The Ultimate Hack for Getting More Done in Less Time

AI With Hariharan
6 min readMay 31, 2023

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Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work you have to do? Do you struggle to find time to finish all of your tasks? If so, you’re not alone.

It can be difficult to balance your workload and stay productive throughout the day.

Fortunately, there is a way to get more done in less time — and it’s easier than you think! In this blog post, we’ll discuss the ultimate hack for getting more done in less time.

We’ll look at techniques and strategies to help you maximize your efficiency and get the most out of your work hours.

Understand Your Priorities

As Steven Covey once said, “The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”

This quote emphasizes the importance of knowing what’s truly important and making it a priority in your work.

In order to work efficiently, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your priorities. Ask yourself what tasks are most important and what needs to be done first. Take the time to evaluate your workload and create a prioritized list of tasks.

Once you have a clear understanding of your priorities, focus your energy on completing those tasks first.

This will ensure that you’re making the most of your time and working towards your most important goals.

Don’t waste your time on unimportant tasks that won’t help you reach your goals.

Understanding your priorities will also help you manage your time better. You’ll be able to allocate your time and energy more effectively, knowing that you’re focusing on the tasks that really matter.

When you understand your priorities, you’re able to work more efficiently and effectively. Take the time to evaluate your workload and make a list of your top priorities.

Prioritizing also means learning to say “no” to distractions or tasks that don’t align with your goals. Don’t waste your time on things that don’t matter, and don’t be afraid to delegate tasks or ask for help when needed. By focusing on your priorities, you can achieve more in less time.

Set Smaller Goals

One of the biggest obstacles to getting work done efficiently is feeling overwhelmed by the scope of a project or task. Setting smaller goals can help to alleviate this feeling and break down the task into more manageable pieces.

Instead of aiming to complete a large project in one sitting, consider breaking it up into smaller parts that you can tackle individually. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and momentum as you complete each step, rather than feeling like you are spinning your wheels.

It is important to ensure that your smaller goals align with your overall priorities and objectives.

Make sure that each smaller goal contributes to the larger picture and brings you closer to your end goal.

Setting smaller goals can help to improve your efficiency by providing clarity and focus, allowing you to work more deliberately towards your objectives. Give it a try and see the difference it can make in your work!

Take Advantage of Downtime

It’s easy to get bogged down in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but don’t forget about the importance of downtime.

This is a perfect opportunity to make progress on your work while still allowing your brain to relax and recharge.

Take advantage of your downtime by planning your day ahead of time and breaking your tasks into smaller pieces.

If you have a few minutes of downtime, use them to tackle a small task on your list.

For example, if you’re waiting in line at the grocery store, take out your phone and start responding to emails or brainstorming ideas for your next project.

Another way to take advantage of downtime is to multitask. If you’re cooking dinner, try to catch up on some work while the food is simmering on the stove. You’ll be surprised at how much you can get done in a short amount of time.

If you’re feeling really productive, use your downtime to learn something new.

Take an online course or listen to a podcast on a topic that interests you. Not only will this help you grow professionally, but it will also give your brain a chance to stretch and learn in a different way.

Create a Routine

Creating a routine is one of the most powerful ways to increase productivity and efficiency.

When we have a set schedule for our workday, we’re able to focus our energy and attention on the task at hand without getting sidetracked or overwhelmed.

Start by mapping out your daily schedule, including specific blocks of time for tasks such as responding to emails, making phone calls, or completing important projects. Be sure to build in breaks and downtime as well to avoid burnout.

Next, try to stick to your routine as closely as possible. Of course, unexpected issues and emergencies will come up from time to time, but the more consistent you can be with your schedule, the more effective you’ll be overall.

One key to creating a successful routine is to find what works best for you. Some people work best in the morning, while others are more productive in the afternoon or evening.

Experiment with different schedules until you find what feels most natural and effective.

Finally, be willing to make adjustments as needed. If you find that your routine isn’t working or needs some tweaking, don’t be afraid to try something new.

Remember, the goal is to maximize your efficiency and productivity, so keep refining your routine until you find what works best for you.

Work with Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a practice that has gained immense popularity over the years, and for good reason.

Being mindful involves being present in the moment and paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment.

In the workplace, practicing mindfulness can help you to work more efficiently and effectively.

One way to incorporate mindfulness into your workday is to focus on the task at hand.

Rather than thinking about the other items on your to-do list or worrying about what you have to do later in the day, focus solely on the task at hand.

This allows you to work more efficiently because you are fully engaged in what you are doing, and you are less likely to make mistakes.

Another way to practice mindfulness at work is to take breaks throughout the day.

Taking a break, even for just a few minutes, can help to clear your mind and reset your focus.

Use this time to stretch, take a quick walk, or simply sit and breathe. By taking regular breaks, you are more likely to stay energized and productive throughout the day.

Incorporating mindfulness into your workday may take some practice, but the benefits are worth it.

By working with mindfulness, you can increase your efficiency, reduce stress, and enjoy your work more. Give it a try and see how it can transform your workday!

Take Breaks

“ Resting is not quitting “ — a wise man

As counterintuitive as it may sound, taking breaks can actually improve your overall productivity and efficiency. This is because our brains have limited energy and attention span, and working non-stop without breaks can lead to burnout and decreased performance.

Taking short breaks every hour or so can help you recharge your batteries and return to work with a fresh mind.

During your breaks, try to do something that takes your mind off work, like taking a short walk, stretching, or even doing some quick breathing exercises.

If you find yourself working on a particularly challenging task, taking a break can help you gain a new perspective and come up with fresh ideas. When you’re stuck in a mental rut, it can be hard to see things from a different angle, but a quick break can do wonders for your creative thinking.

To make sure that your breaks don’t end up taking over your day, set a timer or schedule them in your calendar.

You could also try using the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working for 25-minute intervals followed by 5-minute breaks.

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