Rituals for a more productive year

A CBSThisMorning.com survey finds an overwhelming 91 percent want to be more productive in 2015, but plenty of things can sabotage those plans.

Fifty-five percent of those surveyed said being pulled in too many directions hurts their productivity.

Here are some tips from The Energy Project CEO Tony Schwartz to keep up with a more productive life this year.

Sleep at least 7 hours of sleep every night

Because you're probably already waking up as late as you can, getting more sleep probably means going to bed earlier. Start by setting your bedtime back half an hour, and take the last 30 minutes before you go to bed to power down and disconnect. Avoid anything stimulating, such as the internet, mystery novels and intense conversations. Instead, look for ways to relax and quiet down.

Focus your attention on your most important work

Most of us have the highest energy and the fewest distractions at the beginning of the day. Before you leave work, take a couple of minutes to decide on your most important task for the following day. Schedule the first 60 to 90 minutes of your morning to focus exclusively on that task, without interruptions. Then, take a break.

Spend quality time with loved ones

After a day at work, it can be hard to fully disconnect and clear our minds so that we can be present with loved ones. Find an activity that allows you to make a transition from work to home. Take a few minutes at a park, listen to music or make a call to connect with someone you love. The key is that by the time you get home, your mind is not still at work.

Take regular breaks at work

Just as we cycle through stages of sleep at night, so we go through similar cycles every 90 minutes throughout the day, moving between periods of high energy and low energy. Schedule your work into 60 to 90 minute sprints, followed by an intentional break. By keeping your body in alignment with its natural rhythms, you are able to maintain the highest level of energy, resilience, and focus throughout the day.

To learn more, check out Schwartz's webinar on Rituals For a More Productive Life and see how you can turn bad habits into rituals.