Work Smarter, Not Harder: 21 Time Management Tips to Hack Productivity

A lot of folks in our society try to be hyper-productive.

You know — the people who scurry from task to task, always checking e-mail, organizing something, making a call, running an errand, etc.

The people who do this often subscribe to the idea that “staying busy” means you’re working hard and are going to be more successful.

While this belief may be true to an extent, it often leads to mindless “productivity” — a constant need to do something and a tendency to waste time on menial tasks.

Instead of behaving in this way, I choose to do things differently.

Working Smarter, Not Harder

The old adage, “work smarter, not harder” has become a staple in the way I go about work of any kind.

Instead of being robotic in how I approach tasks, I try to be thoughtful and always ask myself if something can be done more efficiently or eliminated altogether.

Managing my time isn’t about squeezing as many tasks into my day as possible. It’s about simplifying how I work, doing things faster, and relieving stress.

It’s about clearing away space in my life to make time for people, play, and rest.

I promise you — there really are enough hours in a day for everything you’d like to do, but it may take a bit of rearranging and re-imagining to find them.

21 Time Management Tips

I compiled this list of 21 tips to hopefully nudge you in the right direction.

Remember: There are innumerable hacks and tricks to manage your time effectively. These are some tips that I find helpful, but everyone is different.

Let this list be a catalyst to get you thinking regularly about how to refine your own practices.

1. Complete most important tasks first.

This is the golden rule of time management. Each day, identify the two or three tasks that are the most crucial to complete, and do those first.

Once you’re done, the day has already been a success. You can move on to other things, or you can let them wait until tomorrow. You’ve finished the essential.

2. Learn to say “no”.

Making a lot of time commitments can teach us how to juggle various engagements and manage our time. This can be a great thing.

However, you can easily take it too far. At some point, you need to learn to decline opportunities. Your objective should be to take on only those commitments that you know you have time for and that you truly care about.

3. Sleep at least 7-8 hours.

Some people think sacrificing sleep is a good way to hack productivity and wring a couple extra hours out of the day. This is not the case.

Most people need 7-8 hours of sleep for their bodies and minds to function optimally. You know if you’re getting enough. Listen to your body, and don’t underestimate the value of sleep.

4. Devote your entire focus to the task at hand.

Close out all other browser windows. Put your phone away, out of sight and on silent. Find a quiet place to work, or listen to some music if that helps you (I enjoy listening to classical or ambient music while writing sometimes).

Concentrate on this one task. Nothing else should exist. Immerse yourself in it.

5. Get an early start.

Nearly all of us are plagued by the impulse to procrastinate. It seems so easy, and you always manage to get it done eventually, so why not?

Take it from a recovering chronic procrastinator — it’s so much nicer and less stressful to get an earlier start on something. It isn’t that difficult either, if you just decide firmly to do it.

6. Don’t allow unimportant details to drag you down.

We often allow projects to take much, much longer than they could by getting too hung up on small details. I’m guilty of this. I’ve always been a perfectionist.

What I’ve found, though, is that it is possible to push past the desire to constantly examine what I’ve done so far. I’m much better off pressing onward, getting the bulk completed, and revising things afterward.

7. Turn key tasks into habits.

Writing is a regular task for me. I have to write all the time — for school, work, my student organization, my blog, etc. I probably write 5,000 – 7,000 words per week.

The amount of writing I do may seem like a lot to most people, but it’s very manageable for me, because it’s habitual. I’ve made it a point to write something every day for a long time.

I rarely break this routine. Because of this, my mind is in the habit of doing the work of writing. It has become quite natural and enjoyable. Could you do something similar? (Read “The Simple, Powerful Guide to Forming Any New Habit“)

8. Be conscientious of amount of TV/Internet/gaming time.

Time spent browsing Twitter or gaming or watching TV and movies can be one of the biggest drains on productivity.

I suggest becoming more aware of how much time you spend on these activities. Simply by noticing how they’re sucking up your time you’ll begin to do them less.

9. Delineate a time limit in which to complete task.

Instead of just sitting down to work on a project and thinking, “I’m going to be here until this is done,” try thinking, “I’m going to work on this for three hours”.

The time constraint will push you to focus and be more efficient, even if you end up having to go back and add a bit more later.

10. Leave a buffer-time between tasks.

When we rush from task to task, it’s difficult to appreciate what we’re doing and to stay focused and motivated.

Allowing ourselves down-time between tasks can be a breath of fresh air for our brains. While taking a break, go for a short walk, meditate, or perform some other mind-clearing exercise.

11. Don’t think of the totality of your to-do list.

One of the fastest ways to overwhelm yourself is to think about your massive to-do list. Realize that no amount of thought will make it any shorter.

At this point in time, all you can do is focus on the one task before you. This one, single, solitary task. One step at a time. Breathe.

12. Exercise and eat healthily.

Numerous studies have linked a healthy lifestyle with work productivity. Similar to getting enough sleep, exercising and eating healthily boost energy levels, clear your mind, and allow you to focus more easily.

13. Do less.

This is a tactic recommended by one of my favorite bloggers, Leo Babauta. Basically, do less is another way of saying do the things that really matter.

Slow down, notice what needs to be done, and concentrate on those things. Do less things that create more value, rather than more things that are mostly empty.

14. Utilize weekends, just a little bit.

One of my favorite memes depicts a gentleman casting his work aside, declaring, “It’s Friday! F#%$ this shit.” The following image reads “Monday”, and the man is stooping to pick up the papers he’d tossed to the ground.

This is comical, but I’ve found that it’s amazing how doing just a little bit on weekends can really lessen the workload during the week. Aim for 2-4 hours per day. You’ll still leave yourself plenty of free time for activities.

15. Create organizing systems.

Being organized saves tons of time, and you don’t have to be the most ultra-organized person in the world either. Systems aren’t complicated to implement.

Create a filing system for documents. Make sure all items have a place to be stored in your dwelling. Unsubscribe from e-mail lists if you don’t want to receive their content. Streamline, streamline, streamline.

16. Do something during waiting time.

We tend to have a lot of down-time where we don’t try to do much. Waiting rooms, lines at the store, time on the subway, on the elliptical at the gym, etc.

Find things to do during this time. I tend to have a lot of reading for classes, so I bring some of it almost everywhere I go and read during waiting time.

17. Lock yourself in.

No distractions, no excuses. Sometimes, the only way I’m going to get something done is if I’m under lock and key, alone in a room. If you’re like me, realize it, and act accordingly.

18. Commit to your plan to do something.

I kind of mentioned this already, but it’s worth repeating. Don’t flake on your own plan to do something!

Be resolute. Be committed. Be professional about it, and follow through. A firm will to accomplish what you decide to accomplish will take you anywhere.

19. Batch related tasks together.

Let’s say that over a given weekend you need to do two programming assignments, write three essays, and make two videos. Rather than approaching this work in whatever order you feel, group the like tasks and do them consecutively.

Different tasks demand different types of thinking, so it makes sense to allow your mind to continue to flow with its current zone rather than switching unnecessarily to something that’s going to require you to re-orient.

20. Find time for stillness.

In our go, go, go world, too many people don’t find time to just be still. Yet, it’s extraordinary what a stillness practice can do. Action and inaction should both play key roles in our lives.

Discovering time in your life for silence and non-motion reduces anxiety and shows you that there is no need to constantly rush. It also makes it easier to find your work pleasurable.

21. Eliminate the non-essential.

I know this one has been mentioned in one capacity or another already, but it’s one of the most useful tips you can take away from this post.

Our lives are full of excess. When we can identify that excess and remove it, we become more and more in touch with what is significant and what deserves our time.

One Last Tip (The Best One)

There’s one final tip I want to mention. If you remember one thing from this post, remember this:

Enjoyment should always be the goal. Work can be play.

We get so caught up in busyness that we forget to enjoy what we’re doing. Even when we focus on working smarter, we’re still often too focused on getting things done.

This should never be the point. Always ask yourself: What can I do to spend more time enjoying what I’m doing?

The goal should be to arrange your commitments in a way that you’re happy living out the details of your daily life, even while you’re working.

This may sound like a pipe dream, but it’s more possible than ever in today’s world. Be curious. Be open to opportunity. Know yourself. Embrace your passions.

Wonderful things will happen. Best of luck implementing these tips, and let me know if I can do anything else to help you.

Your Friend,
Jordan Bates

P.S. ‘Like’ Refine The Mind on Facebook here to stay in the know.

“Don’t say you don’t have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein.”
― H. Jackson Brown Jr.



If this essay resonated, you'll enjoy my Dead Honest Newsletter, my list of Cage-Melting Books, and following me on on Facebook and Instagram.



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About Jordan Bates

Jordan Bates is a Lover of God, healer, mentor of leaders, writer, and music maker. The best way to keep up with his work is to join nearly 7,000 people who read his Substack newsletter.

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Nicolas Daudin
11 years ago

Love tip #7 Turn key tasks into habits.
Maybe I could do as you do – write a little bit every day and make this a habit!!

Jordan Bates
11 years ago
Reply to  Nicolas Daudin

Definitely. Once starting on a task is nearly automatic (because it’s habitual), it becomes much easier to enjoy doing it as well. Thanks for the comment, Nicolas!

Sabrina's Org & Adm
11 years ago

Great tips! What a world we would be in if everyone followed even half of these tips!

Jordan Bates
11 years ago

Thanks for the comment, Sabrina! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I think, in particular, that if everyone focused on doing what they enjoy and on tackling their most important tasks first, the results really would be extraordinary.

Josh
Josh
10 years ago

Some good specific tips here. Keep up the work on the blog, I like the direction of the content.

Jordan Bates
10 years ago
Reply to  Josh

Thanks, Josh! 🙂 So happy to hear you’re enjoying my direction. I’ve got a lot more in store, so stick around!

Psyfer
Psyfer
10 years ago

omg! well said. You’ve got a talent with words. This really inspired me!

Jordan Bates
10 years ago
Reply to  Psyfer

Thanks, Psyfer! Much appreciated! Hope to hear from you again. 🙂

Robyn Adams
Robyn Adams
10 years ago

Love these tips! So many of them I already know BUT need to put into practice. I did really like your last one b/c I’m job hunting and determined to find something I love doing!

Robyn Adams
Robyn Adams
10 years ago

Ummm…wow! I didn’t mean to post a GIANT pic. I thought I was posting a gravatar like pic. Sorry! 🙁

Jordan Bates
10 years ago
Reply to  Robyn Adams

Robyn, thanks for the comments and praise. Glad the article could be helpful to you! Best of luck finding something you love doing!

I unfortunately felt I should delete your first comment because the large picture might disrupt others’ experience of the site. I’ll transcribe your words here though:

“Love these tips! So many of them I already know BUT need to put into practice. I did really like your last one b/c I’m job hunting and determined to find something I love doing!”
-Robyn Adams

Take care, and I hope to hear from you again.

Regards,
Jordan

Shenoi
Shenoi
10 years ago

We should find that how much time we usually spend on our regular activities and then create a weekly schedule to follow. It also helps to determine how much free time we have for that week, before adding any commitments. Using time tracking application will also help to work smarter and could able to produce the results efficiently. The time management application, I used in the past let me record the time but it didn’t have different categories to manage the tasks. I was simply amazed when I started using time recording application from Replicon because of its ability to… Read more »

Marisela
Marisela
9 years ago

Love your tips! This will definitely help me in my everyday life.

Jordan Bates
9 years ago
Reply to  Marisela

Great to hear. Cheers

Kevin Peter
Kevin Peter
9 years ago

Jordan, leaving buffer time in between is not that easy and that is something I will overcome very soon. I really liked the last point to remember – WORK CAN BE PLAY. This is awesome!

Kristel
Kristel
8 years ago

God Bless you for writing this article

Mohamed
Mohamed
8 years ago

Great!
Its really interesting. I enjoy it very much. Hope I can do something good ,better an great in my life.
Thank you
kind regards
Mohamed
+960 977 5125

Shahid durrani
8 years ago

I agree with the above. Scheduling email doesn’t work for most. I have 0 unread items in my inbox because I process them as soon as I get them. Most inboxes I see on people’s computers have hundreds of unread email. When will they ever read it? Are the emails even still relevant?

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[…] As Jordan Bates explains, the idea of doing less is just about doing what matters: […]

Lisa Fourman
6 years ago

I like the 11th tip: don’t look at the totality of your to-do list. For me, that often leads to a sense of overwhelm, which can also lead to panicking. I find it hard for me to get up early in the morning but sometimes I do it anyway just to make sure each task is completed before the end of the day. The longer the task is, the earlier in the morning it gets done. The same thing applies to the more difficult tasks taking up time in my day. Thank you for such an awesome post, Jordan!

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[…] success of this endeavor depends on how well you are when it comes to time management. It can be done if you always arrange your schedule. You know when to spend your time working and […]

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[…] Jordan Bates sums this up on RefineTheMind.com “Your objective should be to take on only those commitments that you know you have time for and that you truly care about.” […]

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[…] make a success of your career then you’ll make time for what’s important. Doing all this will teach you to manage your time and give your full attention to every task. Being able to juggle between work and classes is good […]

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[…] Teach yourself: 21 Time Management Tips to Hack Productivity […]

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[…] get it back. Because of this, you need to plan your time incredibly carefully and make sure that you’re using it as productively as possible. Never try and play things by ear when you’re running a business. You should always have the […]

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[…] FIX: It’s crucial to make good use of your time to be progressive. And when it’s not your strong suit having a schedule and regimen is absolutely vital. Prioritize […]

Jonathan Bowen
Jonathan Bowen
6 years ago

I think this is great stuff, I’m the same way about needing to eliminate distractions. For me sometimes it’s just a matter of trying to fight the battle between my personality type and my dedication. I’m not a schedule person and I don’t get the concept of a bed time or wake up time. That varies by day and I wouldn’t have it any other way. But some days I stay up late because I’m feeling the inspiration and working well, trying to get done what I want for that day, but it impacts the next day and of course… Read more »

Franc
5 years ago

Nice Article Jordan. I found out that I’m quite Lazy on Monday and Tuesaday. Whereas on wekends I’m quite energetic.

Do you have any possible explanation?And, howI can improve my productivity?

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[…] you can see what you can do, what you can do not, as well as when to make a stop in your life and career. Believe it or not, every now and then some breaks are more than welcome to help you see better […]

Tjumana Mietjie
Tjumana Mietjie
2 years ago

All the tips are important for me and I choose tips 5 and 17 for myself as the most important.
Tip 5 is my motto I always start early to avoid late submissions.
Tip 17 . I always lock myself up to avoid distractions that unnecessary things.

Tjumana Mietjie
Tjumana Mietjie
2 years ago

I enjoyed every tip that I read and prepared to improve my time management skills.

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