The next and final step (No. 4) toward increased productivity is to aim to ensure that our new productivity process is sustainable and doesn’t quickly fizzle out. So often, we get excited about a new process but lack the tools, commitment, and mindset to see it to completion and long-term integration.

Here we talk about how to keep going in the face of expected setbacks and maintain the requisite level of well-being required for succeeding over the long haul.

The five components of this step are:
1. Decline or question as many noncritical meetings and tasks as possible; learn to say no
2. Focus on excellence, not perfection
3. Break often but briefly
4. Self-care (sharpen the saw): sleep, exercise, eat well
5. Use your commute wisely; read often

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