You’ve probably learned from experience that being creative is not just about coming up with the most brilliant ideas, but also about getting them done. Productivity hacks are becoming more common, as well as techniques, tools and strategies that help you achieve more with less effort.
These hacks are not only found in business books. Our favourite fictional characters can teach us a great deal about productivity. Fiction can teach you a lot, whether you are struggling with creative block or perfectionism.
Do you still not believe us? We’ll share with you some character-based hacks that will boost your productivity. If you’ve never read or seen the books, shows, and movies, we recommend that you do!
Sherlock Holmes – deep thinking and concentrated work
Characters: Sherlock Holmes is the most popular fictional detective in history. It was created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Sherlock Holmes is known for his sharp intellect, meticulous observation and deductive reasoning skills. He solves complex cases in an uncanny way. Ultimately, his genius lies in his ability to focus entirely on the task at hand, blocking out all distractions–including social niceties.
We can all learn from their experiences: Sherlock does not scroll halfheartedly through Twitter as he deduces a killer. When tackling large projects, he enters a deep mode of concentration. Do you want to be like him? You can channel Sherlock Holmes by using the Pomodoro method, time-blocking or even turning off your notifications.
What you need to know: Avoid distractions by focusing on one task. You’ll thank your brain (and you will meet deadlines).
Tony Stark: Rapid prototyping and innovation
Characters: Tony Stark, the billionaire behind Stark Industries as well as his superhero alter ego Iron Man is a genius. Tony Stark is known for his quick-wittedness, technical brilliance, and charming arrogance. He designs and manufactures advanced technology including Iron Man suits. His signature trait? He does not wait for perfection. He builds crude versions, tests and improves them constantly, even if this means some explosive accidents.
We can all learn from their experiences: It is dangerous to wait for perfection. You can improve an idea faster if you release it sooner, whether it is a sketch, first draft or prototype.
What you need to know: Start. Perfection comes later. You can never be perfect (and it’s fine too).
Hermione: Never stop learning
Characters: Hermione, an overachiever and bookworm at Hogwarts, the magic school in Harry Potter is Hermione. She is one of Harry Potter’s closest friends and she’s intelligent, resourceful, and determined. She is a voracious reader, is able to master spells before her peers and always has a little bit of magic knowledge at hand. She is the strongest witch in her class because of her dedication to learn.
We can all learn a lot from their experiences. Skills get rusty. Changes in the market. The market changes. You can’t be stopped if you keep up to date with the latest trends, techniques, tools and technologies. Your best allies are online courses, podcasts and old-fashioned book.
What you need to know: Never stop learning. Never stop learning.
Walter White’s meticulous planning pays off
The characterWalter White is the ruthless drug-lord from Breaking Bad. Walter White was a high school chemistry professor before he became a drug lord. Heisenberg is his alter-ego, and in it he uses his scientific knowledge to create a massive meth empire. His meticulous planning is what sets him apart. He always thinks three steps ahead and anticipates risks.
We can all learn from their experiences: Planning in detail is essential to avoiding roadblocks, whether you are launching a new project, presenting an idea, or simply trying to meet your deadline.
What you need to know: Even a little legal scheming can be very effective.
Katniss: be flexible and not flawless
Characters: Katniss is the resourceful and fierce heroine in The Hunger Games. This dystopian trilogy of books and films, loved by teens (but that adults can read and enjoy too), features a series of novels as well as movies. She survives by using quick thinking and adaptability. Katniss is not a perfectionist. She makes quick, strategic decisions.
We can all learn from their experiences: Flexible and innovative thinking is better than flawless execution when deadlines are approaching or if things start to go wrong. Accept the chaos, take quick decisions and then refine them later.
What you need to know: Be flexible. Flexibility is the key to creativity.
Ted Lasso, Lead with Positivity
Characters: Apple TV+’s comedy of the same name features an American football manager hired by a struggling English team to coach them. His unrelenting positivity, kindness, and empathy, despite knowing very little about football, transforms the team. Even when people fail, his belief creates an environment of growth and trust.
We can all learn a lot from their experiences. Even when things don’t go as planned, you can keep yourself and your team motivated by maintaining a positive attitude. The optimism can help you to be creative and feel more confident about difficult projects.
What you need to know: Positive attitude increases your resilience and productivity. As Ted would say: turn your frown upside down.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard teaches the art of delegation
Characters: Captain Jean-Luc Picard is the captain of USS Enterprise, in Star Trek: The Next Generation. The man, who is known for his diplomatic, calm leadership style, is an expert delegator. He values his team’s expertise and trusts them implicitly. This allows him to concentrate on the big picture strategy.
We can all learn something from their experiences: Letting go of micromanagement–whether that entails outsourcing, collaborating, or just trusting your team–frees you up to focus on your strengths. The power of delegation is creative.
What you need to know: It’s not necessary to do everything yourself. You can trust the team.
Neo: embrace the flow state
Characters: Neo is the protagonist in The Matrix Trilogy. He’s a former computer hacker who has become a saviour for humanity. He masters its manipulation after discovering the truth. Neo is a great metaphor for flow states of creativity because he can slow down time and perform superhuman feats when ‘in zone’.
We can all learn from their experiences: If you want to achieve flow, eliminate distractions and batch tasks. You should also allow yourself time to immerse yourself in your creative work.
What you need to know: Discover your flow. Find your flow.
Ferris Bueller and playfulness
Characters: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a 1980s comedy in which the title character, a teenage boy, fakes ill to avoid school. Then he orchestrates an amazing day with his friends. The power of spontaneity is emphasized by his playful rebelliousness.
We can all learn something from their experiences: Playing deliberately, whether it is through creative side projects or just plain goofing around, can recharge the mind and increase long-term performance. We could avoid doing so many criminal acts as Ferris.
What you need to know: Fun is a great way to boost creativity.