11 Productivity hacks for startup CEOs
Whether you are the CEO of a Fortune 500 company or a 3-person startup, we all have the same amount of time in a day to build the company of our dreams. It is incredibly important to make the most out of every minute you have because you aren’t getting any more.
Your success or failure will depend a lot on how well you manage your time. By increasing productivity, you will not only be able to achieve more in less time but also combat procrastination because you will feel that you can achieve more work than before.
Also if you head any business, you might want to take some of our business assessments to make important business decisions and solve problems.
Let’s look at 11 productivity hacks that can help you get more done in less time. If you learn and master all of these hacks, you” be able to drastically increase the amount of work you can get done.
1. Plan 6 months ahead
It doesn’t matter how hard you work if you don’t know where you are heading or trying to accomplish. As a business owner, you need to plan at least 6 months in advance. This way you will have a clear idea of where your business is heading. Planning ahead also minimizes impulsive decisions or chasing the next idea. It brings discipline and ensures you remain focused for those 6 months.
2. Break up your tasks
Break up your long-term goals into monthly, weekly, and daily goals. Break your goals down until you get to the smallest reasonable piece. What this does is turn your goals into a workable plan.
3. Use to-do lists
You must have all your tasks and goals written somewhere in the form of to-do lists so that you can keep track of your efforts. It’s essential to measure your actions against your goals consistently. The best way to create a to-do list is to sit down at the end of the day and figure out the most important things you should do for the next next day. You should also list your activities in order of importance.
4. Reduce distractions
There are so many things to watch, hear and read which don’t really add value to our work. If you’re going to increase productivity, you must reduce the number of things distracting you at work and in your life in general. There are thousands of distractions that are all trying to get a piece of your attention.
5. Have a defined workplace
You need to have a specific place to do your work. The place should help you focus and where you can block out most of the distractions. The ideal place is one that physically separates you from the world outside and gets you mentally ready to work.
6. Check email 2-3 times a day at fixed times
Not only emails and text messages distract, but it’s also hard to build momentum with your work if you’re constantly checking for emails and messages. By checking your mail and messages at fixed intervals you will notice the increase in the amount of work you get done.
7. Turn off the internet
The internet has helped up be more productive but because of the amazing mass of content, it also distracts us. Most of the distracting content is in the form of social feeds, messages, notifications, viral videos, and other forms of entertaining content. Unplug your internet whenever you can. Although some work does require the internet, a lot of it doesn’t. Again, if you want to use the internet for anything not related to work, set aside specific time slots.
8. Prioritize your work
You need to prioritize your work based on urgency and importance and need to focus on tasks that are both urgent and important. You can use the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize tasks. Look at the matrix below. You need to first focus on the most important and urgent work and after completing them should move on to the important but not so urgent tasks.
9. Get organized
If you want to increase efficiency, you need to get organized. Clutter is a reminder of things we should have health with, and that kills productivity. For every task that comes your way, you need to decide whether to deal with it immediately, file it for another time or throw it away.
Keep a separate and tidy space for yourself. Having a tidy desk also makes you feel more relaxed which in turn increases productivity. Also, try not to eat at your desk as it invites dirt. Having meals away from your desk allows you to also take a mental break away from your work and recharge.
10. Delegate work
A way to make the most use of your time is to use other people’s time. A lot of entrepreneurs resist delegating work because of the expense of hiring people. But the truth is, you can make more money by delegating because it will allow you to focus on the things that actually make money and bring you closer to your goals.
There are two things that you should be delegating; things that are time-consuming and can be done by anybody, and things that you’re not good at. You might also want to take an assessment on whether it’s the right time to hire your first employee.
11. Use automation
Any repetitive task that doesn’t involve any actual thinking can be automated. The less time you spend on doing things that can be automated, the more time you’ll be able to spend on working on things that will bring you closer to your goals.
There are plenty of tools in the market that can help you automate certain tasks, save time and boost your productivity.
FAQ: 11 Productivity Hacks for Building Your Dream Company
1. Why is planning ahead important? Planning ahead, specifically at least 6 months in advance, provides a clear direction for your business and helps you remain focused. It minimizes impulsive decisions, allows for disciplined execution, and ensures you have a roadmap to follow.
2. How can I break down my goals effectively? Breaking down your long-term goals into monthly, weekly, and daily goals helps make them more manageable and achievable. By breaking them down into smaller tasks, you can create a workable plan and track your progress effectively.
3. How can I use to-do lists effectively? To-do lists are crucial for keeping track of tasks and goals. At the end of each day, create a to-do list for the following day, prioritizing tasks based on their importance. This helps you stay organized and focused on completing essential activities.
4. How can I reduce distractions in my work environment? Reducing distractions is important for increasing productivity. Identify and eliminate unnecessary distractions that consume your time and attention. Minimize exposure to distractions like social media, unnecessary notifications, and non-work-related content.
5. Why is having a defined workplace important? Having a specific place dedicated to work helps you focus and create a productive environment. Choose a location that minimizes distractions and mentally prepares you for work. Physically separating yourself from outside influences can improve concentration and efficiency.
6. How often should I check my email? Checking emails and messages throughout the day can disrupt your workflow and hinder productivity. Instead, set specific times, around 2-3 intervals per day, to check and respond to emails. This way, you can maintain momentum and focus on your tasks.
7. Why should I consider turning off the internet? While the internet can be a valuable resource, it can also be a significant source of distraction. Disconnecting from the internet when it’s not necessary for your work allows you to avoid temptations and stay focused. Reserve specific time slots for non-work-related internet usage.
8. How can I prioritize my work effectively? Prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance is crucial for productivity. The Eisenhower Matrix is a useful tool for prioritization. Focus on tasks that are both urgent and important first, then move on to important but less urgent tasks.
9. How can getting organized improve efficiency? Being organized reduces clutter, which can be a productivity killer. Decide whether to deal with tasks immediately, file them for later, or discard them. Keep a tidy workspace as it helps create a relaxed environment and minimize distractions. Taking breaks away from your desk is also beneficial for recharging.
10. Why should I consider delegating work? Delegating tasks to others frees up your time and allows you to focus on activities that generate income and align with your goals. Delegate tasks that are time-consuming and can be done by others, as well as tasks that you are not particularly skilled at. It’s an effective way to make the most of your time.
11. How can automation improve productivity? Automating repetitive tasks that don’t require active thinking can significantly improve productivity. By utilizing automation tools, you can save time and allocate your efforts to more meaningful and strategic activities. Look for tools in the market that can automate tasks such as data entry, scheduling, social media posting, and email management. Automating these processes reduces manual labor, minimizes errors, and allows you to focus on tasks that drive your business forward.
