Relax! Here’s How To Get More Done In Less Time

Are you wondering how to get more done in less time? Well, are you using your time, wisely?

When it comes to your to-do list, you may not be thinking too much about your time-management skills, but you probably think about checking off items as quickly as possible.

Now, especially when many of us are working and learning remotely, staying on top of your daily tasks can be a challenge.

But here’s the thing: You can definitely learn how to do more in less time.

Alexis Haselburger built a career out of the very idea of using your time in a way that makes sense to you.

As a time-management and productivity coach, Alexis helps people and teams use their time more intentionally in service of their own goals and values.

Alexis self-describes herself as a "driven lazy person." She believes in seeking out the maximum return on investment when it comes to her time. She found the key to doing more in less time.

She has 2 secrets on how to get more done in less time.

1. "Good enough" is actually enough.

Here’s a secret: Nobody notices the difference between "good enough" and "perfect" — only you notice that. It means that most of the time, good enough is actually enough.

Chances are, you base your performance expectations on past experience. If you’ve been successful with perfection, then it’s hard to let go.

Try this experiment: Turn in your next project before you’re fully comfortable with it. See what happens!

Focus on doing the best job you can with the least amount of time and effort. This will train you to spend your time wisely and not waste it on the details.

2. Let go of what was.

A layoff earlier in her career was the catalyst that led to Alexis’ current role. If it hadn’t been for that negative moment, she never would have found such a positive profession.

Choosing to do more with less means you’re going to have to let go of old patterns and habits while making room for new ones.

If you're ready to do more in less time, here are 4 time-management tips to try.

1. Make an "end of the day" plan.

At the end of the day, make note of everything you need to do the next day. Then, walk away and enjoy the evening.

This officially ends your day and sets you up to hit the ground running the next morning.

2. Don't rely on memory.

Don’t rely on your memory to remember your to-do list. Our brains work linearly, which means that contrary to popular belief, we actually don’t multi-task well.

We have to do things one at a time. So, write everything down in one place. When you’re forced to do this, then you’re forced to work linearly and more efficiently.

3. Start your day before you check your email, Slack, or any communication platform.

Do your most important thing first — meditation, exercise, or just a moment alone with a hot cup of coffee.

Otherwise, if you just roll over and jump right into it, your brain gets stuck in reactive mode. Instead of being proactive all day, you'll struggle to knock anything off your to-do list.

Worried about what your boss or other contacts will think? Alexis says it doesn't make a difference if you respond to someone at 8 a.m. or 9 a.m.

But the amount you’ll get done for yourself in that time is huge and will boost your productivity. That’s something your circle — both personally and professionally — will notice.

4. Pay attention to your energy level.

Do you often suffer from a mid-morning or mid-afternoon slump? If so, plan to do something that requires less brainpower during the times when it’s harder for you to focus.