How to be productive: Marcelo Futerman's secrets

Being productive isn’t about working harder; it’s about working smarter. Over the years, I’ve experimented with countless techniques to optimize my time, energy, and focus. Today, I want to share my most valuable productivity secrets—the methods that have helped me maximize efficiency while maintaining balance.

Define clear priorities every day

One of the biggest mistakes people make is jumping into tasks without a clear plan. Every morning, before diving into work, I take ten minutes to outline my top three priorities for the day. These are the tasks that will create the most impact. By focusing on them first, I ensure that my most important work gets done, regardless of what distractions may arise later.

Use the 90-minute focus rule

Our brains aren’t designed to concentrate for hours on end. I follow the 90-minute focus rule, dedicating uninterrupted blocks of time to deep work. During these sessions, I turn off notifications, avoid emails, and put my phone on silent. After 90 minutes, I take a short break to reset. This technique not only improves concentration but also prevents burnout.

Leverage technology, but don’t let it control you

As someone deeply involved in technology and artificial intelligence, I appreciate the power of digital tools. However, I’ve learned that technology should serve us, not distract us. I use automation tools to streamline repetitive tasks and productivity apps to keep track of my projects. But I also set strict boundaries—disabling non-essential notifications and scheduling specific times to check emails and messages.

Embrace the power of routines

Habits shape our productivity more than motivation. I have morning and evening routines that help me stay grounded and efficient. My morning routine includes exercise, a short meditation, and reviewing my goals. My evening routine involves journaling and planning for the next day. These rituals create consistency and eliminate decision fatigue.

The two-minute rule for small tasks

Procrastination often stems from feeling overwhelmed. To counter this, I apply the two-minute rule: if a task takes less than two minutes to complete, I do it immediately. Whether it’s replying to an email, organizing my desk, or setting up a quick reminder, handling these micro-tasks right away prevents them from piling up.

Delegate and automate whenever possible

Many professionals struggle with delegation, thinking they must do everything themselves. But true productivity comes from focusing on high-value work and outsourcing the rest. I delegate administrative tasks and use AI-powered solutions to handle repetitive processes. This allows me to dedicate my time to strategic thinking and innovation.

Prioritize deep work over busy work

Not all work is created equal. I’ve learned to differentiate between deep work—activities that require intense focus and creativity—and shallow work, such as answering emails and attending unnecessary meetings. I schedule deep work sessions early in the day when my mind is freshest, ensuring that I make meaningful progress on key projects.

Optimize energy, not just time

Time management is crucial, but energy management is just as important. I pay attention to my natural energy cycles and structure my day accordingly. I schedule demanding tasks when I’m at peak energy levels and reserve lower-energy periods for administrative work. Regular exercise, hydration, and proper sleep are also non-negotiable for maintaining high performance.

Continuous learning and self-improvement

Productivity isn’t static; it evolves. I dedicate time each week to learning new skills, reading about innovations in my industry, and refining my workflow. By continuously improving, I stay adaptable and open to new strategies that enhance my efficiency.

Final thoughts

Productivity isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most. By applying these principles—prioritization, deep work, strategic use of technology, and energy management—you can optimize your workflow and achieve greater success without feeling overwhelmed.

These methods have been instrumental in my journey, and I hope they help you as much as they’ve helped me. The key is to start small, experiment with different approaches, and find what works best for you. The most productive people aren’t those who work the longest hours, but those who use their time wisely.