Hello Felix Brabander,

As the final hours of the year approach, it’s natural to reflect on goals, accomplishments, and the areas where we hope to grow. Maybe for you, one recurring question is: How can I stay productive without burning out?

Today, I’d like to share some strategies designed specifically for those of us who process deeply, feel intensely and are prone to overstimulation. These productivity methods will help you accomplish more while staying aligned with your energy and well-being.

Productivity for the Sensitive High Achiever

For most people, productivity is simply about getting things done. But for sensitive individuals, it’s not just about checking off tasks—it’s about finding a rhythm that respects both your ambitions and your natural tendencies.

If you’ve ever felt drained after trying to “power through” a long to-do list or overwhelmed by multitasking, you’re not alone. The more sensitive you are the higher the chance to overstretch yourself. Productivity shouldn’t come at the cost of your mental clarity, emotional balance or creative energy.

Why Traditional Productivity Hacks May Not Work

Many conventional productivity tips, like “just hustle harder” or “grind through distractions,” don’t consider the unique challenges of sensitivity.

• Multitasking Overload: Juggling multiple tasks simultaneously can quickly lead to mental fatigue for sensitive individuals.
• Rigid Schedules: Packed, back-to-back meetings or tasks often leave no room for decompression, leading to overstimulation.
• Constant Notifications: The digital noise of emails, chats and reminders can scatter focus and drain emotional reserves.

Fortunately, there are gentler, more effective ways to approach productivity that align with your strengths.


Two Productivity Methods for Sensitive High Achievers

1. Time-Blocking: Prioritize and Protect Your Energy

Time-blocking involves dividing your day into dedicated chunks of time for specific tasks, ensuring you focus deeply without distractions.

• Why It Works: By focusing on one task at a time, you reduce the cognitive load of switching between tasks.
• How to Do It:
• Begin by identifying 2–3 priority tasks for the day.
• Assign each task to a specific block of time (e.g., 9:00–10:30 for deep work, 10:30–11:00 for email responses).
• Schedule short buffer times between blocks for mental rest.

Pro Tip: Use your natural energy cycles to plan. Schedule creative or demanding work during peak energy hours and leave routine tasks for lower-energy periods.

2. Batching Tasks: Minimize Decision Fatigue

Batching involves grouping similar tasks and handling them all at once, rather than spreading them out throughout the day.

• Why It Works: Switching between different types of tasks—creative writing, replying to emails, and brainstorming—can overstimulate your brain. By batching, you streamline your focus and preserve energy.
  
  
• How to Do It:
• Batch all your emails into a single 30-minute session instead of replying throughout the day.
• Reserve a specific time block for all creative tasks, like brainstorming or writing.
• Group administrative tasks, like scheduling or invoicing, into one focused session. 

Action Step: Experiment with These Methods Today

Choose either time-blocking or batching to try out for a day.

1. Plan your schedule with one of these techniques in mind.
2. At the end of the day, reflect:

• Did this approach help you feel more focused?
• Did it reduce feelings of overstimulation or fatigue?
• What adjustments would you make for next time?

The beauty of these methods is their flexibility—you can adapt them to fit your unique energy levels and goals.

Note: Remember that you are a human being. Human beings are creatures that gravitate towards habits. Experimenting with new methods will be easier when you remind yourself that learning a new method works best if you learn to make it a new habit that replaces an old one. It may give you more patience and understanding.
Studies suggest that, on average, it can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days to form a new habit.
The average seems to be 66 days. So try something new for 66 days at least, to give it a chance.

Why This Matters

Productivity isn’t just about doing more; it’s about doing what matters in a way that supports your well-being. By working with your sensitivity, rather than against it, you’ll find that your focus sharpens, your creativity flows and your energy is preserved for the things that truly count.

As we step into a new year, consider how adopting these gentler, more aligned productivity strategies can help you achieve your goals while staying deeply connected to your values and inner peace.

Personal Note
As someone who juggles coaching, writing, and creative projects, I used to feel overwhelmed by everything on my plate. But applying time-blocking structurally was a game-changer for me. Knowing that I have clear boundaries for focused work—and built-in moments to recharge—has transformed my relationship with productivity.
I may take minutes or hours off to feel more grounded again in my whole being before stepping into the flow again.
By consequence I get better ideas and increased clarity all the time.


Do you have a favorite productivity strategy that works for you? Or are you excited to try time-blocking or batching? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear about your experience!

Wishing you a joyful end to this year.

Felix Brabander
Founder of SensitiveHighAchievers.com