There are two types of people in the world: those who are grossly disorganized and those who are just plain gross. Just kidding. But seriously, productivity is a major issue for many people, including me. I am an organization freak, and I still find myself struggling to get everything done.

In my quest to find the perfect productivity hacks, I’ve learned a lot of tricks that I want to share with you. Some of them are going to be no-brainers, but others might be a bit of a surprise. If you have a tip that I didn’t mention, share it in the comments section!

1. Plan your day the night before

There’s nothing worse than starting your day with a long to-do list that you have to spend time creating. Instead, create your to-do list the night before so you can hit the ground running in the morning.

You can also plan your social media content in advance. For example, figuring out the best time to post on TikTok can ensure your posts reach the largest audience possible.

This is one of the most popular productivity hacks for a reason. Not only does it save you time, but it also helps you sleep better. When you know exactly what you need to do the next day, you can rest easy knowing that you’re prepared.

2. Turn off your phone

When you’re working, turn your phone off, put it on silent, or move it to another room. If you can’t do that, try to turn off your notifications or use the “Do Not Disturb” feature on your phone.

If you’re like most people, you probably check your phone multiple times an hour, and every time you do, it takes you a few minutes to get back into your work. Those few minutes add up, and before you know it, you’ve wasted a lot of time.

By turning off your phone and eliminating distractions, you’ll be amazed at how much more you can get done.

3. Turn off email and social media

Email and social media can be huge time wasters. The constant dinging of new emails and notifications can be a big distraction.

Instead, turn off email and social media notifications on your phone and computer.

If you need to get a lot of work done, set aside specific times to check and respond to emails and messages.

You can even use an app like Inbox Pause to stop new messages from coming in until you’re ready to deal with them.

By limiting the time you spend on email and social media, you can free up time for more important tasks.

4. Listen to music

When you’re working on something that doesn’t require a lot of critical thinking, listening to music can be a great way to keep you focused and motivated.

Of course, the type of music you listen to can make a big difference. If you’re trying to concentrate, classical or instrumental music without lyrics is your best bet.

But if you’re trying to power through a bunch of tasks, like going through your email, for example, you might want to listen to something more upbeat.

You can even find productivity playlists on Spotify and other music streaming services.

5. Take a 5-minute break every hour

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that is designed to break work down into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks.

At the end of four 25-minute intervals, you take a longer break.

This technique is very effective for staying focused and not burning out during long work days.

6. Set a timer

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management strategy developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. It involves breaking your workday into 25-minute intervals separated by 5-minute breaks. After four 25-minute intervals, you take a 15-30 minute break.

This technique is designed to help you focus on one task at a time and avoid burnout from working too long without a break. You can use a simple kitchen timer, an app on your phone or an online tool like Tomato Timer to set your intervals.

7. Make a to-do list

One of the simplest ways to get more done is to make a to-do list. It’s a great way to organize your day and make sure you’re spending your time on the most important things.

As you plan your day, make sure you prioritize your tasks. This will help you focus on the most important things and make sure they get done.

8. Use a scheduling tool

If you’re a professional in any capacity, chances are you have a lot of meetings to attend. And if you’re in a leadership role, you might have to schedule a lot of those meetings yourself.

Instead of going back and forth with your colleagues to find a time that works for everyone, use a scheduling tool. There are lots of great options out there, like Calendly and Doodle, that make it easy to find a time that works for everyone and automatically add the meeting to everyone’s calendar.

9. Automate as much as possible

As a business owner, you have to wear a lot of hats. You’re the sales team, the marketing team, the customer service team, and more. That’s why it’s so important to automate as much as possible.

You can use tools like email marketing software, social media scheduling tools, and customer relationship management software to automate tasks that would otherwise take up a lot of your time.

Automating these tasks can help you free up time to focus on the things that really matter in your business.

10. Delegate

Delegation is a skill, and it’s not one that comes naturally to everyone. But if you want to get more done in less time, you need to learn how to delegate effectively.

Think about the tasks on your to-do list. Are there any that could be done just as well, or even better, by someone else? If so, delegate them.

You might have a team of people who can help you, or you might need to outsource some tasks to a freelancer. Either way, getting help from other people is a great way to free up your time and get more done.

Delegating tasks to others is not only a great way to free up your time, but it can also help you develop your team and build trust.

11. Work with a mentor

There are few things that can help you be more productive than having a mentor. A mentor is someone who has been where you are and can help guide you on your journey.

Having a mentor can help you avoid common pitfalls and mistakes, and can help you get to where you want to be more quickly.

If you don’t already have a mentor, make it a priority to find one. Look for someone who is where you want to be in your career, and who you respect and admire. Then, ask them to be your mentor. Most people are flattered to be asked and will be happy to help you.

12. Get enough sleep

It’s easy to think that burning the midnight oil will help you accomplish more, but the reality is that getting enough sleep is one of the best things you can do to ensure that you are productive.

Sleep is an essential part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and it can have a big impact on your productivity. Getting enough sleep can help you stay focused and alert throughout the day, and it can also help you make better decisions. On the other hand, not getting enough sleep can make you feel tired and irritable, and it can also make it harder for you to concentrate.

Make sure to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, try to establish a bedtime routine that helps you relax and wind down. Avoiding caffeine, electronics and heavy meals before bedtime can also help you get a good night’s sleep.

13. Exercise

We all know that exercising is good for us. It helps us stay healthy and reduces stress. But did you know that it can also make you more productive?

Studies have shown that people who exercise regularly are more productive at work. This is because exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which can help improve your concentration and focus.

If you’re feeling sluggish or unmotivated, try going for a quick walk or doing some jumping jacks. You’ll be surprised at how much it can help!

14. Eat well

It’s easy to fall into the trap of eating junk food and other unhealthy options when you’re busy. However, eating poorly can lead to a lack of energy and focus, which can hurt your productivity.

Instead, try to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. If you don’t have time to cook, consider meal prepping on the weekends or using a meal delivery service.

15. Take time off

In a world that seems to be moving at a faster pace every day, the idea of taking time off to relax and recharge can seem like a luxury. But taking time off is actually one of the most productive things you can do.

When you take time off, you give your body and mind a chance to rest and recover. This can help you avoid burnout, reduce stress, and increase your overall productivity. Plus, taking time off can help you come up with new ideas and solutions to problems, and it can even make you a better leader.

Conclusion

I hope you find these productivity hacks useful!