I love life hacks! For every hack I learn, I save countless hours of time, money, and stress. That’s why I’ve laid out these life hacks for you!
Tip #1: Two-Minute Rule
If a task takes less than two minutes to complete, do it immediately. I’ve noticed that if something small gets undone, it becomes a much bigger problem later on because you feel more overwhelmed and there’s a lot more to do.
Tip #2: Time Blocking with Themes
Assign specific themes to different days of the week. For instance, you can dedicate Mondays to meal prep day, Tuesdays for tidying the house, and so forth. This technique is helpful because instead of spending an entire weekend doing all of your chores, you can break them into chunks spread throughout the week, which can be very beneficial for many people.
Tip #3: Use a “Done” List
Keep a list of completed tasks to boost motivation. Feel free to use a list on Notion or any other to-do app. I personally like to use a physical piece of paper, and at the end of the day, I throw it out. By the end of the week or month, I can see all the crumpled papers, showcasing all the work I’ve done.
Tip #4: Pomodoro Technique with a Twist
Customize work intervals to match your focus span. The Pomodoro technique is great for most people with its 25-minute work intervals and 5-minute breaks. However, everyone is different, and it’s important to tailor the technique to your needs. I personally find that a 55-minute work interval with a 5-minute break works best for me.
Tip #5: Eisenhower Box
Prioritize tasks by urgency and importance using this four-quadrant method. I used to get caught up in busy work like organizing my place and clearing my email inbox. Although it felt productive, I was really just being busy. If you want to accomplish something, focus on creating an Eisenhower Box.
Tip #6: Daily Highlight
Choose one key task each day to focus on. Sometimes you can get so caught up trying to get as much done as possible that your attention span spreads too thin. It’s better to focus on one key task that will really move you in the direction you want to go.
Tip #7: Mind Mapping for Task Planning
Use mind maps to organize and break down complex projects. Mind mapping is a great way to convert your vision board into actionable tasks as you can clearly branch out from a central point to different sub-tasks. One additional tip is to post your mind map near your nightstand so you can see it every morning when you wake up and every night when you go to sleep.
Tip #8: 5-Minute Walk
Take a short walk or drive at the start and end of your workday. Sometimes you need a mental break away from your phone to really refresh in the middle of the day. The easiest way to do this is to take a five-minute walk or drive around your home to let your mind relax.
Tip #9: Gamify Your Tasks
Turn your to-do list into a game with point values and rewards. Assign higher points to high-priority tasks and lower points to simpler ones. These points eventually become currency, and at the end of the week, you can treat yourself as a way to show appreciation for all the hard work you’ve done.
Tip #10: Inbox Zero with Filters
Set up email filters to automatically sort messages. You don’t have to spend hours clearing email spam. You can reach inbox zero easily by adding some simple filters and automation. This saves countless hours of sifting through unimportant emails.
Tip #11: Micro-Journaling
Spend a few minutes each day writing down thoughts and goals. Sometimes you need a place to rant or discuss your day, and friends won’t always be readily available. Feel free to use the dictation function on your phone to speak your mind and journal something small every single day.
Tip #12: Digital Declutter Day
Dedicate one day a month to organizing your digital workspace. Just like how you need to declutter and tidy your physical space, your virtual space is just as important. With thousands of files and applications out there, having a great management system allows you to work more efficiently.
Tip #13: Habit Stacking
Build new habits by attaching them to existing ones. For example, drinking a healthy smoothie before going to the gym adds one healthy habit on top of another.
Tip #14: Use the 1-3-5 Rule
Focus on one big task, three medium tasks, and five small tasks daily. Combined with prioritization and consistency, you will be able to accomplish all your goals without feeling stressed. For me, one big task is writing a portion of my blog article every day. Three medium tasks include going to the gym, working on coding skills, and working on my blog site. My five small tasks are reading for 30 minutes, writing a to-do list, tidying my room, checking my inbox, and having one brainstorming session.
Tip #15: Silent Meetings
Conduct some meetings in silence using a shared document for ideas. This is a great brainstorming activity as you can come up with ideas without speaking over each other. If anything needs clarification, you can discuss it after the dedicated time is over.
Tip #16: Task Batching
Group similar tasks together and tackle them in dedicated time blocks. For instance, you can set aside a day to do laundry, clean the floors, and read your emails. Another batch session can be for grocery shopping followed immediately by cooking. This reduces transition time between tasks.
Tip #17: Brain Dump
Spend 10 minutes writing down everything on your mind to clear mental clutter. Sometimes you may have so many thoughts that the only way to overcome them is to write them down. You don’t have to write in any specific order—just jot down your thoughts as they come. Eventually, you’ll clear your mind for more important activities.
Tip #18: Set Artificial Deadlines
Create earlier deadlines to increase urgency and productivity. I do this all the time to take advantage of Parkinson’s Law. I try to get as much done as possible within the next two days, pretending that I have a huge presentation coming up and I need to accomplish everything I set out to do.
Tip #19: Automate Repetitive Tasks
Use tools and software to automate routine tasks. For everything you do, find a way to automate it. If done right, you won’t have to spend time on these tasks in the future. In my daily life, I automate my finances by using apps to manage all my credit cards and bank accounts. Now, I only spend time once a month reviewing my financials.
Tip #20: Stand-Up Meetings
Keep meetings short and to the point by holding them standing up. Just kidding—no one is actually going to stand up, but you can lead your meetings by creating an agenda. Over time, revise the agenda, make it better, and continue to use the same structure.
Tip #21: Eat the Frog
Tackle your most challenging task first thing in the morning. Sometimes it’s easier to get the hardest thing done out of the way so you can spend the rest of the day cruising.
Tip #22: Visual Progress Tracking
Use a Kanban board or visual tracker to see task progress. You can easily create one using apps like Notion or Monday. Make sure you don’t spend too much time organizing and tracking, as it can become counterproductive.
Tip #23: Noise-Canceling Headphones
Use them to block distractions and improve focus. Noise-canceling headphones allow me to work virtually anywhere—from airports to cafés. Sound is no longer an issue, and I can hyper-focus in any environment.
Tip #24: Learn Keyboard Shortcuts
Master shortcuts to save time on repetitive computer tasks. You don’t have to learn every keyboard shortcut out there, but knowing the ones you use frequently can be very helpful.
Tip #25: Wake Up Earlier
Start your day earlier to get a head start on tasks. Mathematically, it may make sense that you still have the same amount of time throughout the day, but waking up before everyone else feels different. You become more focused as you receive fewer notifications, and by the time others’ alarm clocks go off, you’ve already accomplished a lot.
Tip #26: Use an Online Calendar
Schedule tasks and set reminders to stay on track. Google Calendar is the go-to option, no doubt about it.
Tip #27: Batch Cook Meals
Prepare meals in bulk to save time during the week. I like to use Mondays as my meal prep day because it’s easy to remember, and I don’t want to waste an entire day of relaxation cooking. It makes no sense to work Monday through Friday, spend Saturdays doing chores, and then spend Sundays meal prepping.
Tip #28: Set Boundaries
Clearly define work and personal time to prevent burnout. Sometimes you may overwork yourself, neglecting relationships, which can hurt you more than benefit you. It’s important to set boundaries every day and be consistent, rather than working 12 hours one day and watching Netflix the next.
Tip #29: Delegate Tasks
Identify tasks that can be delegated to others. For most people, delegation might not be necessary until you’ve eliminated unnecessary tasks. But once you reach a certain point in your career or life, consider virtual assistance to help plan your daily life. This not only frees up your time but can also relieve stress.
Tip #30: Use a Timer for Breaks
Set a timer for short breaks to prevent burnout and maintain productivity. You can also set timers for activities like watching Netflix, TikTok, or YouTube as a reminder to get off after 15 to 30 minutes.
Tip #31: Declutter Your Workspace
Keep your workspace tidy to reduce distractions. It’s difficult to stay focused with a cluttered desk—keeping your workspace clean helps you concentrate better.
Tip #32: Set SMART Goals
Ensure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. By doing this, your goals are realistic and you can achieve what you set out to do, rather than chasing unattainable targets.
Tip #33: Mindfulness Meditation
Practice mindfulness to improve focus and reduce stress. A simple task of focusing on your breath for five minutes can add extra hours of productivity each day.
Tip #34: Turn Off Notifications
Disable non-essential notifications on your devices. If you need notifications, keep only those for specific people or apps. For 99.9% of notifications, they are truly unnecessary.
Tip #35: Use Templates
Create templates for common tasks to save time. One template I love is my digital to-do list, which allows me to quickly create my to-do list for the next day while maintaining my SMART goals.
Tip #36: Regular Exercise
Incorporate exercise into your routine to boost energy and productivity. Whether it’s a short 15 minutes or an hour, never miss more than three days in a row. You might spend 15 minutes less on your business, but you gain much more by being mentally sharp for your next session.
Tip #37: Plan Your Day the Night Before
Outline your tasks for the next day before going to bed. Doing this right before bedtime allows you to reflect on what you did that day and how you can improve for the next.
Tip #38: Limit Social Media Use
Set specific times for checking social media to avoid distractions. I like to delete the app completely and use social media on my computer, creating an extra layer of friction. It’s not as easy to use social media from the couch.
Tip #39: Read More
Allocate time for reading to gain new insights and knowledge. The more knowledge you acquire, the faster you can get things done. Reading is the key to gaining that knowledge.
Tip #40: Network Effectively
Build a network of contacts who can provide support and advice. Having connections can be a shortcut in life. Imagine meeting someone who can help you reach your goals because they’ve been there before and can offer valuable advice, helping you avoid their mistakes.
Tip #41: Take Regular Breaks
Follow the Pomodoro technique or similar methods to rest and recharge. Don’t overwork yourself thinking you’ll get more done by cramming through tasks. It’s better to work slower and more consistently.
Tip #42: Practice Gratitude
Reflect on what you’re grateful for to maintain a positive mindset. Spend time talking to a friend or your significant other about your gratitude and share it with others. This not only helps you be more grateful but also allows you to spread that gratitude.
Tip #43: Use White Noise
Play white noise to block distractions and improve concentration. Getting a white noise machine can improve both sleep and work quality. A simple $20 machine can enhance your focus, increasing your output.
Tip #44: Set Weekly Reviews
Review your goals and progress weekly to stay on track. I like to do my weekly review on Wednesdays because it matches the day I do reviews for my 9-to-5 job. This process is efficient as I can batch my tasks right after my meeting with my manager and then do my personal review with my accountability partner.
Tip #45: Use a Password Manager
Save time by using a password manager to store and autofill passwords. One of the biggest nuisances in my life was forgetting passwords and having to retrieve codes from my email. Since downloading a password manager app, I no longer face this issue.
Tip #46: Learn to Say No
Politely decline tasks or commitments that don’t align with your goals. Sometimes people who don’t bring value to your life will ask for your time. It’s important to grow up and say no when necessary.
Tip #47: Create a Vision Board
Visualize your goals and keep them in sight to stay motivated. I have my vision board on the dashboard of my Notion. It reminds me every day that all the work I’m doing will be worth it eventually.
I love life hacks! For every hack I learn, I save countless hours of time, money, and stress. That’s why I’ve laid out these life hacks for you!
Tip #1: Two-Minute Rule
If a task takes less than two minutes to complete, do it immediately. I’ve noticed that if something small gets undone, it becomes a much bigger problem later on because you feel more overwhelmed and there’s a lot more to do.
Tip #2: Time Blocking with Themes
This life hack means that you have to assign specific themes to different days of the week. For instance, you can dedicate Mondays to meal prep day, Tuesdays for tidying the house, and so forth. This technique is helpful because instead of spending an entire weekend doing all of your chores, you can break them into chunks spread throughout the week, which can be very beneficial for many people.
Tip #3: Use a “Done” List
Keep a list of completed tasks to boost motivation. Feel free to use a list on Notion or any other to-do app. I personally like to use a physical piece of paper, and at the end of the day, I throw it out. By the end of the week or month, I can see all the crumpled papers, showcasing all the work I’ve done.
Tip #4: Pomodoro Technique with a Twist
Customize work intervals to match your focus span. The Pomodoro technique is great for most people with its 25-minute work intervals and 5-minute breaks. However, everyone is different, and it’s important to tailor the technique to your needs. I personally find that a 55-minute work interval with a 5-minute break works best for me.
Tip #5: Eisenhower Box
Prioritize tasks by urgency and importance using the four-quadrant method is a great life hack. I used to get caught up in busy work like organizing my place and clearing my email inbox. Although it felt productive, I was really just being busy. If you want to accomplish something, focus on creating an Eisenhower Box.
Tip #6: Daily Highlight
Choose one key task each day to focus on. Sometimes you can get so caught up trying to get as much done as possible that your attention span spreads too thin. It’s better to focus on one key task that will really move you in the direction you want to go.
Tip #7: Mind Mapping for Task Planning
Use mind maps to organize and break down complex projects. Mind mapping is a great way to convert your vision board into actionable tasks as you can clearly branch out from a central point to different sub-tasks. One additional tip is to post your mind map near your nightstand so you can see it every morning when you wake up and every night when you go to sleep.
Tip #8: 5-Minute Walk
Take a short walk or drive at the start and end of your workday. Sometimes you need a mental break away from your phone to really refresh in the middle of the day. The easiest way to do this is to take a five-minute walk or drive around your home to let your mind relax.
Tip #9: Gamify Your Tasks
Another life hack is to turn your to-do list into a game with point values and rewards. Assign higher points to high-priority tasks and lower points to simpler ones. These points eventually become currency, and at the end of the week, you can treat yourself as a way to show appreciation for all the hard work you’ve done.
Tip #10: Inbox Zero with Filters
Set up email filters to automatically sort messages. You don’t have to spend hours clearing email spam. You can reach inbox zero easily by adding some simple filters and automation. This saves countless hours of sifting through unimportant emails.
Tip #11: Micro-Journaling
Spend a few minutes each day writing down thoughts and goals. Sometimes you need a place to rant or discuss your day, and friends won’t always be readily available. Feel free to use the dictation function on your phone to speak your mind and journal something small every single day.
Tip #12: Digital Declutter Day
Dedicate one day a month to organizing your digital workspace. Just like how you need to declutter and tidy your physical space, your virtual space is just as important. With thousands of files and applications out there, having a great management system allows you to work more efficiently.
Tip #13: Habit Stacking
Build new habits by attaching them to existing ones. For example, drinking a healthy smoothie before going to the gym adds one healthy habit on top of another. You journey for habit stacking will be endless as there will always be newer better and more efficient habits to stack.
Tip #14: Use the 1-3-5 Rule
Focus on one big task, three medium tasks, and five small tasks daily. Combined with prioritization and consistency, you will be able to accomplish all your goals without feeling stressed. For me, one big task is writing a portion of my blog article every day.
Three medium tasks include going to the gym, working on coding skills, and working on my blog site. My five small tasks are reading for 30 minutes, writing a to-do list, tidying my room, checking my inbox, and having one brainstorming session.
Tip #15: Silent Meetings
Conduct some meetings in silence using a shared document for ideas. This is a great brainstorming activity as you can come up with ideas without speaking over each other. If anything needs clarification, you can discuss it after the dedicated time is over.
Tip #16: Task Batching
Group similar tasks together and tackle them in dedicated time blocks. For instance, you can set aside a day to do laundry, clean the floors, and read your emails. Another batch session can be for grocery shopping followed immediately by cooking. This reduces transition time between tasks.
Tip #17: Brain Dump
Spend 10 minutes writing down everything on your mind to clear mental clutter. Sometimes you may have so many thoughts that the only way to overcome them is to write them down.
You don’t have to write in any specific order—just jot down your thoughts as they come. Eventually, you’ll clear your mind for more important activities. After having the thoughts written down, you can then plan strategies to tackling your growth.
Tip #18: Set Artificial Deadlines
Create earlier deadlines to increase urgency and productivity. I do this all the time to take advantage of Parkinson’s Law. I try to get as much done as possible within the next two days, pretending that I have a huge presentation coming up and I need to accomplish everything I set out to do.
Tip #19: Automate Repetitive Tasks
Use tools and software to automate routine tasks. For everything you do, find a way to automate it. If done right, you won’t have to spend time on these tasks in the future. In my daily life, I automate my finances by using apps to manage all my credit cards and bank accounts. Now, I only spend time once a month reviewing my financials.
Tip #20: Stand-Up Meetings
Keep meetings short and to the point by holding them standing up. Just kidding—no one is actually going to stand up, but you can lead your meetings by creating an agenda. Over time, revise the agenda, make it better, and continue to use the same structure.
Tip #21: Eat the Frog
Tackle your most challenging task first thing in the morning. Sometimes it’s easier to get the hardest thing done out of the way so you can spend the rest of the day cruising.
Tip #22: Visual Progress Tracking
Use a Kanban board or visual tracker to see task progress. You can easily create one using apps like Notion or Monday. Make sure you don’t spend too much time organizing and tracking, as it can become counterproductive.
Tip #23: Noise-Canceling Headphones
Use them to block distractions and improve focus. Noise-canceling headphones allow me to work virtually anywhere—from airports to cafés. Sound is no longer an issue, and I can hyper-focus in any environment.
Tip #24: Learn Keyboard Shortcuts
Master shortcuts to save time on repetitive computer tasks. You don’t have to learn every keyboard shortcut out there, but knowing the ones you use frequently can be very helpful.
Tip #25: Wake Up Earlier
Another great life hack is to start your day earlier to get a head start on tasks. Mathematically, it may make sense that you still have the same amount of time throughout the day, but waking up before everyone else feels different. You become more focused as you receive fewer notifications, and by the time others’ alarm clocks go off, you’ve already accomplished a lot.
Tip #26: Use an Online Calendar
Schedule tasks and set reminders to stay on track. Google Calendar is the go-to option, no doubt about it.
Tip #27: Batch Cook Meals
Prepare meals in bulk to save time during the week. I like to use Mondays as my meal prep day because it’s easy to remember, and I don’t want to waste an entire day of relaxation cooking. It makes no sense to work Monday through Friday, spend Saturdays doing chores, and then spend Sundays meal prepping.
Tip #28: Set Boundaries
Clearly define work and personal time to prevent burnout. Sometimes you may overwork yourself, neglecting relationships, which can hurt you more than benefit you. It’s important to set boundaries every day and be consistent, rather than working 12 hours one day and watching Netflix the next.
Tip #29: Delegate Tasks
Identify tasks that can be delegated to others. For most people, delegation might not be necessary until you’ve eliminated unnecessary tasks. But once you reach a certain point in your career or life, consider virtual assistance to help plan your daily life. This not only frees up your time but can also relieve stress.
Tip #30: Use a Timer for Breaks
Set a timer for short breaks to prevent burnout and maintain productivity. You can also set timers for activities like watching Netflix, TikTok, or YouTube as a reminder to get off after 15 to 30 minutes.
Tip #31: Declutter Your Workspace
Keep your workspace tidy to reduce distractions. It’s difficult to stay focused with a cluttered desk—keeping your workspace clean helps you concentrate better.
Tip #32: Set SMART Goals
Ensure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. By doing this, your goals are realistic and you can achieve what you set out to do, rather than chasing unattainable targets.
Tip #33: Mindfulness Meditation
Practice mindfulness to improve focus and reduce stress. A simple task of focusing on your breath for five minutes can add extra hours of productivity each day.
Tip #34: Turn Off Notifications
Disable non-essential notifications on your devices. If you need notifications, keep only those for specific people or apps. For 99.9% of notifications, they are truly unnecessary.
Tip #35: Use Templates
Create templates for common tasks to save time. One template I love is my digital to-do list, which allows me to quickly create my to-do list for the next day while maintaining my SMART goals.
Tip #36: Regular Exercise
Incorporate exercise into your routine to boost energy and productivity. Whether it’s a short 15 minutes or an hour, never miss more than three days in a row. You might spend 15 minutes less on your business, but you gain much more by being mentally sharp for your next session.
Tip #37: Plan Your Day the Night Before
Outline your tasks for the next day before going to bed. Doing this right before bedtime allows you to reflect on what you did that day and how you can improve for the next.
Tip #38: Limit Social Media Use
Set specific times for checking social media to avoid distractions. I like to delete the app completely and use social media on my computer, creating an extra layer of friction. It’s not as easy to use social media from the couch.
Tip #39: Read More
Allocate time for reading to gain new insights and knowledge. The more knowledge you acquire, the faster you can get things done. Reading is the key to gaining that knowledge.
Tip #40: Network Effectively
Build a network of contacts who can provide support and advice. Having connections can be a shortcut in life. Imagine meeting someone who can help you reach your goals because they’ve been there before and can offer valuable advice, helping you avoid their mistakes.
Tip #41: Take Regular Breaks
Follow the Pomodoro technique or similar methods to rest and recharge. Don’t overwork yourself thinking you’ll get more done by cramming through tasks. It’s better to work slower and more consistently.
Tip #42: Practice Gratitude
Reflect on what you’re grateful for to maintain a positive mindset. Spend time talking to a friend or your significant other about your gratitude and share it with others. This not only helps you be more grateful but also allows you to spread that gratitude.
Tip #43: Use White Noise
Play white noise to block distractions and improve concentration. Getting a white noise machine can improve both sleep and work quality. A simple $20 machine can enhance your focus, increasing your output.
Tip #44: Set Weekly Reviews
Review your goals and progress weekly to stay on track. I like to do my weekly review on Wednesdays because it matches the day I do reviews for my 9-to-5 job. This process is efficient as I can batch my tasks right after my meeting with my manager and then do my personal review with my accountability partner.
Tip #45: Use a Password Manager
Save time by using a password manager to store and autofill passwords. One of the biggest nuisances in my life was forgetting passwords and having to retrieve codes from my email. Since downloading a password manager app, I no longer face this issue and it cost nothing to do so.
Tip #46: Learn to Say No
Politely decline tasks or commitments that don’t align with your goals. Sometimes people who don’t bring value to your life will ask for your time. It’s important to grow up and say no when necessary.
Tip #47: Create a Vision Board
Visualize your goals and keep them in sight to stay motivated. I have my vision board on the dashboard of my Notion. It reminds me every day that all the work I’m doing will be worth it eventually.