My New Work Methodology - A System for Better Focus and Productivity
- Joseph Gonzalez
- Mar 4, 2024
- 4 min read

As someone who’s always trying to improve myself, I’m constantly looking for new ways to boost my productivity and get more done in less time. Over the years, I’ve tried a lot of different methods for managing my work, but none of them quite felt right. Some were too complicated, others too rigid, and many only worked for certain types of tasks. So, I decided it was time to create my own approach—a work methodology that fits my unique needs.
Here’s what I’ve discovered works best for me, and how it might help you rethink how you approach your own work.
The Need for a New Workflow
I’ve always liked the idea of having a consistent system for managing my work. It helps me stay organized, track progress, and avoid feeling overwhelmed by my tasks. But my previous workflow just didn’t feel optimized. It was good, but there was room for improvement. It wasn’t as consistent or efficient as I wanted it to be.
I needed a method that could help me focus better, manage my time more effectively, and handle all the different kinds of work I do. Whether I’m working on product management, ecommerce, technical tasks, or creative projects, I needed a flexible approach that would allow me to dive deep into my work, but also switch between tasks quickly when needed.
Looking at Existing Workflows
There are hundreds of different productivity methods that exist. There are so many experts out there, each with their own "secret sauce." I’ve tried many of them, but many of these methods just didn’t click with me.
I wanted something more adaptable. I needed a workflow that could support deep, focused work—where I could really immerse myself in a task. But I also needed to be able to jump from one project to another without wasting time. That balance and consistency is what I was looking for.
My Methodology - Focused Work in Short Bursts
After experimenting with different approaches, I’ve found something that works really well for me: I use a method that focuses on "deep work"—but in short, intense bursts.
This is what I do. I set aside 45 minutes for a single, important task. During this time, I do deep work, meaning I work without interruptions, distractions, or multitasking. The goal is to focus on completing just one unit of important work during those 45 minutes. No jumping between tasks. No checking emails. Just one thing.
After those 45 minutes, I take a 15-minute break. This gives me time to stretch, grab a drink, or handle smaller tasks that don’t require as much focus. Sometimes, I use this time to tackle a single, small action item. But the key is to fully disengage from work so I can reset and be ready for the next session of deep work.
While it may seem counterproductive to spend time in just 45-minute blocks, I’ve found that this method actually boosts my overall productivity. By focusing all my energy on one important task at a time, I’m able to finish more work—and get it done faster. When you add up all the 45-minute blocks throughout the week, it’s surprising how much I can accomplish.
Prioritizing Work - What Matters Most?
When it comes to prioritizing tasks, it seems like every expert has their own opinion on that too. But after reading “The ONE Thing” by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan, I’ve come to agree with their advice: It’s better to focus on one thing at a time and get it done, rather than juggling ten tasks that never seem to get finished.
I’ve developed my own approach to prioritization based on return on investment (ROI)—both in terms of effort and results. Here’s how I prioritize my work:
Highest ROI with the lowest effort: These are the tasks that give me the most value with the least amount of time or energy. I tackle these first.
Highest ROI with greater effort: These tasks take more time or energy but are worth the investment. I work on these once I’ve knocked out the easier, high-value tasks.
Lower ROI with the lowest effort: These tasks don’t bring much value, but they don’t require much time or energy either. I fit these in when I have extra time or during my 15-minute breaks.
Lower ROI with the highest effort: These are the tasks that don’t provide much value for the amount of time or effort they require. I try to avoid these, and realistically, they rarely get done.
This approach helps me stay focused on the work that has the biggest impact, while avoiding wasting time on tasks that won’t move the needle forward.
The Results of Greater Focus, Better Work
By following this new methodology, I’ve seen some fantastic results. I focus on the work that truly moves the needle, and I work in mini-sprints that allow me to complete tasks faster. Not only am I getting more work done, but the quality of that work has improved as well.
I’m still refining this process as I go, but I’m already very happy with what I’ve come up with. This new approach has had a massive impact on my productivity and efficiency, and I feel more focused than ever.
I know this system may not work for everyone, but it’s been a game-changer for me. If you’re looking for a way to improve your focus and get more done, it might be worth giving it a try. Sometimes, the key to better productivity isn’t working harder—it’s working smarter. And that’s exactly what this new work methodology helps me do.