This post may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure here.
What Are You Currently Doing To Make The Most Out Of Your Day?
We all want to get the most out of our day, so how do you save time and boost your productivity? I write about self-improvement, and I can tell you that there’s no way to grow and self- improve if you are not being productive with your time. It’s just not going to happen.
It is all about planning and setting priorities. Knowing what your plans for the day, week, the month is important. The more productive you are, the more time you will have to do the things you enjoy.
I am a planner and an organizer, so I function best when I know what I am doing and when. Having a toddler means I have to be flexible, but you get the idea.
Do you ever feel like you have so much work to do that you do not even want to get up from your desk or working space? Not even to get a glass of water or some fresh air?
I am that way. Well, I used to be that way. I am much better now.
The healthier choice is to take a break at least once every hour. Get your eyes off the screen for at least 5 – 10 mins, drink water, stretch your legs. Your mind isn’t designed to work full force all day long. The brain is for processing, not storage.
I find that how you start your morning sets the tone for the rest of your day. I like working at night when the house is quiet, but, I am only productive with my work is my day has gone as planned.
Here Are 10 Productive Life Hacks You Can Use Every Day To Help You Save Time And Boost Productivity
There are lots of ways. I have a great list of 15 ways, but I narrowed this down to 10 ways for you by combining some of the other five into the ones listed below. See? I am already helping you save time and boost productivity.
1. Love What You Do
I usually save the best for last, but this should stay here at number one.
You have to love what you to maximize productivity. If you are not enjoying what you are doing then it is likely that your work will be counter-productive, or not reaching its full potential.
2. Find Your Prime Time
Everyone has a time of day when they are most productive. For some it is early in the morning, others late at night. Whichever way, use that time of the day to work on your tasks. Allocate a realistic amount of time for you to start and complete at least one task during that time.
3. Follow The Two-Minute Rule
This is something I learned from David Allen, a time management consultant and best-selling author. His two-minute rule is this: If you determine an action can be done in two minutes, you should do it right then. That way, you can cross it off your list immediately.
It really works and will help you not only procrastinate less but more efficiently.
“Lost time is never found again.” —Benjamin FranklinClick To Tweet
4. Learn To Say No
I wrote a post on this which will help you tremendously. In it I explain why saying “no” can be one of the best things you do daily. When you learn how to say no you will stop over-committing to things and feeling regret later.
5. Don’t Multitask
One would think that multitasking would be the best way to save time and boost productivity but that is not true. It only makes the time you take for completing each task take longer. If you want to optimize your productivity, focus on one thing at a time.
6. Prioritize, Prioritize, Prioritize
Figure out what the three most important tasks are that need completion and just do them. Plan and prioritize your tasks the night before so the next morning you have a clear picture of what needs to be done. This will not only motivate you but help you in goal setting and planning, I have a free goal setting guide you can download at then end of this post.
7. Eliminate Distractions
If only it were so easy. I look at my phone a lot and have lots of tabs open on my laptop all the time. Try not to multitask or become distracted by other things while focusing on a task. We are all a work in progress. 🙂 – Click on the following link to learn: How to declutter your digital world.
8. Remove Clutter From Your Desk
I cannot work in a messy environment, I just can’t. It makes me feel all scatterbrained. All the clutter is a distraction for me. How about you? Does decluttering your desk help you feel like you are more organized? Ready to work?
9. H20
Staying hydrated throughout the day will help you keep your energy levels up. I don’t drink as much water as I should but I am getting better at it. I love adding a few drops of lemon to my water to give it a better taste and instant boost.
10. Turn Off Social Media
When I am working on a particular task or need to meet a deadline I turn off my social media.
Do you ever feel like you are swamped with Facebook notifications and WhatsApp alerts? Turn these off or keep your phone out of sight. In order to save time and boost your productivity, you can also allocate time in your day to spend on social media. You can click on the pin below to save this post without having to go directly to your Pinterest page. 🙂 Efficient right?
It is important though to stick to those times. Is it hard? – yes, but when you make it a habit, you won’t miss it at all. It is amazing how many hours in the day you can gain by staying off social media.
That’s How You Save Time and Boost Productivity!
These ten tips and suggestions on how to save time and boost your productivity are not set in stone. They are guidelines in order to get you started on the best way to be and stay productive. You might find that some work for you and others don’t.
Your daily life, routine, and schedule will be factors that you need to take into consideration when implementing these tips. Prioritizing and eliminating should become a daily habit.
Do you have additional ways that save time and boost your productivity? Please share them with me in the comments section below.
75 comments
Well I don’t know if I can turn off social media…that is a tough one for me. maybe I can start small, like for an hour or so. But I definitely learned something new with the 2 minute rule! Thanks
This is full of so many good tips, I’m very guilty of distracting myself which effects my productivity. I need to stay focused more! xo
I am a serial procrastinator and I get distracted by so much, it was a problem even when I was a school, unfortunately it’s made it into my adult life and I’ve not done much about it! I always need to be organised to actually make sure I get through the day but like I said I do procrastinate and need to be strict with myself. The two minute rule is excellent and one I’ve not heard before but will certainly use. I wish I could add to your helpful tips but I’m honestly the worst productivity.
I definitely need to stop multitasking. I am awful for trying to get a million tasks done at once and then feeling overwhelmed. I think that will be my goal for the week and I will see how I feel.
That two minute rule is a great idea. For some reason, I procrastinate on the silliest things but get on with the bigger jobs. I’ll often just leave the little tasks ‘for later’. I’ll try implementing that rule into my life, I know it’ll make a big difference.
Katie xoxo
Social media is a big time killer, need to turn it off more often! Also look forward to try the two minute rule.
I couldn’t have stumbled upon this post at a better time, I am drowning with my work right now, I am planner and work best when I plan my day or week
Fantastic post! I really need these tips right now. I definitely find eliminating distractions, especially social media, really helps!
Prioritise is a big one for me! I need to use my time way more wisely and prioritise things that need doing first! I get distracted!
you’re so right – finding your prime time is the key to productivity for me. If I don’t get majority of things done in the morning, then I know its not going to happen in the afternoon!
These are great tips. I always have to plan for myself to save time and it is really hard. I learned from your post a lot. I think I should limit myself to Social Media. Thanks for sharing!
I used to be a yes person, but not anymore. You have to say no, for me time to get focused.
This list is perfect! I myself especially love to prioritize and plan things out. It definitely makes for an easier, time saving day! Great post, thank you!
Distraction and multitasking are two things I have to really work on. My attention span is too small and I get distracted so easily that it’s terrible, sometimes even taking my eyes off my task and just hydrating can distract me too. 🙁 However, I’m really tring to work itout, hoping I get better at focussing. 🙂
Thank you for these tips! Im so good spending time without delivering anything. I know I need to prioritise and I try to keep in mind that “do what you love” and concentrating on that.
Another powerful and helpful post Sheri, congratulations! For me, cleaning and sorting out mess in my desk (sometimes including my wardrobe) helps me think better – I just do, when everything is in order. And also avoiding distraction is number one, so I can be productive.
I agree that we all have different times of day where we feel the most productive and for me I tend to do a lot of work at night, although I work from early morning and end up being physically and mentally exhausted. So I really like the idea of the two minute rule and I am hoping that it means I am going to procrastinate less! x
Great tips I definitely could do with being more productive I get distracted easily by social media. I always work better when I’m organised too and a planner is the best way to go.
Oh yes! I find that organising my thoughts in an actionable to do list always helps! This is why I use a bullet journal, but I’m still new to it, so it is a work in progress haha!
My prime time seems to be in the late evening .. I can get so much done !
[…] up Dad! Prioritize your time. The meeting you are running off to can […]
[…] In and out in at most 10 minutes. […]
[…] order to boost your daily productivity, your energy levels need to be up, so you are not lagging throughout the day. Baobab Powder will […]
[…] Remind yourself that being punctual as a matter of good etiquette. Is it time for a punctuality makeover? […]
[…] I ask myself what I can do to save time and boost productivity? […]
Social media is a necessary evil Whatever we do it can such time like nothing else .Loved all the tips .I have one more to add .Cluster like activities .
[…] not take up physical space. When you declutter your digital world you will notice more free time, increased productivity, and a sense of […]
[…] Adopting a minimalist lifestyle will save you time in terms of cleaning, tidying up, and reorganizing your home. I am all about ways to save time and boost your productivity. […]
Very good advice and keep up the good work
This is a perfect timing for me! The best way for me is to take a rest for 10 minutes, either I will sip on my coffee or take a walk, there it will begin my contemplation on how will I fix and set my time accordingly.
If my things are organized, I can save a lot of time and boost my productivity for the day. I list things that I need to do for a week so it is easy to keep track.
Today I have told myself that after work when I get home, I’m going to get stuff done. This perfect as it will help me to get the most done. The break idea is perfect.
I wish you all the best Nina! 🙂
Have to say these are exactly the suggestions I need now! Thanks for sharing!!
oh my gosh, this post is perfect! I am bookmarking this one! There are days when I just don’t feel like i’ve been as energized and productive as I could be. I have to be busy or I loose momentum but also taking your breaks to rest your eyes away from the screen is so important.
Ellie
This is an excellent list and reminder, Sheri! My husband had once told me about the two minute rule but I never really got around to implementing it, your post is prompting me to do so, will give it a try starting right now 🙂
xx, Kusum
These are all great tips! I think my favorites and the ones I use most often are decluttering, the 2 minute rule, and finding my prime time (first thing in the morning surprisingly).
I’ve recently been turning my phone on do not disturb when I’m reading to help minimize distractions on social media, but it’s so hard!
Oh my goodness, you threw me for a loop with ‘don’t multi-task’, lol! But I totally get, focusing on 1 thing is more productive.
I find it so hard to stop, I keep going until I basically collapse. This of course has a very negative effect both on my body and my productivity levels. This post was an eye opener. I’ve never heard of the 2 minure rule, I must put this to use asap! Thanks for the inspo!
I am some who loves to prioritize my work but, something you said just caught my attention: Follow The Two-Minute Rule. When i think of a great idea which can be done in less than 1 minute, I’d rather get up and do something unproductive that do it right there. This needs to stop for me. These are really great tips, Thanks for sharing.
These are such great tips! I really need to do more of these, especially the prioritizing! That will be a huge help! I’m always all over the place! 🙂
This is great advice! I’m always multi-tasking and then I get distracted and don’t finish things properly. Waking up earlier has also helped me be more productive since I’m more likely to get work done before the day’s distractions creep in.
I make a daily, weekly, monthly… To Do List and goals and/or vision boards. They have definitely helped me out in 2016 and beginning 2017. I am excited to try some of your suggestions tomorrow to keep myself on track!
The 2 minute rule is great for those who procrastinate or have ADHD. If we know it just takes 2 minutes, its easier for us to get it done.
I am a planner just like you and I make a list of what needs to be done and have spread sheets to follow, keeps me on track and keeps me focused so I don’t get too much wasted time on social media and reading things when I am meant to be blogging. Great post.
YES! Don’t multitask and H20 are two major things I overlook when it comes to productivity. I often get too busy to stand and get water at times. Ugh. I also thought before that multi-tasking would help me not get bored… but it just made me lost, haha. Thank you!
Oh my, I am a work in progress too. I am working out a prioritized schedule as we speak, like literally started implementing it this week. I am a night owl so I do my best work very late at night. I go to the gym at 1 am and then come home to work on the blog. It works out great for me, plus my kids are later risers so some days I get to sleep in. Thanks for the great tips, shared to read and take notes later.
[…] Jump over that hurdle and just do it. You will notice after a while that you are even saving time and boosting productivity. […]
These are great tips! I’m currently at uni, and am always on the look out for tips like this as I find myself easily distracted from my books!
Emily xx
I agree with “don’t multitask”. Too often you end up doing a half assed job and having to go back and doing it all again.
Katja xxx
I like that two minute rule and will start using it for sure. I tend to multitask and then my brain goes mushy.. thanks for reminding me of all these useful tips to keep in mind for better focus.
That was helpful! Especially the two-minute rule. 🙂
Very informative!
Some great tips here, that 2 minute rule sounds good since I have a baby
Excellent tips! That two minutes rule sounds good. By using it I could make my to do lists a lot shorter! 🙂
I agree. Once you get it done in those two minutes, it’s over and you can move on to the next thing. 🙂
Very usefull tips,thank you for sharing 🙂
Thanks for this post. I work from home, so there are many tips here I can certainly use. I already do a few of them, such as #1, 2, & 9. I need to get better at #4.
Love that two minute rule! I totally agree with all of these and I need to stop multitasking!
Bookmarking this post! I love that two minute rule and need to read that book! I am a big multi-tasker so maybe I should really settle down and focus on one thing at a time. Thanks for sharing!
You are welcome Emily. I am a multitasker as well, but when I comes down to completing certain tasks, especially ones on the computer then I need to have focus, so I monotask instead. As a first time mom to a toddler, not being able to multitask is almost unimaginable. LOL. Thank you for bookmarking and sharing. xoxox S.
Love the “Two-Minute Rule” and the tip to Prioritize! Both are so important, and I’m trying to be better at the Two-Minute Rule-type thing! Thanks!
I am so easily distracted!Ughs! Plus a toddler in the mix doesn’t alway help. Plans go array and I feel like I am juggling lots of things at once. By bedtime I am just rushing to get in front of my computer and get some work done! Ai yaya
hahahahahaha Devina! Story of my life 🙂 that’s why I needed to find a good strategy.
Taking breaks does help me to stay focus because working for hours can cause me to feel less energize. So that is something that I try do whenever I feel like I not giving my best.
This list is everything that I should be doing to maximize my time but I am far from it lol. I have a ton of tabs opened on my laptop as well. My phone is always a distraction. And at work I get in the habit of “multi-tasking” instead of finishing one task. Sigh! I need to develop that 2 minute rule. Sometimes I procrastinate and that is not healthy. However I am taking baby steps towards improving.
Baby steps is all you need to get going. I knew I had to start and that it would be hard to do, but the longer I do it, the easier it becomes. I still have many tabs open sometimes and of course get distracted but I am so much better than I sued to be. I am sure this time in a few months, you will have achieved better productivity. 🙂 All the very best.
This is an amazing list! I will always have these at the back of my mind now!
You know you need this post when you start saying things like.. I need to do that, I don’t do this often, what is that?! hahaha Yup, that was me!
I am also a planner and hate last minute work emergencies that are really not an emergency. 🙂 I love the tips. And i also prioritize and find that planning and being proactive is the best way for me to get the most out of my day. i also love eliminating distractions and saying no. That has been the biggest game changer for me. I no longer allow people to pass their work off on me. Love this. Sharing it.
Thank you so much Nichole. We are completely on the same page with this. I also used to “collect” work from others, but no more. It is so freeing to have learned to say no (I wrote a post about this http://www.purposefulhabits.com/saying-no-is-the-best-thing/). I am more productive and less overwhelmed. 🙂
I literally feel like this is my life today. I totally agree with all of these! I need to stop multitasking and focus more on one task at a time!
Distractions are my biggest thing. It seems something comes along and since it seems more important (or more interesting), I drop what I’m doing and forget to go back!
YES! Scott this used to happen to me a lot. After about an hour I would then remember what I was actually doing before I became distracted. I had to learn to stop doing that and quit multitasking while I was trying to finish one task. It is hard but will help in the long run. LOL 🙂