To find this on a personal level, you have to first know yourself and define your priorities in life. In doing so, you would find that yourself is centered on one specific factor, that can be about money, power, work, self, pleasure, possession, family, spouse or company. Knowing yourself well calls for knowing what your main priority and target is. (8.5% in manufacturing and 13% in the non-manufacturing sector) Training and decision-making It demonstrated that formal training (done offsite, meaning from schools etc.) increased productivity in manufacturing. Computer savvy also enhanced productivity, especially in the non-manufacturing sector (sales, services, etc). For some people, having big dreams work on them because they are looking forward to big rewards in the future that is why they are giving their best this early. - avoid too much thinking. If possible, stop thinking at all times over something. This is because thinking would only bring in a mix of emotions that could be harder to handle and manage later on. Make sure your goal is specific. To do so, specify or have a clear picture or idea what it is you really want to get done. If the goal is still too broad or general, simplify it further and further until you get to the specifics. Make sure the goal is measurable. To make it so, make it easily comparable to several set of activities or to other simpler and achieved goals. - Be thirsty and hungry for something. For people who are just starting with the process of self-assessment to be productive, wanting something should never be enough. This is because wanting to learn the concept of productivity alone would not fuel your drive to aim for greater things or heights. If you really want to use self-assessment for you excel and be productive, don t be contented with what you have right now. Sort your things, de-clutter your drawers and arrange your files. Doing such physical activity is simple and takes less time. But did you know how significant the action could be? Opportunities sometimes come surprisingly that the most organized among people often takes the edge. Opportunities that call swift and immediate action and response often come, so you should always be ready to have the necessary and useful data at hand.