Ever feel like you’re running on a hamster wheel – busy, busy, busy, but not really getting anywhere? Time to hop off that wheel and start managing your time like a pro. But before we dive into the time management tips, let’s get one thing straight: productivity without purpose is just glorified busyness. You need a clear vision and goals before you can effectively prioritize. Otherwise, you’re just moving fast in circles.
Now, let’s talk about how to actually make the most of your time!
1. Eat the Frog 🐸
Key Idea: Tackle your hardest, most important task first thing in the morning.
This concept, from Brian Tracy’s Eat That Frog!, suggests handling the worst (or biggest) task early so everything else feels easier. Plus, you’ll start the day with a big win!
How to Apply It: Block out the first 90 minutes of your workday for your “FROG.” I put it in my online calendar. This lets my team members know they shouldn’t distract me during that time. No emails, no coffee breaks—just focused work.
2. Time Blocking ⏳
Key Idea: Assign specific time slots to different tasks to avoid distractions and boost focus.
Popularized by Cal Newport in Deep Work, time blocking helps you stay disciplined and reduces decision fatigue. Not sure if it’ll work for you? We’ll here’s some help: Elon Musk uses this technique.
How to Apply It: Schedule your work in blocks: 1-2 PM = deep work, 3-4 PM = emails, etc. Treat it like a non-negotiable appointment.
3. Bundling Tasks by Type 📂
Key Idea: Group similar tasks together to save mental energy.
Constantly switching between different tasks drains your brain. Instead, batch similar activities together (e.g., reply to all emails at once, schedule all calls in a set time).
How to Apply It: Make “theme blocks” in your day—one for emails, one for creative work, one for calls, etc.
4. Say No 🙅♀️
Key Idea: Protect your time like a treasure chest.
Warren Buffett says the difference between successful and very successful people is that the latter say no to almost everything.
How to Apply It: Before saying yes to a new request, ask: “Does this align with my priorities?” If not, politely decline. Not sure how? Try: “I’d love to help, but I’m currently focused on other priorities.”
💡 Bonus: If saying no makes you super uncomfortable, try “No, but how about…” to offer an alternative.
5. ABCDE Method 📝
Key Idea: Prioritize tasks into five categories:
- A = Must do
- B = Should do
- C = Nice to do
- D = Delegate
- E = Eliminate
How to Apply It: List your tasks and label them A-E. Start with A tasks, delegate D tasks, and eliminate E tasks. (I use this method only when I’m drowning in to-dos.)
6. Pomodoro Technique 🍅
Key Idea: Work in focused bursts with short breaks in between.
Developed by Francesco Cirillo, this method keeps your brain fresh and prevents burnout.
How to Apply It: Set a timer for 25 minutes, work on one task, then take a 5-minute break. Repeat four times, then take a longer break. Think of it as HIIT training for your brain.
7. Plan Tomorrow Today 🗓️
Key Idea: End your workday by prepping for the next day.
This helps you wake up with a clear roadmap instead of scrambling.
How to Apply It: Spend the last 10 minutes of your workday jotting down your top priorities for tomorrow. Future-you (and your boss) will thank you.
8. The 2-Minute Rule ⚡
Key Idea: If it takes less than 2 minutes, do it now.
This Getting Things Done rule by David Allen prevents small tasks from piling up.
How to Apply It: As you go through your day, ask, “Can I do this in under 2 minutes?” If yes, do it immediately. If not, schedule it.
9. Eisenhower Matrix 🏛️
Key Idea: Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance.
Divide tasks into four quadrants:
- Urgent & Important (do now)
- Important but Not Urgent (schedule)
- Urgent but Not Important (delegate)
- Neither Urgent Nor Important (delete)
How to Apply It: Sketch a quick grid, categorize your tasks, and focus on important but not urgent tasks to avoid last-minute chaos. (I use this as an alternative to the ABCDE method when I feel overwhelmed.)
10. Use (Time Management) Technology Wisely 📱
Key Idea: Let tech work for you, not against you.
Task managers, automation tools, and calendars can streamline your work, but social media and notifications can steal your time.
How to Apply It: Find the best productivity tools for you, use them consistently, and ditch anything that adds clutter instead of clarity.
11. The 90-15-90 Rule 🔄
Key Idea: Work in 90-minute focus sprints with 15-minute breaks.
Unlike the Pomodoro method, this approach lets you work deeply without constant interruptions.
How to Apply It: Set a timer for 90 minutes, go all in, then take a 15-minute break, work for another 90 minutes. (This is a tricky one, but when implemented correctly, it feels like eating two frogs.)
Final Thoughts
Time management isn’t about squeezing more into your day—it’s about making better use of your time. Find the methods that work for you, implement them, and watch your productivity (and sanity) soar.
Now go out there and take control of your time like a boss.