But you don’t have to be this way. There is a method to help you accomplish more with less effort and increase your productivity. That is, by determining your Power Hour.
What Is a Power Hour?
A “Power Hour” is generally a short period of time, typically 60 minutes, during which a person focuses intensely on a specific task or goal. According to Adrienne Herbert, author of the book Power Hour: How to Focus on Your Goals and Create a Life You Love, the Power Hour is:[1] The key is to use the time to make progress on something that is important to you. It could be anything from a work project or personal chores, and to do so with a high level of focus and effort. Here are a few examples of how to use a Power Hour:
Working on a difficult project at work, such as writing a report or preparing a presentation. Practicing a musical instrument or sport. Engaging in meditation or mindfulness exercises. Working on a hobby or creative project.
The things that you choose to accomplish during a Power Hour will vary depending on your personal goals and interests.
Benefits of the Power Hour
The idea behind a Power Hour is to boost productivity and get better outcomes by focusing intensively on a single job or objective for a set period of time. Here’s how a Power Hour boosts your productivity:
1. Overcoming Procrastination
One of the key ways that a Power Hour can help you to overcome procrastination is by providing a dedicated block of time to focus on a specific task or goal. Setting aside a certain period each day to work on something important allows you to avoid distractions and interruptions and focus completely on the subject at hand. This can help to get started on things that would otherwise be difficult to begin, as well as offer a sense of momentum and accomplishment.
2. Helping You Take Charge of Your Day
Since you will have to prioritize the critical tasks to complete during the Power Hour, you will ensure progress on your goals while avoiding feeling overwhelmed by a lengthy to-do list. This can significantly increase your productivity and give you greater control over your time.
3. Feeling More Energetic and Motivated
Completing a critical task during Power Hour can create a sense of accomplishment and progress, which can be exhilarating and motivating. Making progress on your goal can also make you feel more in control and confident, which can increase your energy and motivation. Now that you’ve learned about the benefits of having a Power Hour, let’s get into how to identify one and make it work for you.
How to Identify Your Power Hour
In the book Power Hour: How to Focus on Your Goals and Create a Life You Love, Herbert thinks that the Power Hour is typically the first hour of the day. However, I believe the Power Hour changes depending on the circumstances of each individual. For example, a working mother’s Power Hour could take place when their children are in school; some people are night owls who work better at night, while others are morning people who work better in the morning. To identify your Power Hour, you will need to consider your individual goals and priorities, as well as your schedule and daily routine. Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you reflect on your most productive period and pinpoint your Power Hour:
1. When are you absolutely unable to do your own work?
It can be the moment when you have to drop off or pick up your kids from school. It can be the moment when you have to prepare dinner for your family or when you have to take care of some housework. You can’t have your Power Hour at these hours.
2. What time of day do you typically feel more energized or focused?
Is it in the morning, evening, or in the afternoon? That might be your Power Hour. Once you’ve determined your Power Hour, block that time for yourself and don’t let anything or anyone interrupt. For me, my Power Hour is right after I drop my kids off at school. I turn off all of my phone’s alerts and block all team members from pinging me during that time so that I can concentrate on coming up with ideas for business strategy and initiatives.
How to Have a Successful Power Hour
Here are a few steps you can take to identify your Power Hour:
1. Eliminate All Possible Distractions
To eliminate distractions during your Power Hour, there are a few steps you can take. First, you can turn off notifications on your devices, such as your phone, tablet, and computer. This will prevent alerts and notifications from interrupting your work and pulling your attention away from the task at hand. Additionally, you can silence your phone and put it in “do not disturb” mode to prevent calls and messages from interrupting your Power Hour. You can also put up a “do not disturb” sign or block your calendar to prevent others from scheduling meetings or appointments during your Power Hour.
2. Set Your Mind Ready to Focus
One effective strategy to set your mind ready to focus is to use headphones or earplugs to block out external noise and distractions. This can create a more focused and conducive environment for your Power Hour, and can help to improve concentration. Additionally, you can try closing your office door or finding a quiet, private workspace where you won’t be disturbed. This can help to reduce interruptions and distractions. Another effective strategy is to try starting your Power Hour with a simple meditation or mindfulness exercise. This can help to clear your mind and focus your attention, and can reduce stress and improve overall well-being. By taking a few minutes to quiet your mind and focus on your breath, you can set yourself up for a more focused and productive Power Hour.
3. Pick Only ONE Task to Focus On
During your Power Hour, focus on the most important task. Two questions to help you choose that ONE task to undertake during the Power Hour: If you tend to put off challenging activities, “eat the frog” and attempt to complete them during your Power Hour. If you lose mental energy easily, consider doing something motivating during the Power Hour, such as yoga, playing a musical instrument, or jogging. By following these steps, you can identify your Power Hour and use it effectively to make progress on your goals and increase your productivity.
Conclusion
Overall, the advantages of a Power Hour vary depending on what you want to achieve, but it can be a great tool for attaining results more efficiently. I strongly recommend you set aside a Power Hour each day (or week) to focus on your most essential tasks and goals, and stick to your Power Hour in order to make progress and get more done. Featured photo credit: Álvaro Bernal via unsplash.com
