25 Time Management Hacks for the Preposterously Often Late (and Other Busy Humans)

Alright, so if you've clicked on this article, I’m guessing time management isn’t exactly your forte. Maybe you’ve snoozed one too many alarms, or perhaps you’ve promised yourself you’d get that one thing done since last March. No judgment here, only solutions, because today, we’re diving into 25 hacks to manage your time like a pro - or at least.. maybe not like a pro.

Start With the Big Rocks
Picture this: a jar filled with big rocks, pebbles, and sand. If you start with the big rocks, the smaller bits can fit around them. Prioritize your main goals first.
Say No to…Well, Anything That Doesn’t Benefit
Now this. This is only if it doesn’t benefit you or someone else in a good way. Of course. Then say no. Say no to things that waste time. And reading this piece is definitely not one of ‘em.
Try the 2-Minute Rule
If something can be done in two minutes, do it now. Except washing dishes. That’s always a “later” job. Right?
Calendar Block Like a CEO
Divide your day into blocks, and pretend you’re a corporate giant squeezing in meetings. I know you might actually be a corporate giant squeezing in meetings. Some are just lazy. No not you.
Sleep With Your Phone Across the Room
Don’t roll over and doom-scroll at 3 a.m. Keep the phone out of reach, and use that precious time for actual life.
Snack Technique
Work for 155 minutes, then take a 5-minute snack break. Set a timer, or even better, get an actual tomato timer and confuse everyone in your office. - Definitely not for everyone. Some go on coffee breaks and vanish into talking politics. Is that you?
Create a ‘Done List’
Write down things you’ve finished. It can feel weirdly satisfying, especially for us list-addicts.
Theme Days
Assign each day a theme: “Email Mondays,” “Marketing Thursdays,” or “Avoid People (that one colleague you and I both know) Fridays.” Sometimes consistency = efficiency.
Set Unrealistic Deadlines
Because who doesn’t like a bit of pressure, right? Nah we call it a “soft” deadline, and it help get things moving.
Wear a Watch
Trust me, checking the time on your phone is just a gateway to endless scrolling on that toxtoxic app.
Learn to Type Faster
No, really. Those 0.03 seconds saved per word do add up. Eventually. Specially to the accounts department. Cents matter.
Have a Monday Habit
Something to get your week off to a bang. Or a whimper. Just start somewhere. Like making a list for the week of all the things you got to do without wasting time trying to find the end of this sentence - is today monday?
Turn Off the Wi-Fi
Internet? Gone. Time-wasting apps? See ya. You’re officially cut off, and it’s oddly freeing. Unless you work online. That’s that’s the practically impractical thing to do.
Go Full Japanese-style on Your Email Inbox
If it’s spam, unsubscribe. If it’s old, delete. It’s 2024 – inbox zero isn’t just for dreamers. (I think the Japanese are like that. Efficient.)
Stop Reading This List and Do Something
Just kidding, we’ve got 10 to go, so strap in.
Embrace the 1-Minute Rule
Anything taking under a minute? Done now. Like spend a minute first making a to-do list.
Mute Your Group Chats
They’re a Mariana Trench of GIFs and nonsense. We both know it.
Schedule Your Commute
Use it for a podcast, email catch-up, or thinking up very deep thoughts. And writing them down. Multitasking at its finest. Just don’t pull out your phone. Use a notepad.
Declutter Your Desk
This can help help. Less distractions. More focus. The desk includes your computer, or laptop’s desktop or tab home screen. if you’re working on one.
Reward Yourself with Ridiculous Goals
Finish an assignment? You get to buy a pack of jellybeans. And tell your co-workers. They’ll start edging you on to finish your assignments. So they get to share the jellybeans.
Automate Whatever You Can
Bills, emails, reminders. Let automation help!
Put a Cap on Your Social Media
No one really needs to see the 101 cat videos. Now how will that help
Use Fewer Words in Emails
Now this is a good one for communication!
1. "Hope this finds you well" = too long. Maybe unnecessary.
2. "XYZ, here’s that report [attached] you wanted." = yes, please.
Designate a “Brain Dump” Notebook
Whatever random thoughts you have, just toss them in here. It’s like a mental garage sale.
Take a Meeting Break
Block off time on your calendar for a meeting with...yourself. Yes, really. It’s productive. And review that to-do list maybe. And don’t sleep on it.

And there you have it. Some 25 ways to get through your day more productively. Hopefully.