This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
The power of implementing a new strategy or change weekly
If you find yourself constantly behind on goals and the to-do list, it’s time to iterate your productivity processes and habits.
What Is An Iteration?
An iteration is a time-boxed testing period to test a new strategy to reach an objective.
One week is a solid amount of time to allocate to an iteration to give yourself enough time to determine if your strategy was successful in reaching your objective.
For each iteration, you only need to implement one minor tweak (strategy or change) to learn if it’s effective or ineffective. You also need to note the expected result, so you have something to measure your progress against.
Example Iteration Line Up
Iteration 1
Iteration 2
Iteration 3
Iteration 4
Iteration 5
Iteration 6
Iteration 7
Iteration 8
Iteration 9
Iteration 10 …
It may only take one iteration to improve any area of your life or business, or it might take multiple iterations.
For each iteration, try something you haven’t tried before, or you can combine previous solutions to formulate new solutions you predict will be successful.
Example Iteration Process
Iteration 1
You notice you struggle to get in workouts after you finish the workday.
Simple Tweak
Allocate your lunch break as your workout break.
If you go into the office, you can bring a change of clothes and some toiletries with you each day so you can go to a nearby gym, go to your home gym (if you live close to the office), go to the office gym, or exercise right outside.
If you only have 1 to 1.5 hours to get your workout in, keep your workouts fast-paced, so you get it done in 45 to 60 minutes, change, and then head back to work.
Try this strategy for one week.
Iteration 2
Maybe iteration 1 didn’t provide the solution you needed.
Simple Tweak
Get your workouts done early in the morning.
It may require a little more discipline to do this – especially if you’re not a morning person, but it will probably benefit you more than you’d like to think. You’ll have more energy throughout the day, you won’t have the thought of needing to work out lingering on your mind throughout the day since it’s already done, and you’ll have more time later in the day to relax and focus on other endeavors.
Try this strategy for one week.
Iteration 3
Iteration 2 was better, but you now feel more open to a combination of weekend, morning, and lunchtime workouts.
Simple Tweak
Get two workouts done on the weekend, one-morning workout on Monday, and 2 lunch workouts Tuesday and Wednesday – taking Thursday and Friday off entirely from workouts.
Try this strategy for one week.
Keep Tweaking
Until you find the right strategy for your life, schedule, or business, continue iterating. Often, we give up on our goals because we don’t iterate enough.
Whether you’re a content creator, entrepreneur, business owner, techie, artist, athlete, parent, spouse, or professional, there is something in your life that needs improvement.
Start iterating and implementing small tweaks, so you can gradually reach equilibrium and be your most productive self.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.