We may laugh at them with their plaid shirts, slightly too short trousers and propensity for bizarre methods of transport, but hipsters, artists and other truly creative types have figured out some things the rest of us could learn from.

1. They don’t care what you think.

As a rule, we tend to spend far too long worrying about what others may think of us rather than just getting on, which just wastes time and energy. Simply focusing on who and what we are means we can get more done.

2. They get absorbed in what they are fascinated by

Whether it is making a cup of coffee, a pair of jeans, a piece of visual-kinesethetic art or the next best application for a smartphone, they get completely absorbed by it, learning everything necessary to create the perfect object. They know what to cut out, when to add something and how it all goes together. So, no matter what your current project, learning everything around it and spending time considering how it all goes together will pay off. Perhaps most importantly, learning when to stop is a vital element in this. For good coffee, not quite boiling the water is a key, for a painting, not doing one brush stroke too many is the difference between finished and ruined, for software not adding too many confusing features means the product is likely to be more popular.

3. They don’t get distracted when they’re engaged in their work

We are all constantly surrounded by potential distractions, attacking every sense. Cluttered work spaces, external noises, uncomfortable chairs all draw our minds away from the task. Mentally, we are constantly flicking between the work at hand and the inevitable list of things that still need to be done. Many artists have figured out how to overcome this by removing all potential distractions from around them by muting their phones, adopting a minimal attitude to their workspace or studio and by learning to focus on just one thing at a time until they reach a point of fatigue or satisfaction.

4. They know what they need to do each day

This is an important but often misunderstood one. Everyone has a huge number of things that need to be done, from buying groceries to calling a friend, doing laundry to cleaning the bathroom. However, on that enormous to do list, there are only one or two items that actually add value to each day, or simply have to be achieved to move a project forward.  Studies have indicated that we are only truly productive for approximately 5 hours a day. The rest of the time we are marginally less present and therefore not doing our best work. If we can allocate this to the two or three tasks on our list that will give the most effective return, then the rest of the time can be used to do the other subtasks, which are important but less relevant. These major points may be as simple as a phone call or email, or as complex as reading a draft contract proposal but they are, in general, the sticking point in any project. They may also not necessarily be physical. For example, although many artists appear to float around doing very little, they are almost certainly making connections, reviewing their work and thinking about the next step, long before they do anything with a brush or canvas. A programmer is similar, using mental time to reflect on the problem, consider solutions and then, only when they are fairly confident they have a path forward, do they apparently start  working.

5. They know how to use their tools effectively

Possibly the most significant development of the 21st century so far is the modern smartphone. An incredibly powerful computer, with instant access to the internet, it offers a world of possibilities and connections that even a generation ago we could not forsee. People all over the planet, provided they have access to an unrestricted cellular data network can now do things that may unleash an avalanche of unintended concequences in the near future.Micropayments, democratic pricing, medical information, the potential for positive change is huge.

For the majority of us in the west however, this astonishing device is little more than a way of getting cross at other peoples lives and staring at cat pictures, so although we may smirk at the old fashioned notebook, post it notes and pens alongside the latest iphone, we forget that they are still some of the most effective productivity tools.  A good notebook creates a physical relationship between idea and creation, a post it note allows instant visual referencing when laying out a project and acts as an instant, disposable record. It may be useful to pick up a phone and take a picture or research something on the internet but these can allow us to fall down rabbit holes of selection and distraction, whereas a simple paper record tend to direct us towards a more positive flow. The secret therefore is to know when to use each tool and how to best apply them to each task. For example, an artist may sketch shape, form or colour, make brief notes on things that inspire them and take photographs, a coder might use the post it notes to flow a specific software routine to ensure the best user experience, whilst making notes of code changes required and using the phone to keep in contact with people who can help with projects.

Whether you want to wear skinny jeans, collect japanese coffee makers or ride a unicycle, perhaps they have something that too many of us are missing out on. So put down the phone, pick up a pencil and free your mind to create 3 fantastic things today.

Gym Free Workout

Burpee – Long jump

Warm up, swinging arms and legs, jogging on the spot and checking range of motion drills, followed by quiet breathing.

Do 1 full burpee, then jump as far as possible along from a standing start, to land on both feet. Repeat for 2 minutes, rest 1 minute, repeat for 5 rounds (total 10 mins exercise, 4 rest intervals)

Warm down, mobility awareness and breathing for 3 mins.