10 Good Habits That Help You Get More Done in Less Time (Because Who Doesn’t Love Efficiency?)

Ever had one of those days where your to-do list seems to stretch on forever, and by the end of it, you’ve barely made a dent?

We’ve all been there – staring at that list, wondering if it might just spontaneously combust so we can have an excuse to do nothing.

But what if there was a way to conquer your tasks, breeze through your responsibilities, and still have time for a Netflix binge or a leisurely stroll? That’s where good habits come into play.

By building a few efficient habits, you can get more done in less time without feeling like you’re running a marathon.

1. Contents

   • 1 The Early Bird Good Habit Really Does Get the Worm
   • 2 Make a To-Do List (But Don’t Overload It)
   • 3 Time Blocking: Your Secret Weapon
   • 4 The Pomodoro Technique (Not as Fancy as It Sounds)
   • 5 Learn to Say “No” (Politely)
   • 6 Tidy Desk, Tidy Mind
   • 7 Batch Similar Tasks Together
   • 8 Eat the Frog (Not Literally)
   • 9 Make Time for Breaks (Even If You Don’t Feel Like You Deserve Them)
   • 10 Reflect and Adjust Your Approach
   • 11 Wrapping Up with Wizdom

   The Early Bird Good Habit Really Does Get the Worm

Let’s get the classic out of the way: waking up early. It’s no secret that the morning hours can be incredibly productive. There are fewer distractions, your brain is fresh, and there’s something satisfying about getting a head start on your day. Plus, if you finish a task early, you get to feel superior for the rest of the day while everyone else is just getting started. Win-win.

2. Make a To-Do List (But Don’t Overload It)

The humble to-do list. It’s a simple but powerful tool for keeping you on track. The trick is not to cram it with 20 tasks you’ll never finish – be realistic and prioritise. Start with 3-5 key tasks you need to get done, and anything you do beyond that is a bonus. It’s like adding extra credit to your productivity score. Also, nothing beats the satisfaction of crossing off items. That little tick mark? Pure dopamine.

3. Time Blocking: Your Secret Weapon

If you’ve ever spent an entire afternoon “working” but realised you did more scrolling than actual working, time blocking is for you. The idea is to dedicate specific blocks of time to specific tasks, with short breaks in between. This structure forces you to focus on one thing at a time. Think of it as telling your brain, “We’re in this together, and we’re going to get stuff done. Then we can scroll.”

4. The Pomodoro Technique (Not as Fancy as It Sounds)

The Pomodoro Technique involves working for 25 minutes, then taking a 5-minute break. After four rounds, take a longer break. It’s an excellent way to keep your focus sharp and prevent burnout. It also sounds way more professional than “working in short bursts because I have the attention span of a goldfish.”

5. Learn to Say “No” (Politely)

One of the biggest productivity killers is taking on too much. If you’re a people-pleaser, this one might be tough, but learning to say “no” when your plate is already full is crucial. It’s not about being rude; it’s about valuing your time. Think of it as a gentle, “I’m trying to do fewer things better, rather than doing many things poorly.”

6. Tidy Desk, Tidy Mind

There’s some truth to the idea that a cluttered desk leads to a cluttered mind. Take a few minutes to clear your workspace before you start. It can make a big difference in how focused and organised you feel. Plus, if you suddenly need to jump on a video call, you won’t have to scramble to hide the mountain of coffee cups and paper.

7. Batch Similar Tasks Together

If you’re constantly switching between different types of tasks, it can drain your mental energy. Instead, try batching similar tasks together. For instance, respond to all your emails at once, then move on to writing, and then do your research. This way, your brain can stay in one mode rather than jumping around like a caffeinated rabbit.

8. Eat the Frog (Not Literally)

This saying comes from Mark Twain, who once said that if you eat a live frog first thing in the morning, nothing worse can happen to you for the rest of the day. In productivity terms, your “frog” is your most challenging task – the one you’re most likely to procrastinate on. Get it done first, and the rest of the day will seem easy by comparison. And no, you don’t have to actually eat a frog. We’re all about metaphors here.

9. Make Time for Breaks (Even If You Don’t Feel Like You Deserve Them)

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget to take breaks. But pushing through without resting can lead to burnout, and then you’ll end up doing even less. Schedule breaks, even if they’re just 10 minutes to stretch, grab a coffee, or stare out the window and contemplate life. It gives your brain a chance to recharge, which means you’ll be more productive when you get back to work.

10. Reflect and Adjust Your Approach

At the end of the day, take a few minutes to reflect on what worked and what didn’t. Did you spend too much time on one task? Did a particular habit help you power through your list? By reflecting on your productivity, you can tweak your habits to become even more efficient over time. And no, this doesn’t mean beating yourself up over what you didn’t do – focus on what you accomplished and how you can improve tomorrow.

Wrapping Up with Wizdom

So there you have it – 10 habits that can help you become a productivity powerhouse (or at least make your day a little less chaotic).

But let’s face it, building good habits isn’t always easy. Sometimes you need a little guidance, and that’s where the Wizdom app comes in.

Wizdom offers bite-sized book summaries that can help you learn about productivity, self-improvement, and more without having to read the entire book. Imagine getting all the best advice in a fraction of the time. It’s like having a life coach in your pocket, minus the awkward small talk. So, why not give it a try? You might just find the perfect book (or habit) to help you get more done, and in less time.