The difference between successful freelancers and entrepreneurs, and those who fail, is often a matter of priorities. Time management, focus, and discipline are the pillars of success in a self-made business, regardless of whether you're creating a monetized blog or running an SaaS startup.
Improving your productivity by honing your time management skills is the best way to set yourself up for success. Here are eight time management tips to improve your productivity.
We’ve all been there—staring at a long to-do list, wondering how on earth we’re going to get everything done. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, and sometimes traditional time management strategies just don’t cut it. So, how about trying something a bit different? Here are eight quirky yet practical time management tips that might just improve your productivity, and maybe even add a bit of fun to your day.
The “Not-To-Do” List
We all have a to-do list, but what about a list of things you absolutely refuse to do? The idea behind the “Not-To-Do” List is to identify the distractions and bad habits that eat up your time and actively avoid them. This isn’t just about staying on task; it’s about consciously recognizing what pulls you away from your work.
Instead of listing everything you need to get done, jot down the things that usually derail your productivity. For example:
- Avoid Checking Social Media: If scrolling through Instagram or Twitter eats up half your day, put it on your Not-To-Do list. No peeking until the work is done.
- Don’t Organize Your Desk (Again): It’s easy to fall into the trap of endlessly tidying your workspace as a way to procrastinate. Your desk is fine as it is.
- Skip Random Web Browsing: Resist the urge to Google every random thought that pops into your head. Those rabbit holes are deep, and they’re not getting your work done.
By actively choosing not to engage in these time-wasters, you might find that you’re more focused and have fewer distractions pulling you away from what really needs to get done.
The Invisible Clock
Ever feel like the ticking of the clock is just stressing you out more? Try working with an invisible clock instead. This quirky idea is about removing the visible reminder of time passing so you’re less focused on the minutes slipping by and more immersed in the task at hand.
The concept is simple: don’t look at the clock. Turn it around, cover it up, or hide it away completely. The idea is to work based on task completion rather than time.
For example:
- Focus on Task Milestones: Set mini-goals for your work sessions, like finishing a report or answering emails, without worrying about how long it takes.
- Work Until You’re Finished: Instead of saying, “I’ll work on this for an hour,” try saying, “I’ll work on this until it’s done.” The pressure of the clock is gone, and you might find that you’re actually more productive.
- Check Time Only When Needed: Peek at the clock only when you absolutely need to, like for meetings or appointments. The rest of the time, it’s all about the work.
Without the constant reminder of time ticking away, you might find yourself getting into a flow state more easily, focusing purely on the work rather than how long it’s taking.
Task Tetris
If you’ve ever played Tetris, you know how satisfying it is to fit all the pieces together just right. Task Tetris is a playful way to approach your to-do list, turning your day into a game of fitting tasks into your schedule like Tetris blocks.
Here’s how it works:
- Visualize Tasks as Tetris Blocks: Think of each task as a block with a certain size, depending on how long it might take. Short tasks are small blocks, longer tasks are bigger ones.
- Fit the Blocks into Your Day: Arrange your tasks into your schedule like Tetris pieces. The aim is to fill up your day without any gaps—just like clearing rows in the game.
- Avoid Gaps: Try not to leave empty time between tasks. When you complete one, move on to the next block without hesitation.
This method turns your schedule into a puzzle, making it a bit more fun to figure out how to make everything fit. Plus, the game-like mentality might keep you more engaged and motivated as you tackle each task.
The Post-It Wall of Shame
The Post-It Wall of Shame is for those who need a visual reminder of everything they need to get done—and the guilt trip that comes with it. It’s all about putting your tasks right in your face, where you can’t ignore them.
Here’s how to set it up:
- Stick a Post-It for Each Task: Write each task on a Post-It note and stick it on a wall or board where you’ll see it every day.
- Leave the Wall Visible: Don’t hide the wall; make sure it’s in a place you pass by frequently. The idea is to confront the tasks you haven’t completed every time you see the wall.
- Remove Tasks When Done: Once you complete a task, rip the Post-It off the wall and trash it. The goal is to get that wall as empty as possible.
The Post-It Wall of Shame works because it’s a constant, unavoidable reminder of what you still need to do. The satisfaction of tearing down a Post-It note can be a small reward, motivating you to keep knocking out tasks until that wall is clear.
The Desk-Cycle
For those who find themselves fidgeting at their desks or getting restless during the workday, the Desk-Cycle is a way to combine physical activity with productivity. It’s exactly what it sounds like—a small, under-desk pedal bike that lets you exercise while you work.
Here’s how to use it:
- Pedal While You Work: Keep your legs moving as you type, answer emails, or even during conference calls. It’s a way to get in some physical activity without leaving your desk.
- Use the Motion to Stay Engaged: The steady movement might help keep your mind focused, as it channels any restlessness into something productive.
- Challenge Yourself: Set mini-goals like pedaling a certain distance by the end of a meeting or task. The physical exertion might just help you push through mental blocks.
The Desk-Cycle keeps you active and might also make sitting at your desk for long periods less tedious. Plus, you’ll be multitasking in a way that’s actually good for your health.
Email Hour
Emails have a way of eating up your day if you’re not careful. Instead of letting them interrupt your work constantly, set aside a specific “Email Hour” to deal with them all at once.
Here’s how to make it work:
- Designate a Specific Time: Choose a specific hour of the day to check and respond to emails. Outside of that hour, keep your inbox closed.
- Batch Process Your Emails: During Email Hour, go through your inbox in one go. Delete, reply, or archive as necessary. The goal is to handle as many emails as possible in that hour.
- Send Out Quick Replies: Don’t overthink your responses. Keep them short and to the point, unless a more detailed response is absolutely required.
By limiting the time you spend on emails, you avoid the constant distraction they bring throughout the day. It’s about taking control of your inbox rather than letting it control you.
The 3-Minute Workday
The 3-Minute Workday is a tongue-in-cheek method that plays on the idea of hyper-efficiency. The concept is to work in super-short bursts—just three minutes at a time—with the promise of a break afterward.
Here’s the gist:
- Set a Timer for 3 Minutes: When you’re ready to start working, set a timer for just three minutes. The goal is to work as intensely as possible during those three minutes.
- Take a Break: After your three minutes of work, take a short break. It could be a minute or two, just enough to catch your breath before the next burst.
- Repeat the Cycle: Keep going with these short bursts throughout the day. The idea is that by breaking work into tiny chunks, it feels less daunting, and you might actually get more done.
This method plays on the idea that starting is often the hardest part. By committing to just three minutes, you lower the barrier to entry, making it easier to get going—and once you’ve started, you might find it easier to keep going.
Pajama Productivity
Finally, there’s Pajama Productivity—a way to make the most of working from home by leaning into the comfort of your own space. The idea here is that by working in your pajamas, you might feel more relaxed and less stressed, which could help you focus.
Here’s how to make it work:
- Stay Comfortable: Don’t rush to change into “work” clothes if you’re working from home. Stay in your pajamas or whatever makes you feel most comfortable.
- Create a Cozy Workspace: Set up your workspace with comfort in mind. Think about soft lighting, a comfortable chair, and maybe even a blanket if it helps you feel relaxed.
- Avoid Over-Structuring: Don’t feel the need to over-schedule your day. Instead, focus on staying comfortable and working steadily without the pressure of rigid time blocks.
Pajama Productivity is all about creating a work environment where you feel relaxed and comfortable, which might help you stay focused for longer stretches. It’s about finding a rhythm that works for you, rather than forcing yourself into a traditional work mold.
Wrapping It Up
These eight time management tips are all about finding ways to keep yourself engaged and productive, even if they’re a bit unconventional. Whether you’re building a Post-It Wall of Shame or cycling at your desk, the key is to experiment with what works for you and to make the workday a little more enjoyable in the process. Who knows? Maybe one of these quirky methods will be the secret to your most productive day yet.
