Top 5 Hacks for Maximizing Your Time

And why time strikes a nerve...

If you’ve been following along on LinkedIn you may have seen this post last week.

It struck a nerve with nearly 10,000 views and 100’s of likes and comments.

Something about time - using it - maximizing it - finding it - has a powerful allure in our hearts and minds. And those who know how little time we have - search for as much time as they can find.

So…

Without further ado - These are my top 5 hacks for maximizing your time.

1. Tell people no. Yes, say no. Say it kindly. Say it warmly. Say it often. Tell people no.

2. Time block. Take the most important tasks you must accomplish to be successful and put them on your calendar. Then, when people ask for that time, say no.

3. Ruthlessly eliminate distractions. Notifications. Turn them off. Dings. Off. Random emails. Unsubscribe. Scrub all apps on your phone that operate more like slot machines than tools. Specific purpose. Specific time. Again, say no.

4. Record a complete week of your time in 30-minute increments. A full week. Write down everything. All of it. Don't lie to yourself. Don't fudge the truth. Write it all down. Go back and look at the entire week. Mark off everything you could have done without. Again, say no.

5. Never book your calendar beyond 70% capacity. Something can and will pop up during the week that matters. That takes precedent. And it should be done. Every single week. if you book your time at 100% capacity you have no room for error. Again, say no.

Those are my hacks. Sometimes they work. Sometimes they don't.

But they certainly serve as a starting point for growth.

#Keepimpacting,
- Josh

P.S. Share this post on social media + send me a note to unlock one free bonus resource on ‘budgeting’ your time. Following the honor system here. 😉

And finally, additional resources for those who want more:

1. When - The Science of Perfect Timing by Dan Pink
2. TimeSmart - How to reclaim your time and live a Happier life
3. Entrealeadership - Time Assets vs Time Debts w/ James Clear

+ Deep Work, Atomic Habits, and The Making of a Great Manager