8 ENTREPRENEUR HACKS TO BOOST YOUR PRODUCTIVITY

Are you tired of feeling like your to-do list is a never-ending saga? As a busy entrepreneur do you yearn to squeeze more out of your day while maintaining your sanity? Well, you're in for a treat because we're diving into the art of time management – the secret sauce that can supercharge your productivity, and elevate your efficiency, so you can win back some time to enjoy other parts of your life - yes it’s possible!

8 ways you can master your time and boost your productivity.

1. PRIORITISE WITH PRECISION

Imagine your tasks as a group of eager performers on a stage. Now, it's your job to play the director and decide who gets the spotlight. Prioritisation is your golden ticket to stellar time management. Start by categorising tasks as "urgent," "important," and "nice-to-have" and break down your tasks even further by identifying which tasks need to be completed first under each category.

This trifecta will guide your focus, ensuring that vital tasks take precedence over the trivial. Remember, effective time management isn't about working longer or harder. It’s about working smarter.


2. BLOCK OUT TIME TO FOCUS

In a world brimming with distractions, focus is your trusty sidekick. Carve out dedicated blocks of time for focused work. During these focus intervals, silence your notifications, close those extra browser tabs, and put your phone on silent (yes, even Instagram can wait). 

By immersing yourself fully in the task at hand, you'll accomplish more in these focused moments than in hours of scattered efforts.

For more information on how to do this, take a look at the Pomodoro method - a time management tool that dedicates a certain allocated amount of time to one task.

3. STOP THE MINDLESS SCROLLING:

We all know the feeling – hours melting away as we mindlessly scroll through social media feeds. It's like being trapped in a time warp with no sense of the minutes slipping by. However as an entrepreneur, I totally understand we need to be on social media from time to time, the trick is not to fall into the rabbit hole of mindlessly scrolling.

Astonishingly, studies suggest the average person spends a whopping four hours on social media daily! Realising this, I decided to break free from this habit. The solution? Set a timer for the amount of time you’ll allow yourself to “scroll” or work on your social channels. When the timer pings, set down your phone until your next allotted time.

What’s the result? A liberating sense of regained time and increased focus.

4. GET INTO THE HABIT OF HABIT STACKING 

Habit stacking is a brilliant approach to boosting productivity through multitasking. By linking a new behaviour with an existing habit, you effortlessly enhance your efficiency. For instance, why not listen to an audiobook during your workout or commute?  This technique not only saves time but also capitalises on your brain's ability to handle multiple tasks. Habit stacking transforms mundane activities into valuable experiences, making multitasking a strategic tool in your quest for enhanced productivity.

5. MUTE WHATSAPP CHAT GROUPS

The constant buzz of incoming messages can be a massive distraction, especially when you're part of numerous chat groups. Ping! Ping! Ping! It's like a symphony of distractions.

However, I simply mute some of my group chats so it doesn't hijack my attention every time a message pops up. Instead, I choose moments to catch up, allowing me to save time and focus on what truly matters.

6. STREAMLINING YOUR DIGITAL WORKSPACE

Ah, the allure of switching between applications on your laptop. It's the digital equivalent of shuffling papers on your desk without getting anything done. Recognising my own susceptibility to this temptation, I started a new habit. I only keep open the applications directly related to my current task. When I complete a task, I reset my screen and open the new set of tabs needed for the next task. No more wandering eyes or wandering clicks – just pure, undistracted productivity.

7. PLAN AND PRIORITISE THE NIGHT BEFORE

As a former VP in a fast-paced corporate environment, and now as a coach, I relish in the power of planning. Every evening, before wrapping up, I create a prioritised to-do list for the next day. This simple practice means I start each morning knowing exactly where to channel my energy. Instead of aimlessly flipping between tasks, I dive straight into action, saving valuable time.

8. TIME TRACKING: YOUR REALITY CHECK

Finally, if you’re really curious about how you spend your time, consider time tracking – your productivity tracker equivalent to a food tracker. For a week, log your tasks and activities in detail. This eye-opening exercise reveals time-eating black holes or areas of procrastination and highlights moments of enhanced productivity. Adjust your schedule based on these insights. Remember, time is a non-refundable asset -  investing it wisely yields the best returns.

BONUS TIP: EMBRACE WORK-LIFE HARMONY

Amidst the hustle and bustle, don't forget to nurture your work-life harmony. Setting boundaries is essential. When work spills into your personal time, it's not a sign of dedication; it's a recipe for burnout. Allocate time for relaxation, hobbies, and spending quality moments with loved ones. A rested mind is a productive mind.

In conclusion, time management isn't a one-size-fits-all magic trick. It's a personalised journey to optimise your days, achieve your goals, and maintain your well-being. Remember, it's not about cramming more into your schedule; it's about making every minute count. 

By embracing prioritisation, conquering procrastination, building focus, setting meaningful goals, and tracking your time, you're well on your way to becoming a time management wizard.

So, here's to reclaiming your time, unlocking your productivity, and creating a life where accomplishments and balance coexist. Now, go forth and conquer your to-do list like the productivity champion you are!