projects forward. It’s okay to be polite and refuse a request if it doesn’t fit with your schedule, and when you’ve accomplished a task, feel free to say “Yes” – but only if that’s where your heart is leading you!

ESTJ – Schedule time for self-care

As an ESTJ, responsibility and hard work are important to you. But it’s also essential that you take time for yourself to relax and unwind from the day. By scheduling a certain amount of time each day for self-care, like taking a walk or meditating, you will be able to come back to your tasks with fresh eyes and renewed energy. This can help keep you focused and productive. And don’t forget to treat yourself! Whether it’s the occasional massage or a movie with a friend, make sure to reward yourself for all of your hard work.

ISFJ – Learn your work “zones”

When it comes to getting a job done, it helps to know when – and where – you’re at your best. As an ISFJ, feeling peaceful and energized from within is crucial. Setting the stage is important. Are you more creative in the morning? Do you come alive in the wee hours of the night? Do certain pictures inspire you? Take time to study your mental, emotional, and physical patterns to see when you are most productive. Once you know your “zones”, it will be easier to plan out tasks accordingly so that you can get the best results in the least amount of time. And when you’re at your natural “slump”, use that time for projects that don’t require as much mental energy.

Find out more about ISFJs: 24 Signs That You’re an ISFJ, the Protector Personality Type

ISTJ – Identify the ‘Why’ behind your task

As an ISTJ, your responsibilities are important to you and you tend to place them above all else. At the same time, sometimes you can get bogged down in busywork and end up feeling disconnected from the big picture. To avoid this, take the time to identify the purpose behind your tasks and why they are important to you and your goals. This will help motivate you and make it easier for you to stay focused on what needs to be done. At the same time, it can help you trim down tasks that are getting in the way of your ‘Why.’

ESFP – Get up and move every half an hour

As an ESFP, one of the worst things you can do to be productive is sit still at a desk all day. You’re a person of action and variety; stagnancy has no place with you! Try walking while you take an important phone call or get up every half an hour and move around. Play a song and do a quick dance or simply stretch – you decide. This will help keep you energized, refreshed, and inspired. And if you’re eyes are exhausted from staring at screens, take a break and step outside for some fresh air and natural beauty. Your body and mind will thank you!

ESTP – Write down your three most important tasks the day before

As an ESTP you like to live moment to moment. Planning isn’t your favorite thing to do, but you’d be surprised how much more productive you can be in less time with a tiny bit of planning. Before you go to bed, take five minutes and write down the three most important tasks that need to be accomplished in the morning. That way when you wake up, you’ll know exactly what needs to be done and can get to work without spending time thinking about it. When you can knock out your 3 high-priority tasks right away, that frees up more of your time for spontaneity and fun!

ISFP – Listen to motivating music

Whether you’re stuck in an office or guiding a paintbrush, as an ISFP, you need to be in the right headspace to get things done. Music is a powerful tool when it comes to shifting your mindset – and there are so many different genres that can help motivate you. Put together a playlist of songs that make you feel alive, whether they’re fast-paced or slow jams. Listening to your favorite tunes will help you maintain focus, feel energized, and get the job done.

Find out more about ISFPs: How ISFPs Say “I Love You”

ISTP – Prioritize a dedicated workspace

You focus best when there aren’t a lot of interruptions or people around. As an ISTP, try and prioritize a comfortable, dedicated workspace that can remain relatively distraction-free. Whether it’s a home office or the corner of your bedroom, make this place your own. You want to walk into your workspace and feel like you’re ready to conquer the world. Make sure it’s free of clutter and has a few items that bring you joy, like a plant or your favorite mug. Having this sanctuary can help you feel inspired, clear-headed, and productive.

What Are Your Thoughts?

Was this article helpful to you? What are some tips and tricks that you’ve used to be more productive? Let us know in the comments!

Find out more about your personality type in our eBooks, Discovering You: Unlocking the Power of Personality Type,  The INFJ – Understanding the Mystic, The INTJ – Understanding the Strategist, and The INFP – Understanding the Dreamer. You can also connect with me via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!

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