20 Productivity Hacks that actually work
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As a business owner, I know firsthand that time is the most valuable resource we have. It’s not just about getting more done in less time—it’s about achieving our daily goals with efficiency and focus.
After years of trial and error, I’ve discovered 20 effective productivity hacks, that genuinely work. These aren’t your usual generic tips; these are tested and proven strategies that have changed my workflow and transformed my business.
Being productive is more important than ever. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or an entrepreneur, increasing your productivity can help you achieve your goals and make the most out of your time.
In this blog post, we’ll explore 20 practical and effective productivity hacks and tips on how to become super productive. We’ll cover a wide range of techniques, tools best productivity hacks, and strategies to help you boost your productivity levels and accomplish more in less time.
20 Ways to Boost your Productivity
1. Journal the Night Before
Okay, let me share something with you that’s made a big difference in my life – journaling the night before. It might sound simple, but trust me, it’s a powerful tool.
Here’s how I do it. Every night, just before I go to bed, I take a few minutes to sit down and write in my journal. No distractions, no interruptions. Just me, my thoughts, and my pen.
I start by thinking about my day. What happened? How did I feel about it? Did something surprise me? Did I learn something new? I write all of this down. It’s like having a conversation with myself, and it helps me understand my experiences better.
Then, I think about tomorrow. What are my goals for the day? What are the things I need to focus on? I let my thoughts flow freely and write them down. This way, I’m not only planning my day ahead but also getting my brain ready for it.
And guess what? It works! By putting my thoughts on paper, I’m able to clear my mind and focus better. It’s like having a roadmap for my day, and it makes everything so much easier.
So, if you’re looking for a simple yet effective way to boost your productivity, give journaling a try. You might be surprised by how much of a difference this productivity hack can make!
2. Divide Your To-Do List into Three Parts
One productivity hack that has helped me a lot is dividing my to-do list into three parts. It sounds simple, but it really helps me stay focused on what’s important.
Here’s how I do it:
Things I Need to Do for Me: These are things that are important to me and help me achieve my goals. Like studying for a test, practicing a hobby, or spending time with family.
Things I Must Do: These are tasks that I have to do no matter what, like chores or homework.
Things Others Want Me to Do: These are tasks that other people ask me to do. Like helping a friend with a project or doing a favor for a neighbor.
Dividing my tasks this way makes it easier for me to prioritize and manage my time. I always make sure I complete the tasks in the first two categories before moving on to the third one.
And you know what? I’ve realized something important. The tasks in the third category, the ones that others want me to do, often don’t help me achieve my goals. They might be important to someone else, but they can distract me from what I really need to do.
So, try dividing your to-do list like this. You’ll find it easier to focus on what’s really important and you’ll have more time for the things that help you reach your goals. Trust me, it works!
3. Set Your Timer
Have you ever tried setting a timer while working on a task? It’s something I do all the time, and it’s super helpful. Let me tell you how I do it.
First, I pick a task that I need to get done. For example, let’s say I need to go through my email inbox or tackle my to do list.
Next, I grab my phone and set a timer for 25 minutes. That’s right, just 25 minutes! This is a technique called the Pomodoro Technique, and it’s a great way to stay focused and productive.
Once the timer starts, it’s game time. I dive straight into my emails and work as quickly and efficiently as I can. No distractions, no breaks, just pure focus. The ticking timer creates a sense of urgency that really helps me stay on track.
When the timer goes off, that’s it. I stop, even if I haven’t finished. But most of the time, I’m amazed at how much I’ve managed to get done in just 25 minutes.
Setting a timer has made a big difference in how I work. It helps me stay focused, get things done faster, and feel more productive. So give it a try – you might be surprised at how much you can accomplish in a short amount of time with this productivity hack!
4. Schedule Your Day in Time Intervals
One of the best ways I’ve found to manage my time is to schedule my day in time intervals. It’s like having a roadmap for my day, and it helps me stay on track. Here’s how I do it:
First, I think about all the urgent tasks that I need to get done that day. I write them all down, just so I have everything in front of me.
Next, I start scheduling my day. I use time intervals for this – usually blocks of 30 minutes or an hour, depending on the task. For instance, I might set aside an hour in the morning to study, then 30 minutes to clean up my room, then another hour to work on a project.
I make sure to include regular breaks in my schedule too. After every hour or two of focused work, I take a short break. This gives my brain a chance to rest and recharge, so I’m ready to tackle the next task.
And here’s a tip: I always try to tackle the hardest tasks during my most productive times. For me, that’s usually in the morning. Find out when you’re most productive and schedule your toughest tasks for those times.
Scheduling my day in time intervals keeps me organized and focused. It’s like having a clear path through the jungle of tasks and responsibilities. So give it a try – you might find it helps you stay on top of your tasks and achieve your goals more easily!
5. Shave 10 Minutes Off Your Meetings
Meetings can often take up a large chunk of our day. But I’ve found a way to minimize meeting time and make them more productive. Here’s my secret: I shave off 10 minutes from each meeting.
Here’s how it works:
First, I plan the meeting with a clear agenda. Each item on the agenda has a specific amount of time allocated to it. This helps me keep the meeting focused and efficient.
Then, when scheduling the meeting, instead of rounding up to the nearest half-hour or hour, I subtract 10 minutes. So, a half-hour meeting becomes 20 minutes, and a one-hour meeting becomes 50 minutes.
During the meeting, I stick to the agenda. I start on time, keep everyone focused on the topic at hand, and wrap up 10 minutes earlier than originally planned.
The result? We still cover everything we need to, but in less time. This gives me (and everyone else) an extra 10 minutes to get back to other tasks or take a quick break before the next meeting.
Shaving 10 minutes off your meetings is a simple way to save time, minimize meeting time and make your day more productive.
6. Start On Time
One of the simplest, yet most effective ways to manage time better is to always start on time. Whether it’s a meeting, a task, or even your day, starting on time can have a significant impact on your overall productivity too.
Here’s why:
Imagine you have a team meeting with four people, and it’s scheduled to start at 10:00 AM. But one person arrives five minutes late. That might not seem like a big deal, but think about it this way: it’s not just five minutes that are lost. It’s five minutes multiplied by the number of people in the meeting. So, in this case, that’s 5 minutes x 4 people = 20 minutes.
Those 20 minutes are wasted time that could have been spent discussing ideas, solving problems, or working towards your business goals. When we start late, we’re not just wasting our own time; we’re wasting everyone else’s time too, which can add up quickly, especially in a small digital business.
So, how do you ensure you start on time? Here are a few productivity tips:
Plan ahead: Make sure you know when and where you need to be, and plan your schedule accordingly. If you have a meeting at 10:00 AM, aim to be ready by 9:50 AM.
Set reminders: Most digital calendars have a reminder feature. Use it to remind you of upcoming meetings or tasks.
Respect other people’s time: Remember, when you’re late, you’re not just affecting yourself. You’re impacting everyone else too.
Starting on time is a simple but powerful way to show respect for others’ time and make the most of your workday.
7. Use Your Phone Wisely
Our phones are like mini supercomputers that fit in our pockets. They’re more powerful than the computers that sent astronauts to the moon! So, it makes sense to use them to help manage our lives, both for business and personal stuff.
Here’s how I use my phone wisely:
Firstly, I download apps that help me stay organized and productive. There are tons of these out there – everything from calendars and to-do lists, to project management tools best productivity and note-taking apps. I use these to keep track of my tasks, schedule my time, and stay on top of my work, even when I’m on the move.
I also use my phone for learning. There are lots of great educational apps out there, where you can learn new skills or brush up on old ones. I might listen to a podcast on a topic I’m interested in, or use an app to learn a new language.
But here’s the thing, while our phones can be great tools, they can also be huge time-wasters if we’re not careful. It’s easy to get sucked into scrolling through Instagram or watching endless YouTube videos.
So, I make sure to set boundaries. I limit my social media use during work hours, and I try to spend more time creating (like writing or making plans) than consuming (like scrolling or watching).
Our phones can be powerful tools for productivity if we use them wisely. So, take advantage of the technology you have in your pocket, but remember to set boundaries to avoid wasting time. Your phone is there to serve you, not the other way around!
8. Put Your Phone Away for 30 Minutes (They’ll Call If It’s Important)
Our phones can be great tools, but they can also be big distractions. Every beep, buzz, and notification can pull our attention away from what we’re doing. That’s why one of my favorite strategies to eliminate distractions is to put my phone away for 30 minutes.
Here’s how I do it:
First, I choose a time when I want to focus on a task. This could be anything from writing a report, planning a project, or even reading a book.
Next, I put my phone in another room, or at least somewhere out of sight. The saying “out of sight, out of mind” really works here. When I can’t see my phone, I’m less likely to be distracted by it.
Then, I set a timer for 30 minutes. During this time, I focus solely on the task at hand. I don’t check my phone, I don’t answer emails, and I don’t get up to make a cup of coffee. I just work.
Here’s the best part: if something truly important comes up, people will call. Most non-critical messages can wait for half an hour.
This strategy works because it helps me eliminate distractions and focus on the important tasks that I need to complete. And honestly, it’s amazing how much you can get done in 30 minutes when you’re not constantly checking your phone! So, give it a try.
Put your phone away for 30 minutes and see how much more productive you can be.
9. Find an Accountability Partner with Similar Goals
Having an accountability partner has been a game-changer for me. For the past four years, I’ve been meeting with my accountability partner once a week, and it’s made a huge difference in my productivity.
Here’s how it works:
First, you need to find someone who has similar goals. It could be a friend, a coworker, or even a family member. The important thing is that they’re serious about achieving their goals, just like you are.
Once you’ve found your partner, start by sharing your goals. These could be anything from finishing a big project at work, to reading more books, to exercising regularly. The key is to be specific. Instead of saying “I want to read more,” say “I want to read one book per week.”
Next, set a weekly deadline. This is when you’ll meet with your accountability partner to share your progress. During this meeting, you’ll discuss what you’ve accomplished in the past week, what you struggled with, and what your goals are for the next week.
Finally, hold yourself accountable. If you didn’t meet your goals, be honest about it. Try to figure out what went wrong, and how you can do better next time. Remember, the goal here isn’t to make yourself feel bad; it’s to help you get better.
Having an accountability partner can be a powerful way to stay on track. You’re not just responsible to yourself anymore; you’re responsible to someone else too. It’s a great way to stay motivated, so if you’re struggling to achieve your goals, I highly recommend finding an accountability partner!
10. Use a Digital Planner
When I started writing my 5-year business plan, I discovered the power of planning. As a small business owner, things are always changing, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But using a digital planner has made a world of difference for me. Here’s how I do it:
First, I chose a digital planner that’s easy to use and accessible from anywhere. There are many options out there, so it’s all about finding one that works for you. I like ones that sync with my phone, so I always have access to my plan, whether I’m at my desk or on the go.
Next, I started by mapping out my big goals for the next five years. This gave me a clear vision of where I wanted my business to go. Then, I broke down these big goals into smaller, more manageable tasks.
After that, I scheduled these tasks into my digital planner. I made sure to include deadlines, so I knew exactly when each task needed to be completed. This helped me stay on track and made my big goals feel much less overwhelming.
Finally, I synced my digital planner with a scheduling assistant. This tool helps me manage my daily tasks and reminds me of what needs to be done each day. It’s like having a personal assistant, but digital!
Having a digital planner has been a lifesaver for me. It helps me stay organized, keeps me focused on my goals, and makes managing my small business much easier. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by your tasks, try using a digital planner. It might just change your life like it did mine!
11. The Writing is on the Wall
I’ve always heard productivity enthusiasts raving about the importance of writing your goals down. I decided to give it a try, and let me tell you, it’s been helpful!
Here’s how I incorporated it into my routine:
First, I got myself a whiteboard. You could also use a smartboard if you prefer a digital option. But there’s something about writing with a marker that really cements the goals in my mind.
Every morning, after I’ve had my coffee and am ready to start the day, I jot down my main goals for the day on the whiteboard. These can be anything from finishing a report for work, doing a workout, or even calling a friend I haven’t spoken to in a while.
Throughout the rest of the day, as I complete each task, I cross it off the list. There’s an oddly satisfying feeling that comes with crossing tasks off a list. It’s a visual representation of my productivity that keeps me motivated.
Next, I use my laptop to take detailed notes. While the whiteboard is great for big picture goals, my laptop allows me to delve into the details. I can create to-do lists, take notes app set reminders, and even schedule meetings.
The combination of the whiteboard and laptop works wonders for me. The whiteboard gives me a clear overview of my day, while my laptop helps me manage the nitty-gritty details.
Finally, at the end of the day, I review what I’ve accomplished. I take a moment to appreciate the crossed-off tasks on my whiteboard. Then, I plan for the next day, writing down the tasks I need to tackle.
Writing my goals down, both on a whiteboard and on my laptop, has helped me stay on track and increased my productivity. So, give it a try – the writing is on the wall!
12. Goal Setting
Setting goals is like drawing a map for your journey. It shows you where you want to go and helps you figure out how to get there. Here’s how I handle my goal setting:
First, I write down my goals. This might seem simple, but it’s a crucial step. Writing down your goals makes them real and tangible. It’s no longer just an idea in your head – it’s a commitment on paper. You can write your goals in a notebook, on a whiteboard, or even in a digital document. The important thing is that they’re somewhere you can see them regularly.
Next, I think about the habits I need to adapt to achieve these goals. For example, if one of my goals is to improve my fitness, I might decide to start running every morning. Or if I want to read more, I might set aside 30 minutes each day for reading. These habits are the building blocks that will help me reach my goals.
Once I’ve decided on my habits, I incorporate them into my daily routine. This can take some time and patience, as new habits can be challenging to establish. But with persistence and consistency, they become part of my everyday life.
Finally, I track my progress. This is an essential part of goal setting. By keeping track of how I’m doing, I can see how far I’ve come and what I need to work on. I can celebrate my successes, and if I’m falling behind, I can adjust my habits or strategies.
Goal setting has been a powerful tool in my life. It gives me direction and a sense of purpose, and it helps me stay focused and motivated. So grab a pen, write down your goals, and start your journey towards achieving them!
13. Practice Single-Tasking: Focus on One Task at a Time
You’ve probably heard of multitasking – trying to do many things at once. But did you know that it can actually make you less efficient? That’s why I practice single-tasking. Here’s how I do it:
First, I pick one task to focus on. It could be anything from writing a report for school, to cleaning my room, or even reading a book. The important thing is that I commit to doing just this one task, and nothing else.
Next, I eliminate distractions. I put away my phone, close any irrelevant tabs on my computer, and find a quiet place where I won’t be disturbed. This helps me stay focused and dedicated to the task at hand.
Then, I set a timer. I usually go for about 25 minutes, but you can choose whatever length of time works best for you. The idea is to work on your task for this set amount of time without any interruptions.
When the timer goes off, I take a short break – about 5 minutes. This gives me a chance to stretch, grab a drink of water, or just rest my eyes. After the break, I set the timer again and get back to work.
I repeat this process until I’ve completed my task. Then, I move on to the next one.
By focusing on one task at a time, I’m able to give it my full attention. This leads to higher quality work and helps me complete tasks more quickly.
So, if you’re tired of feeling scattered and unproductive when multitasking, give single-tasking a try! It might just be the productivity boost you need.
14. Batch Similar Tasks: Group Similar Tasks Together
Do you ever feel like you’re jumping from one task to another, and it’s hard to keep track of everything? That’s where “batching” comes in. Batching is when you group similar tasks together to make your work more streamlined. Here’s how you can do it:
First, make a list of all the small tasks that you have to do. This could be homework assignments, chores around the house, or even fun things like calling friends.
Next, look for tasks that are similar or require the same resources. For example, if you have several math problems to solve, group them together. Or if you have several emails to respond to, do them all at once.
Once you’ve grouped your tasks, dedicate specific time slots to each batch. For example, you might decide to do all your math problems right after school, and then respond to all your emails before dinner.
Then, when it’s time to work on a batch, focus only on those individual tasks. This helps you get into a ‘flow’ state, where you’re fully engaged with what you’re doing. It also minimizes context switching – the mental effort it takes to switch from one type of task to another, which can slow you down.
Finally, once you’ve completed a batch, take a short break before moving on to the next one. This gives your brain a chance to rest and recharge.
Batching similar tasks together has really helped me be more efficient with my time. It keeps me focused and makes my workload feel more manageable. So next time you have a long to-do list, try batching your different tasks together – you might be surprised at how much more you get done!
15. Use an AI Headshot Generator
AI headshot generators are a fantastic way to boost your efficiency and productivity while keeping costs down. With these tools, you can quickly create professional headshots without the need to hire a photographer. This time-saving solution allows you to enhance your personal brand or online presence effortlessly, all at your fingertips. Skip the lengthy process of traditional photoshoots and editing—AI headshot generators provide a convenient and cost-effective option for achieving polished results in no time.
16. Choose a Productivity Tool: Use Technology to Help Achieve Your Goals
There are many tools out there that can help us stay on track with our goals. These are often called productivity tools. They can be particularly helpful when it comes to accountability, which is the idea of being responsible for your actions.
Here’s how you can choose a productivity tool that’s right for you:
First, think about what you need help with. Are you looking to stay organized? Do you need reminders to stick to your tasks? Or maybe you’re seeking an accountability partner to help keep you motivated.
Next, do some research. There are many different productivity tools out there. Some, like GoalsWon and , are designed to help you set and track your goals. Others, like the Motion App, can help reduce distractions and keep you focused. There are even apps that can connect you with an accountability partner, someone who helps ensure you stay on track with your tasks.
Once you’ve found a few options that seem like they might work for you, read some reviews. What do other users have to say? How have these tools helped them be more productive? This can give you a good sense of whether a tool will be a good fit for you.
Then, try out a few of your top choices. Most productivity tools offer free trials, so you can see if you like them before committing.
Finally, once you’ve found a tool or productivity system that works for you, make it a regular part of your routine. Use it every day to help you stay organized, focused, and accountable.
Choosing the right productivity tool can be a game-changer when it comes to achieving your goals. So take some time to find one that’s right for you – your future self will thank you!
17. Build Habits: Make Productivity Second Nature
Did you know that a lot of what we do every day is based on habit? These are things we do without even thinking about them, like brushing our teeth or tying our shoes. The cool thing is, we can also build habits to help us be more productive. Here’s how:
First, choose a productive habit you want to develop. This could be anything from setting aside time each day for homework, to taking a few minutes each morning to plan your day.
Next, start small. If you try to do too much at once, it might feel overwhelming and you might give up. So if you want to start doing your homework right after school, for example, begin with just one subject.
Then, make it consistent. Do your new habit at the same time each day. This helps your brain get used to the idea that, “Hey, it’s 4 o’clock, time to start math homework!”
Now, here’s the key part: keep going! Even when it feels hard, or you don’t feel like doing it, stick with your habit. It takes time to build a new habit, but if you stay consistent, it will become easier and easier.
And finally, once your new habit feels like second nature, celebrate your success! Then, think about another productive habit you can start working on.
Remember: focus on habits, they’ll get you the results. By building productive habits, you’re setting yourself up for success, not just for today, but for the future too. So start small, stay consistent, and watch as your productivity grows!
18. Optimize Your Workspace: Make a Space That Helps You Focus
Have you ever tried to do your homework on a messy desk, with papers and books everywhere? It’s hard to focus, right? That’s why it’s important to have a dedicated workspace, a clean, organized workspace. Here’s how to create one:
First, clear everything off your desk. Yes, everything! You’re going to start from scratch.
Next, think about what you really need to do your work. Maybe it’s your laptop, a notebook, and a pencil. Maybe it’s your math book and a calculator. Whatever it is, put those things back on your desk. But only those things!
Then, find a place for everything else. Maybe you have a drawer where you can keep extra pens and pencils. Or a shelf where you can put books when you’re not using them. The goal is to keep office space and your desk clear of anything you don’t need right now.
Now, take a step back and look at your workspace. Does it feel more calm and focused? If not, try rearranging things until it does.
Finally, make a promise to yourself to keep your workspace this way. At the end of each day, take a few minutes to tidy up. Put things away, throw away any trash, and get your workspace ready for the next day.
Having a clean, organized workspace can really help you be more productive. It cuts down on distractions and makes it easier to focus on your work. So give your workspace a makeover – your productivity will thank you!
19. Disconnect from Social Media: Say Goodbye to Endless Scrolling
We’ve all been there: you pick up your phone to check one thing on Instagram, and before you know it, you’ve spent an hour scrolling through post after post. It’s easy to get sucked into social media, but it can really distract you from your work. Here’s how to disconnect:
First, decide when you’re going to use social media. Maybe you’ll allow yourself to check it during lunch, or for a few minutes after you finish your homework. But make sure you set a time limit so you don’t get lost in the scroll!
Next, turn off notifications. Those little pop-ups that tell you someone liked your post or sent you a message? They’re designed to pull you back into the app. So go into your settings and turn them off. That way, you decide when to check social media, not the other way around.
Then, move your social media apps to a different screen on your phone. If they’re right there when you unlock your phone, it’s easy to tap on them without thinking. But if you have to swipe a few times to find them, it gives you a moment to ask yourself, “Do I really need to check this right now?”
Finally, keep your phone out of sight while you’re working. If it’s sitting next to you on your desk, it’s easy to pick it up without thinking. But if it’s in your backpack or another room, you’re less likely to reach for it.
Disconnecting from social media can be tough, but it can also make a big difference in your productivity. By setting boundaries and sticking to them, you can stay focused on your work and avoid the rabbit hole of endless scrolling. So give it a try – your future self will thank you!
20. Automate Repetitive Tasks with AI: Let Technology Do the Work for You
Have you ever wished you could have a robot to do your chores? Well, in the world of digital business, you kind of can! It’s called Artificial Intelligence, or AI, and it can help automate repetitive tasks so you have more time for important things. Here’s how I did it:
First, I looked at my daily tasks and identified which ones were repetitive. These were tasks that I had to do over and over again, like sorting emails, scheduling social media posts, or updating customer records.
Next, I researched AI tools that could handle these tasks. There are lots of options out there, but some popular ones include email filters to sort your inbox, social media schedulers to post content at set times, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems to keep track of customer information.
Then, I started implementing these tools into my business. This involved setting up the AI software and teaching it what to do. For example, I might tell the email filter to send all emails from a specific client to a special folder, or set the social media scheduler to post a new tweet every morning at 9 AM.
Once everything was set up, I let the AI do its thing. And guess what? It worked! The AI took care of those repetitive tasks, which freed up my time to focus on more important things, like growing my business and serving my customers better.
Finally, I kept an eye on the AI to make sure it was doing its job correctly. Every now and then, I would check in to make sure emails were being sorted correctly, or that social media posts were going out on the schedule time.
By introducing AI tools into my digital business, not only did I get back free time, but I also became more profitable. That’s because I was able to spend more time on tasks that directly contribute to my bottom line, like creating new products or finding new customers.
So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by repetitive tasks, consider automating them with AI. It might just be the secret weapon your business needs to succeed!
21. Use Visualization Techniques: Picture Your Success
You know when you daydream about scoring the winning goal in a soccer game or getting an A on your math test? That’s a little bit like visualization, a technique that can help you stay motivated and focused. Here’s how to do it:
First, think about a task you need to complete. Maybe it’s finishing a book report or cleaning your room.
Next, close your eyes and picture yourself doing the task. Imagine what it feels like to open your book and start reading, or to pick up your toys and put them away. Try to make this picture as detailed as possible. What do you see? What do you hear? How do you feel?
Then, imagine yourself finishing the task. Picture the sense of relief and satisfaction you’ll feel when you’re done. Think about how nice it will be to have a clean room, or to turn in your book report and know that you did your best.
Finally, open your eyes and start working on your task. Keep that picture of success in mind as you work. If you start to feel tired or discouraged, close your eyes and visualize your success again.
Visualization can be a powerful tool to motivate yourself and stay focused. By picturing your success, you remind yourself of what you’re working toward and why it’s worth the effort. So next time you have a big task ahead of you, give visualization a try. You might be surprised by how much it helps!
To Wrap It All Up
Becoming productive is within your reach. Try a few of these practical and effective productivity hacks to increase your efficiency levels. Experiment with different techniques, tools, and strategies to find what works best for you.
Remember, focus on getting the things done what truly matters rather than doing more.
