Brendan Hunt, Jason Sudeikis and Brett Goldstein in “Ted Lasso,” now streaming on Apple TV+.
Looking for ways to work smarter, not harder? It turns out that some of the best productivity hacks aren’t found in business books but in the best novels, TV shows, and movies.
If you’ve worked in the creative industries for any length of time, you’ll have learned that creativity isn’t just about having the best ideas; it’s about actually getting things done. Hence, productivity hacks have become more popular, and techniques, tools, and strategies have been designed to achieve more in less time.
You’ll find a ton of these hacks in the best business books, but that’s not the only place. It might sound strange, but our favourite fictional characters have a lot to teach us about productivity, too. Whether you’re battling creative block, struggling with perfectionism, or just trying to stay motivated, there’s a lesson to be learned from fiction.
Don’t believe us? Then read on as we share some practical, character-inspired hacks to boost your productivity. Plus, if you haven’t yet read the novels or watched the shows and movies in question, then take it from us; they’re well worth checking out, too!
Sherlock Holmes: deep work and focused thinking
About the character: Sherlock Holmes, created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, is the world’s most famous fictional detective. Known for his razor-sharp intellect, deductive reasoning and meticulous observation skills, Sherlock solves the most complex cases with uncanny precision. Ultimately, his genius lies in his ability to focus entirely on the task at hand, blocking out all distractions—including social niceties.
What we can learn from them: Sherlock doesn’t half-heartedly scroll through Twitter while deducing a murderer. He enters deep concentration mode, which is exactly what creatives need when tackling big projects. Want to emulate him? Time-blocking, the Pomodoro technique, or simply switching off notifications can help you channel your inner Holmes and stay laser-focused.
The big takeaway: Eliminate distractions and go all-in on a task. Your brain will thank you (and so will your deadlines).
Tony Stark: Innovation through rapid prototyping
About the character: Tony Stark is the billionaire genius behind Stark Industries and his superhero alter-ego, Iron Man. Known for his quick wit, technological brilliance and charming arrogance, Tony designs and builds advanced technology, including the Iron Man suits. His signature trait? He doesn’t wait for perfection. Instead, he builds rough versions, tests them, and makes constant improvements—even if it means a few explosive mishaps.
What we can learn from them: Waiting for perfection is a trap. The sooner you get an idea out into the world—whether it’s a rough sketch, a first draft, or a prototype—the sooner you can refine it.
The big takeaway: Just start. Perfection comes later. Or never (and that’s okay too).
Hermione Granger: Always be learning
About the character: Hermione Granger, a pupil at the magical school Hogwarts in Harry Potter, is the ultimate bookworm and overachiever. One of the title character’s besties, she’s brilliant, resourceful and determined. She devours textbooks, masters spells ahead of her classmates and is always prepared with a bit of magical knowledge that saves the day. Her dedication to learning makes her the most formidable witch of her age.
What we can learn from them: Skills get rusty. Markets change. New tech arises. But keeping up with new trends, tools, and techniques makes you unstoppable. Online courses, podcasts, and good old-fashioned books are your best friends.
The big takeaway: Knowledge is power. Never stop learning.
Walter White: Meticulous planning pays off
About the character: Walter White, from the iconic TV series Breaking Bad, is a former high school chemistry teacher turned ruthless drug lord. In his alter ego of Heisenberg, he harnesses his scientific expertise and calculating mind to build a meth empire. What sets him apart is his meticulous planning—always thinking three steps ahead, anticipating risks, and creating contingencies for every scenario.
What we can learn from them: Whether you’re launching a project, pitching an idea or just trying to meet a deadline, detailed planning helps you stay ahead of potential roadblocks.
The big takeaway: A little bit of scheming (the legal kind) can go a long way.
Katniss Everdeen: Be flexible, not flawless
About the character: Katniss Everdeen is the fierce and resourceful heroine of The Hunger Games, a dystopian series of novels and movies loved by teenagers (but which adults should read and watch too). Forced to fight in a brutal televised death match, she survives through quick thinking and adaptability. Katniss doesn’t have time for perfectionism; she makes swift, strategic decisions and uses the resources around her to outsmart opponents.
What we can learn from them: When deadlines loom or things go sideways, being flexible and inventive is more productive than striving for flawless execution. Embrace the mess, make fast decisions, and refine later.
The big takeaway: Think on your feet. Creativity thrives in flexibility.
Ted Lasso: Lead with positivity
About the character: The main character of the eponymous Apple TV+ comedy is an American football coach hired to manage a struggling English football team. Despite knowing little about the sport, his unrelenting optimism, kindness and empathy transform the team. His belief in people, even when they fail, creates a culture of trust and growth.
What we can learn from them: Fostering a positive mindset, even when things go wrong, keeps you and your collaborators motivated. Optimism can fuel creativity and make daunting projects feel possible for both you and them.
The big takeaway: A positive attitude makes you more resilient and productive. So, as Ted would say, turn that frown upside-down.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard: Learn the art of delegation
About the character: Captain Jean-Luc Picard commands the USS Enterprise in Star Trek: The Next Generation. Known for his calm, diplomatic leadership, the man is a master delegator. He trusts his crew implicitly, giving them autonomy and valuing their expertise, which allows him to focus on big-picture strategy.
What we can learn from them: Letting go of micromanagement—whether that entails outsourcing, collaborating, or just trusting your team—frees you up to focus on your strengths. Delegation is a creative superpower.
The big takeaway: You don’t have to do it all yourself. Trust the team.
Neo: Embrace the flow state
About the character: The protagonist of The Matrix trilogy, Neo, is a computer hacker turned saviour of humanity. After discovering the truth about the simulated reality, he masters the ability to manipulate it. When ‘in the zone’, Neo slows down time, dodges bullets and achieves superhuman feats—making him a perfect metaphor for creative flow states.
What we can learn from them: To harness flow in real life, remove distractions, batch similar tasks, and give yourself enough time to fully immerse in creative work.
The big takeaway: Find your flow. That’s where the magic happens.
Ferris Bueller: Embrace playfulness
About the character: In 80s comedy Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, the teenage title character fakes an illness to skip school. He then orchestrates a brilliant day of adventure with his friends. His playful rebellion serves as a reminder of the power of spontaneity.
What we can learn from them: Deliberate playtime—whether it’s creative side projects or actual goofing off—can recharge your mind and boost long-term productivity. Maybe we can just avoid so many flagrant criminal acts like Ferris.
The big takeaway: Make time for fun—it fuels creativity.
