What is the “understudy method” and how to double productivity with it

What is the duplicate method

This practice is to work simultaneously with other people who are close to you, either physically or virtually. They are sometimes referred to as "responsibility buddies" and their presence alone helps them stay focused and get things done.

The understudy method is one of the productivity tricks that you can often use without even knowing it. For example, when you go to work in a busy cafe, instead of staying at home and being distracted by other things all the time. Or when exercising at the gym surrounded by fellow members doing the same instead of working out alone.

Surprisingly, the presence of people helps us to keep our attention, even when we are working on the most annoying or unpleasant tasks. Perhaps this is due to the fact that a person is social by nature. And when we do something together with others, we not only complete tasks, but also form social bonds.

Working with someone in pairs

recommend people with disorders that lead to problems concentrating, such as ADHD. But even if you don’t have them, the understudy method will still help increase productivity and motivation.

How to use it

Choose a format—in-person or virtual—and find people you can work with at the same time. For example, gather friends who work remotely in one place or in one Zoom meeting.

The risk is that the understudy method can easily become a distraction. Therefore, you need to outline clear rules so as not to be interrupted by communication and all sorts of little things.

If your tasks require high concentration, agree on how many minutes or hours you will communicate, and how many you will work in absolute silence. When it comes to tasks that take time and concentration is not important, try to communicate to keep each other motivated. For example, chatting on the phone with a friend while you are cleaning your apartment.