15 Best Productivity Hacks Entrepreneurs Should Try
If boosting your productivity is your New Year resolution, learn how to prioritise tasks and stay more successful as a small business owner or entrepreneur in the new year.
So, you have recently launched your new venture and are already running a small business. Learning how to stay productive is the key to your business's success. Being an entrepreneur is a fantastic feeling. You are your boss and are responsible for your decisions. Since there are no standard rules, you can work at your own pace. You can work from home, in a coffee shop, coworking space, or anywhere you feel comfortable working.
Staying productive is essential to thrive in this highly competitive digital world. Unsurprisingly, entrepreneurship gives you high freedom and much more responsibility. You are your boss, accountant, writer, marketer and perform any other role required to run a successful business.
With some of the best productivity hacks, you will learn how to work more efficiently and focus your energy on more creative tasks that lead your business to success. Here are some productivity hacks every entrepreneur should try to stay more successful in 2024.
Let's check them out.
What is Productivity?
The term productivity is used to do more things or complex tasks that are essential for your success. Staying productive means focusing on the most critical things successfully. Staying more productive throughout your business journey is a challenging feat. It's difficult, but it is not impossible. All you need is to take responsible steps, and you will be able to achieve the desired goal.
Best Productivity Hacks for Entrepreneurs
1 – Plan Your Day
Yes, planning is the key to making your day super successful. Start your day with a plan, and you will stay organised throughout the day. Remember, a daily planning ritual can do wonders and help you achieve your ambitions. As an entrepreneur, you need to get many things to run your startup. You must complete tasks, even when you wake up disengaged or tired. Having a day plan will motivate you to get more things done. So, set an alarm for the daily planning session, and you will feel more organised, focused and motivated throughout the day.
2 – Exercise or Meditate
Being an entrepreneur, you need to stay productive throughout the day. It will only be possible when your mind and body is fresh. You can establish a morning routine by incorporating workout activities such as morning walks, yoga, meditation, cycling or any other physical activity that can enhance your mental clarity and focus. Starting your day with any physical activity will lay a strong foundation.
3 – Jot Down All Important Tasks
It is one of the most essential productivity hacks that can help entrepreneurs to stay organised. Create a to-do list in the morning or whenever you get time for the next day. When you have a to-do list saved in one place, you remember all critical tasks.
Remember, to-do lists work great if you use them effectively. You will stay more organised and experience less stress. If you prioritise intelligently, you can better focus on high-value activities necessary for your business's success. So, create a properly structured to-do list and use it sensibly to complete all your essential tasks.
4 – Use a Productivity Method
An effective productivity method can take your productivity level to a new level. You only need to determine which method/tool works well for you. With the help of a productivity tool, you can manage your day efficiently and set accomplishable goals.
The human brain is easily distracted, and the attention span is shorter than ever. The proper productivity method can help keep your attention focused and simplify the task. Choosing the suitable productivity method can maximise your efficiency. Here is a list of some of the most famous productivity methods every entrepreneur should try to complete more tasks.
- Time Blocking Method
- The Biological Prime Time Method
- The Action Method
- Getting Things Done (GTD) Method
- Don't Break the Chain Method
- Do the Worst Thing First (Eat the Frog)
- The Eisenhower Matrix Method
- MIT (Most Important Tasks) Method
- The Kanban Method
- SMART Goals Method
- Allen, David (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 352 Pages – 03/17/2015 (Publication Date) – Penguin Books (Publisher)
5 – Work on One goal at a time
Yes, you read it right. If you want to stay productive, then say no to multitasking. The human brain is not capable of managing multiple tasks simultaneously. According to several studies, multitasking can harm your productivity level and can lower it by up to 40%.
It takes more time and energy to complete a task if you frequently switch between the functions and will likely make more errors. Many psychological studies have shown that the human mind can do one cognitive job simultaneously. It is a misconception that switching between tasks can make you more productive. In reality, this is not the case. You fool yourself. So, do one thing at a time.
6 – Break Down Your Bigger Goals
It is one of the most effective productivity hacks that can help you complete all your tasks. Whether you are an entrepreneur, student, professional or belong to any other field, you can achieve each milestone with this workable strategy. Carefully check your to-do list and identify the task that is too complicated. Now, break down the most complex item into smaller parts and focus on the most challenging first.
Whether you want to start your new business, scale your existing business to new heights of success, or achieve any personal goal, this productivity hack can help you achieve your big goals. The key is to know how to break down your big goal into actionable steps. Breaking down the more significant, most challenging goals into small, achievable goals can easily fit into your busy schedule. It is the easiest way to say goodbye to procrastination and stay more focused.
7 – Dedicate a Time Slot for Checking Your Email
According to a survey conducted by McKinsey, people spend approximately 2.6 hours of the workday checking their inboxes. If you are one of those, it's time to change your email habits. You can get more tasks done if you spend less time in your inbox. Even a tiny change in your email-checking routine can make a big difference. But the question is how?
Allocate a specific time slot for email, and you will see the magic. Your daily tasks need your full attention, and if you constantly check your emails or do other jobs, you will likely feel overwhelmed. For a more balanced and focused workday, it is highly recommended to limit checking your emails. Suppose you start your day by checking your inbox or social media before doing anything else. You need to stop this habit and deliver high-value work efficiently by achieving a state of deep work. Emails will only divert your attention and remove your focus from the task you struggle to complete.
The best approach is to dedicate specific day periods to check your email. In the business world, you can't deny the true importance of email, as it is the best form of communication and collaboration. Allotting specific blocks daily to go through your inbox can give you more time to think strategically and creatively.
- Hardcover Book
- Abdaal, Ali (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 304 Pages – 12/26/2023 (Publication Date) – Celadon Books (Publisher)
8 – Follow the Two-Minute Rule
What is this two-minute rule? It is a proven productivity hack that can help you polish your time management skills. Unlike other productivity methods, the two-minute rule aims to beat procrastination and help you complete more minor tasks. According to this rule, if you can complete the job, do it now, and don't put it off until tomorrow.
The rule is simple and quick. All you need is to avoid procrastination and find time to complete more things. Whether you want to send the client a quick reminder feedback email, leave a voice note, remove the digital clutter, or organise your workspace. You can follow this two-minute rule to stay focused on less important tasks.
9 – Manage Your Time with a Tool
Managing your time efficiently is a big challenge, especially for first-time entrepreneurs. As an entrepreneur, you have to perform multiple duties. You must answer clients' emails, complete your to-do list, and attend meetings. Thanks to time management tools exclusively designed to help busy professionals pick the right thing and do it most effectively.
Here is the list of the best time management tools that can help you better manage your time and boost productivity:
- Calendar
- Toggl
- Rescue Time
- Harvest
- Asana
- Trello
- Clockify
- TimeCamp
- To-do list
- Time Schedule
- Pomodoro Technique
- Replicon
- DeskTime
- Monday.com
- Time Doctor
- ProofHub
- Eisenhower Matrix
- Task Breakdown
These tools have many outstanding features; you can experiment with any time management tools and determine which boosts your productivity.
10 – Take Breaks Regularly
Taking breaks and using them right can boost your productivity levels. Sounds weird? Many people don't believe it and think it is ineffective. Many people don't know how to incorporate breaks into their busy schedules and what type can make your mind fresh. Your mind needs to replenish after performing so many cognitive tasks.
Taking regular breaks can help you stay more productive. Regular intervals can reduce stress levels and refocus your mental energy after performing a specific task. Moreover, frequent breaks during the workday will improve your well-being and performance. The key is to take an effective type of break that is beneficial for your mind and body.
According to a survey from Aflac, approximately 59% of employees feel burnout. The high burnout rate and stress levels are associated with poor performance. Taking breaks during work hours can help you improve your performance. When your mind and body feel exhausted and depleted, it is the right time to take a break.
There are different types of breaks; you can take the one that suits you best, from exercising to reading an informative article, going for a short walk, playing badminton with your coworker, taking a nap or simply talking to a friend. There are different types of break activities that you can take part in to boost your performance.
11 – Follow the Pomodoro Technique
Believe it or not, it is one of the most essential productivity hacks to beat procrastination and maintain focus. This time management technique focuses on short breaks to increase concentration and reduce mental fatigue.
The Pomodoro technique is straightforward.
- Choose a task you need to complete.
- Set a timer for 25 minutes and work on the selected job.
- Take a five-minute break after working for 25 minutes.
- Repeat the process one to three times.
- You can take a more extended break of 15 minutes.
The Pomodoro method breaks the tasks into 25-minute focus periods to instil urgency. It will motivate you to make every possible effort to complete the job, as you only have 25 minutes. Now, sitting in front of your laptop for hours without realising it is unnecessary. The 25-minute reminder will remind you to get up and take a break.
12 – Create a Dedicated, Comfortable Space to Work
To increase your productivity, you need to rethink your workspace. If your workspace is packed with distractions and uncomfortable, how can you achieve your desired business goals? Make sure your workspace is free from visual and noise distractions. Otherwise, it will be challenging to focus on your work.
Many entrepreneurs manage their work from home. If you are one of those, you must create a dedicated space to stay focused. Choose an ergonomic chair that is comfortable for your back and design your home just like an office one. Creating a suitable home/work environment can motivate you to complete your tasks. If you can't make a dedicated workspace at home, you can work in a nearby coffee shop or look for coworking spaces.
You can also add some colours to your workspace by decorating your desk with your awards, diplomas, motivational quotes, and other decorative items. It will make you feel appreciated and motivated throughout the day.
13 – Start Your Day with the most Dreaded Task
Undoubtedly, the most effective productivity hack can make your day more productive. You can start your day with the most critical/challenging thing on your to-do list. If you go through your list, you will find the most difficult part as the priority. It is a task that needs to be completed first. Complete it as soon as possible instead of waiting until the last minute. Your other duties are less daunting; you can keep your stress levels low by getting the most dreaded task out of the way.
- While other undated daily planner notepads are poor in quality or simply fall apart easily, Lamare daily to do list notebook for work has thick paper, larger in size and has a sturdy cardboard backing. This weekly schedule pad full year 52 weeks of pages makes it one of the must have productivity tools, ideal for your work desk essentials or remote work essentials. Organize tasks easily with this desk weekly planner notebook. Enhance your office productivity by adding a weekly calendar planner.
14 – Set Aside Time for Self-care
Self-care can boost your productivity levels. It is an effective method to say goodbye to stress and keep you motivated. Self-care is necessary for your physical, mental and emotional health. Entrepreneurs who want to grow their businesses and stay more productive should set aside time for self-care. You can recharge your mind and body and improve the quality of your life by participating in self-care activities.
You can do little things that make you feel happy. From spiritual activities to aromatherapy and massages, you can do things that can improve your cognitive functions. People who look after themselves can better focus on tasks that need their full attention. So, incorporate a self-care routine into your busy schedule, and you will find more energy and capacity to perform well.
15 – Meet Deadlines
Meeting deadlines seems easier said than done. It would help if you had time, energy, and focus to avoid distractions and follow a strict schedule to meet deadlines. You can use deadlines to increase your productivity. Setting deadlines will create a sense of urgency and motivate you to complete more tasks. You can divide your more significant tasks into small, manageable ones to quickly achieve your goals.
When setting deadlines, ensure they are realistic and perfectly aligned with your priorities. Remember that every project's complexity, urgency and importance is different. For instance, content writers, software engineers, and mobile app developers often work on tight deadlines. Many companies work hard to release apps and software products and create content within a given timeframe to keep their clients and customers happy.
Delivering the task on time can result in lost sales opportunities and dissatisfied customers, leading to financial losses. Thanks to many video translators, AI dubbing tools, app development tools, and AI tools, completing your work on time has become more accessible. With these tools, you can quickly fulfil the client's needs and meet deadlines without compromising productivity.
Final Words
For entrepreneurs, staying productive is critically important to achieve their business goals. Staying focused and productive may sound daunting; however, experimenting with the best productivity hacks can maximise your work efficiency. You can quickly implement these productivity hacks into your daily routine and gear up to stay competitive in 2024 and future years.
Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
