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Writer's pictureOrganized By JJ

Five Time-Saving Hacks That Outshine Your To-Do List

We all know that sometimes a good task list just doesn’t cut it. That’s why I’m sharing five time-saving hacks to help you move from to-do to done.


Plan Today’s Work

One of the simplest and most effective techniques is to take a sticky note and jot down the top three tasks you want to accomplish for the day. Stick it where you can easily see it, like the edge of your monitor or on your desk.


When it’s time to work, glance at the note and jump into action. This way, you’ll avoid getting sidetracked by less important tasks and focus on what truly matters. This method is inspired by the book "Organize Tomorrow Today," which emphasizes the importance of planning your priorities in advance to ensure a productive day.


Why a sticky note instead of an app? Every time you pick up your phone, it’s an opportunity to get distracted. The sticky note is always in sight and takes no time to check, keeping your focus sharp and your productivity high.


Batch Tasks

Task batching is all about grouping similar tasks together to create efficiency. Think of it like running a production line or a laundry cycle.


You probably batch tasks without even realizing it. Do you wash one dish at a time or do one errand at a time? Most likely, you batch them for efficiency. The same principle applies to work-related tasks.


When you batch tasks, you only have to gather information, assess, plan, and take action once, rather than repeating the process for each individual task. This not only saves time but also maintains your focus and momentum.


Multitasking vs. Task Switching

Let’s debunk a myth: multitasking doesn’t exist. Our brains can only process one thought at a time. What we often do is task-switching, moving from one mentally demanding activity to another.


Even if you’re a fast task-switcher, this constant shifting takes longer to complete tasks because you have to ramp up and refocus each time. Sticking with a task until it’s done is the key to efficiency.


Note: There’s a difference between multitasking and engaging in low-cognitive-load activities like doodling or listening to music while working. These activities don’t demand much brainpower, allowing you to focus better on your primary task.


Do It Now

Sometimes, it takes less time to complete a task than to plan for it. If you find yourself with a small time slot that’s not suitable for deep work, use it to tackle those quick 5-, 10-, or 15-minute tasks.


If a task has been lingering on your list for weeks, think about how much mental energy you’ve wasted worrying about it. Just doing it can free up your mind and reduce stress.


To make those daunting tasks more manageable, chop them into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This approach makes it easier to tackle each step, reduces overwhelm, and keeps you moving forward. And let’s be honest, it feels amazing to clear out a bunch of small tasks and make room for more important projects. Breaking down larger tasks into smaller ones not only helps in managing your time better but also provides a sense of accomplishment with each completed step.


Create Follow-Up Cues

Our brains aren’t great at remembering everything on their own. Neuroscientists say we can only hold five to nine pieces of new information at a time in our working memory. Personally, my mind seems to operate on the lower end of that scale, juggling about six things on a good day. To stay on top of everything, we need to create cues for ourselves.


Ever put something in front of the door so you can’t leave without it? Or placed an important item in your car the night before? These are examples of creating cues to ensure you remember.


The more we create these cues, the less we have to rely on our memory, freeing up brain space for more important tasks.


By incorporating these hacks into your routine, you’ll move beyond just having a to-do list to actually getting things done efficiently. Try them out and see how much more productive you can be!

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