5 Undervalued Time Management Tips Overachievers Do Not Tell You

Strategic procrastination, deep dives, and targeted reiteration can save you hours of work and conserve energy. Here's all you need to know!

Let’s face it.

Time management is a strategy that every productivity guru out there has already beaten to the ground. Ivy-league institutions teach it to students. Project management tools can’t get enough of it. Even messaging apps are getting in on the action!

Truly, this must mean there’s nothing more to learn on the matter! We couldn't be more wrong. Star performers in every any industry employ simple but innovative techniques that help optimize their time and pack their day with productivity. And the best part? These techniques are no longer industry secrets that only the insiders know.

Here are the most actionable steps you can take right away and truly begin harnessing your productivity prowess.

Here’s how.

1. Selective Procrastination

Wait a sec.

Is The Productivity Pulse actually encouraging me to procrastinate?

Yes, but by carefully choosing what to shelf for later, so that you can focus on a more urgent task.

We’ve all faced days when multiple tasks and to-dos stack up to fill every minute of the day. Even worse, unexpected emergencies or sudden obligations pop up in between to wreck a schedule that’s already swamped with stuff to do. Just talking about it drains you out, doesn’t it?

Before you put off any task, sort out the things you have to do in order of urgency. Are some tasks time-bound? Maybe a specific action requires your colleague to do his bit first before you proceed. Does the grocery store open only after a certain hour in the morning?

If you promised to complete more than one task by the first hour, see if you can reach out to one of the clients or recipients for an extension. Perhaps an item on your to-do offers a more flexible schedule, as long as it’s ready by the end of the day.

Temporarily put aside the deferrable tasks and resolve to tackle them only when due (later). This will open up space in your mind to concentrate on the most pressing item.

2. The 3-minute Rule

Scan through your tasks and identify any that you can do within two or three minutes.

Handle these items immediately.

You can check off multiple 3-minute tasks from your list. You prevent minor tasks from accumulating and demanding more time later on in the day.

The checked items will also add a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that you can carry forward as you begin a tougher task. Plus, it’ll reduce the anxiety of a packed schedule, allowing you to execute the work at hand with more focus and finesse.

3. Time Blocks

Set aside specific time slots for rest and relaxation throughout your day.

These ‘blocks’ need not be long and drawn up. You have important stuff to get back to, after all. But catching a breather between intensive sessions will refresh your mind and give your body a mini reset.

The benefits? Well, you get some rest, for starters. More importantly, the small break allows your mind to refocus on the task at hand with fresh eyes. You’re more likely to drum up better ideas or sit for another heavy session with a renewed mind.

4. Dive into Deep Work

When you actually get to the heavy stuff, prepare mentally and try to immerse yourself in the task at hand. Make it intentional.

Think about the end goal and reverse-engineer your way back to tasks that need to be completed to reach that goal. Wear ear plugs to prevent distractive sounds or noises. Activate flight mode on your phone and put up a DND sign on your door or counter. Do whatever it takes to create a zero-distraction environment and a mental space conducive for making the task your center of attention.

You’ll find that intentionally plunging yourself into the role prompts more creative ideas, breakthroughs, and experience more work-done-per-minute.

5. Reflection and Reiteration

Once you get through the day, it’s likely that you got a lot of stuff done yet missed out on a few. Don’t worry. A productive day doesn’t always mean 100% fulfillment or a perfect list of checked boxes.

Reflect on the parts of the day that went well. Did the time blocks help? Maybe you went overboard with strategic procrastination ending up with excessive work by the day’s end. What if there aren’t enough 3-minute tasks next time?

Identify which elements you executed well and make a note of how to reiterate the process next time. Consider the parts that you can do better tomorrow and write them down if possible.

Remember, effective time management is an ongoing, agile, and involves trial & error sometimes. Ironically, it takes time to master time.

Give yourself a break. See which practices you can carry forward to the next busy day. Do not forget that a day’s value is not just the sum of tasks done. Many times, it’s the sense of accountability and dedication to put in your best efforts, even if the results aren’t strictly successful.