To get the most out of our working hours, we are often told to “eat the frog in the morning.” mute notifications or try similar Pomodoro techniques. These are evergreen productivity tips that have helped millions of office workers and entrepreneurs, and I'm not trying to downplay them. But when you've exhausted all the conventional productivity tips—or found they don't work for you—it's time to think outside the box.

In the 21st century, we seem to have a collective aversion to boredom. Our minds, constantly racing to keep up with distractions, have forgotten the art of quiet observation, the space where creativity flourishes and ideas arise from the everyday, like the sounds or smells around us, the odd passerby or a brief thought.

In this article, I'd like to share some unconventional strategies that have helped me stay focused and boosted my creativity in unexpected ways. Some of these methods can blur the lines between work and life, but as the CEO of a tech company, I know all too well that work and life aren't always easily separable.

So here's what I got in my special productivity tips the arsenal.

1. Do errands at unusual times and places

When I hit a creative roadblock, I look for ways to shake things up and stimulate my thinking. treat challenging task at unconventional times, such as early morning or late evening. Sometimes, I've had breakthroughs on how to solve a problem during an evening cycling or jogging session.

Similarly, you can change the place where you work (if it is technically possible in your field). Even if you have the most comfortable office, sometimes working from a park bench or a bustling coffee shop can give you just the spark you need.

This observation is supported by Cognitive flexibility theorywho claims that changing environments can disrupt routine patterns of thinking, forcing the brain to adapt and find new solutions. This explains why a change of scenery can inspire new perspectives.

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2. Find the place (or your best thinking activity)

Have you also noticed that some of the best ideas come to you just when you can't write them down? Nowadays, situations where we don't have our smartphones nearby are becoming more and more rare.

And that is exactly the problem.

Whenever a stillness arises, we instinctively reach for our smartphones or remotes to fill the gap with social media or streaming content. We feel compelled to multitask while walking, often listening to podcasts or audiobooks. Our phones are out even when we're waiting in line at the grocery store or at a red light.

I used to credit the calming effects of showers, cycling or swimming workouts for my bursts of creativity. But the truth is, these activities simply provided much-needed digital detox. Without the constant distractions of my phone, my mind was free to wander and innovate.

In short, my advice is to practice intentional thinking. Create phone-free zones in your day, whether it's a relaxing bath, a dog walk or just an hour of digital detox. These moments are golden opportunities for your creativity to flourish.

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3. Build a habit of associated productivity

One of my biggest productivity boosters is eating (or snacking) while working. Before you judge me for promoting unhealthy and unsanitary practices at work, let me explain.

For years, I've noticed that I feel a different kind of focus when I eat while reading a book or working on the computer. I looked for scientific evidence to explain this peculiarity, but found none.

This led me to conclude that the connection between eating and better focus is associative. As Pulitzer-winning productivity author Charles Duhigg explained in The Power of Habit, pairing a productive activity with an enjoyable activity can create a powerful habit loop.

Years later, I prefer to avoid snacking, so eating at the computer is a strategy for desperate times. Occasionally I may eat my lunch while reading an article or a longer document. I eat healthy foods such as nuts, berries or fruit to help yourself out of a difficult task to solve.

While this eating and working habit may not be ideal, it is not the only way to increase productivity. Experiment with healthier associations, such as listening to specific music, lighting a scented candle, or wearing noise-cancelling headphones. Over time, these rituals can increase focus and motivation by association.

Allow yourself to be bored!

As I mentioned above, we have lost our comfort with boredom. Constant worries drown out the quiet moments where creativity shines – from a fleeting thought to the smell of rain or an unusual stranger on the street.

I have learned these skills from my children: their ability to be fully present, their insatiable curiosity and their wonder at the world around them. By embracing a childlike sense of wonder and paying attention to the details of our surroundings, we can also foster creativity and increase productivity.