Performance & Productivity: Four Focus Hacks for City Professionals

With deadlines, client demands, and personal aspirations all competing for your attention, it’s no surprise that busy City professionals risk burnout more than ever. But high performance isn’t about working longer; it’s about working smarter—with intention and focus.

Here are essential productivity strategies, straight from evidence-based psychology and tested with high-achieving clients.

But first, a relaxing image of a happy dog to get you in the right frame of mind to absorb these top tips:

Happy, smiling and relaxed dog cuddling with their owner

Productivity methods that work (+ bonus tips!):

·       The 25-minute sprint (pomodoro rule):

Set a timer for 25 minutes of deep work with notifications off. After, take a 3-minute break—walk, stretch, or grab a glass of water. This rhythm reduces fatigue and boosts creative problem-solving.

·       Evening ‘success shut-down’:

Each evening, spend 5 minutes “shutting down” your workspace—clear tabs, tick off completed tasks, and list tomorrow’s top priority. This ritual lowers anxiety and means you start the next day on the front foot.

·       Batch meetings:

Group meetings together wherever possible and defend at least one ‘meeting-free’ block each day, even if just for 45 minutes. Use that time for your deepest or most creative work.

·       Outsource tiny tasks:

Weekly, identify one micro-task to delegate, automate, or eliminate entirely. These quick wins create pockets of time and mental clarity.

Bonus content:

·       Energy audit: Track your peak and dip periods. Schedule high-focus work for your natural “power hours.”

·       Digital declutter: Set notification curfews—e.g., no emails after 8pm. Your brain will thank you, and your results will improve.

·       Accountability buddy: Pair up with a trusted colleague for biweekly progress check-ins—mutual accountability drives results.

Unlocking your full potential is about more than time management—it’s about intentional action and strategic rest.

If you want to break the busy trap for good, book your free Discovery Call or a focused performance coaching session with a City insider.

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