The Art of Productivity: How to Get More Done in Less Time

Peter Stefanyszyn
5 min readMar 3, 2023

Photo by Minh Pham on Unsplash

Are you stuck in a productivity rut? Does it feel like no matter how much you try, there always needs more time to complete it? Something isn’t clicking when managing your life and completing tasks. As a parent, millennial, or mom, chances are high that you had to figure out the work-life balance on the go — without any guidance. Fear not, though; mastering the art of productivity isn’t rocket science. All that is needed is some careful planning and consistent effort! So grab a cup of coffee (or wine), and let me walk you through the tips I’ve gathered over years of tripping up — and getting back up again — on my path to slaying my goals. Get ready for real talk about being productive without having an absolute meltdown during every hour of your day!

Start your day with a plan — create a clear list of tasks that need to be completed and prioritize them

Starting your day with a plan is like taking orders from your future self. After all, when you get up with a clear list of tasks and prioritize them, you take charge of your day’s productivity — the ultimate present to yourself! What could be more uplifting than that? A plan keeps us focused and prevents us from lapsing into procrastination. Get up early and give yourself the gift of the structure today — set out an organized agenda that guarantees success by the end of it. It may feel like a chore initially, but eventually, you’ll become so good at planning your days that it will become second nature to you!

Break down big tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks

Breaking big tasks into smaller chunks is a surefire way to get any daunting task out. It’s a bit like rearranging a Jenga tower — if you make that one little change at the bottom, it can make all the difference in success. Taking the task and dissecting it into smaller parts makes each one easier to knock off in a much more doable timeframe. Plus, it gives you something small and achievable to focus on — after all, accomplishing something small helps you reach that bigger goal without feeling too overwhelmed! So go ahead and chuck that large-scale assignment on its head — get breaking!

Schedule regular breaks throughout the day to stay focused and energized

Juggling between home and work tasks can be chaotic, leaving us exhausted and unable to focus. It is essential to schedule regular breaks throughout the day to avoid such burnout. Short breaks throughout the day can help us stay focused, energized, and productive overall. Whether it’s a ten-minute karaoke session or a five-minute mindfulness moment — make sure to find time for yourself. Being mindful during our break times can also help reduce stress levels, boost creativity, and clear our minds of any clutter that comes with the day’s start!

Photo by CRYSTALWEED cannabis on Unsplash

Eliminate distractions by turning off your phone, internet, and TV while you work

Working without distractions is hard; it’s like trying to read a book while a gremlin throws popcorn at your face. But turning off your devices can help tame that troublesome gremlin. Turning off your phone, internet, and TV will help you out of the cesspool of procrastination and lead you toward productivity. Getting things done feels much more rewarding when you say, “I accomplished this goal because I didn’t let myself get distracted!” So take control of your day and power down those pesky distractions first to get the most out of your work.

Find ways to stay organized with tools such as calendars and task lists.

Technology can be a potent ally in helping you stay organized! Finding the right tools that work for you and utilizing every feature they offer can help keep your life in tip-top shape. Calendars can be used to schedule appointments, meetings, and all tasks so you never fall behind. Task lists are great for monitoring your progress on particular projects and ensuring everything is completed according to plan. Both tools together make for a dynamic duo that will keep your life running shipshape, so you don’t miss a beat!

Take ownership of your time by saying ‘no’ when necessary to protect your time and energy better

Saying “no” is often easier said than done; we know the struggle! Luckily, taking ownership of our time — and saying ‘no’ when necessary — can make all the difference. When we can protect our time and energy, it opens up more space for meaningful opportunities and experiences. So if your weekly calendar gives you a familiar feeling of burning out, lay down an iron fist… say ‘no’, and reclaim your days with some favorable provisions! With some practice, saying ‘no’ can be a powerful way to move past whatever’s in your way for good.

To summarize, learn how to take control of your day and make the most out of it. Don’t be afraid to say “no” when necessary; invest in ways that keep you organized. The best way to get things done is to plan ahead and break big tasks into more manageable chunks. Being mindful of distractions and allowing breaks throughout the day will help you stay focused and energized all day! So dare to take on the challenge with these strategies to make every productive minute count. Let’s own our days together!

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Peter Stefanyszyn
Peter Stefanyszyn

Written by Peter Stefanyszyn

Welcome to Gibberish & Gold—where words get broken down, flipped around, and served up with a side of wit.

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