Brandon Carter's Best Productivity Hacks

Image Courtesy of Brandon Carter

As someone who’s built several $1,000,000 businesses, I know a few things about productivity.

Over the years of building online training programs, generating high quality fitness content, and expanding my brand worldwide, I’ve found the best productivity hacks that literally anyone can do to 5x their efficiency to make more money in less time.

And I don’t just stick with the more traditional productivity tricks. I use anything that works, plain and simple. Because at the end of the day, whatever makes me the most money is the correct answer.

The Best Productivity Hacks To Use In 2024

1.) NoFap: Let me set the record straight - success isn’t about whether or not you beat your meat. It’s about where you direct your focus and energy.

And since men typically think about sex every 3 minutes, this is something every guy needs to take control of if they want to be more productive.

My advice? Internet thots are like like poison for a man’s brain. All it does it eat up your time and screw with your dopamine release like an addictive drug. Find yourself a wifey instead and lay off the internet garbage.

2.) Caffeine: I've always viewed caffeine as a double-edged sword in the realm of productivity. While it most definitely offers a significant boost to endurance and cognitive function, be careful about your consumption. It can become more addictive than you think.

Just be careful you don’t drink more than 4 cups of coffee daily, otherwise you get headaches, insomnia, nervousness, irritability, and other annoying side effects that will have the opposite effect on productivity.

3.) Cold Showers and Cryotherapy: I'm a big proponent of cold showers and cryotherapy. Science shows that cold exposure can increase dopamine levels by 200%, boosting motivation and drive significantly.

Incorporating a cold plunge first thing in the morning has been a ritual for me. It's more than just a physical challenge; it's about mental resilience. The jolt of cold water not only wakes up every cell in your body but also sharpens your mind.

4.) Intermittent Fasting: Intermittent fasting is actually more than just a weight loss strategy; it's a key to better focus and energy. I've personally experienced the benefits of heightened alertness and concentration during fasting periods.

The science backs this up, with studies indicating that intermittent fasting can lead to improved brain health and increased resistance to stress and neurodegenerative diseases.

5.) Meditation: Meditation has been a game-changer for me in controlling emotions and staying focused. Meditation not only helps in stress reduction but can also lead to real changes in the brain associated with memory, empathy, and stress.

Image Courtesy of Urban Ice Tribe

What’s The Best Way To Set And Achieve Goals?

A few productivity hacks may help you get sharper and faster, but make sure to pair these hacks with proper goal setting and milestones to set accurate expectations, achieve micro-wins, and smash goals consistently.

I firmly believe in setting actionable goals. You need to be meticulously planning and executing steps that make failure nearly impossible.

For example, if you aim to start a business, your goal shouldn't just be to 'start a business' but to identify specific actions, like market research, capital acquisition, and building a customer base.

It's about breaking down the big picture into smaller, achievable tasks. This approach aligns with the advice of experts like Stephen Covey, who emphasizes starting with a clear vision and breaking it down into specific, manageable steps.

To ensure I'm consistently moving towards these goals, I rely heavily on using a daily habit tracker. This tool serves as a constant, visual reminder of my goals and the progress I'm making towards them.

It's about quantifying actions and ensuring that each day contributes to the overarching objectives. By writing down goals, committing to action steps, and holding yourself accountable regularly, you can significantly increase the likelihood of achieving your set goals by up to 33%.

Last, check out Malcolm Gladwell's "Outliers," which suggests that mastery in any field requires about 10,000 hours of practice. This '10,000-Hour Rule' has been a guiding principle in my dedication to continuous skill development.

The BMM Takeaway

At the end of the day, your productivity will rely heavily on your health.

You can use the best time management strategies in the world, but if you’re slumped over your desk with a raging headache, then there’s no point. So make sure you follow these last few tips for best results:

Waking Up Early: Rising early has been a transformative habit for me. It's about more than just getting up when it's still dark outside; it's about seizing the day. Waking up early provides a quiet, distraction-free environment that's ideal for focusing on the most challenging tasks.

This habit aligns with the advice of many successful people, which you can read in Laura Vanderkam's book "What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast," which highlights how important morning routines can be in achieving productivity and success.

Optimizing Sleep: Being drowsy is a one way ticket to being a lazy sack of potatoes. So don’t drink coffee after 7PM, keep your room around 67 degrees F, and try to get 8 hours of sleep.

Also, don’t make the mistake of thinking that staying up later to work will get more work done. In most cases, whatever you look at the next morning will be garbage.

Hydration: Proper hydration is a simple yet often overlooked aspect of maintaining peak performance. The truth is, drinking enough water is essential for optimal brain function and energy levels.

Even mild dehydration can alter a person's mood, energy level, and ability to think clearly. That’s why I always carry around a reusable water jug and take drinks periodically throughout the day. You’d be surprised at how good you feel from it, and how much more work you can get done.

TLDR (Too Long Didn’t Read)

  • NoFap: Focus on goals over abstaining from sexual activities. Avoid distractions from the internet for better productivity.

  • Caffeine: Useful but limit intake to avoid addiction and negative side effects.

  • Cold Showers/Cryotherapy: Boosts dopamine by 200%, enhances motivation and drive.

  • Intermittent Fasting: Improves focus and energy, beneficial for brain health.

  • Meditation: Aids in emotional control and focus, leads to positive brain changes.

  • Goal Setting: Set actionable goals, use daily trackers for accountability, inspired by Stephen Covey's methods.

  • Reading and Skill Development: It takes 10,000 hours to master a skill as outlined by Malcolm Gladwell's "10,000-Hour Rule."