We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
Last Updated on June 27, 2019 by karissa ancell
I need to get more stuff done with my time. I’ve never been very good at managing my time and accomplishing my goals and to-dos. Though I have found some ways that have worked for me and that have helped me to find ways to get more stuff done in my day. I hope that I have come up with some good ways to get more stuff done that will help you out. I know it isn’t easy to get done everything that you need to do.
1 You first need to find your focus. Life is busy for all of us and it can quickly become overwhelming when you are trying to get as many things done as possible. I have felt this way many times before and know that I will feel this way again.
I have found that it really helps to figure out your focus, that is to find the one thing you are trying to do or get accomplished at that moment. Figure that out and then work towards that goal with determination. When you are focused on that one task you are more likely to get it done and then you can move on to the next thing you need to do.
2. Get more done by taking the time to make lists. When you’re looking for ways to get more stuff done then you really need to look at making lists. I don’t know about you but I always have a list going on in my head of things I would like to get done.
The thing is that if I don’t put those things down on an actual list either written or digital, then I often forget about them. So it’s really important for me to be consistent about adding things as I think of them to my lists that I have. For me, I have two main lists on my phone. A blogging to do list and a home to do list. As I think of new things to do they get added to the correct list.
3. One of my favorite tips is to take mini breaks while working on a project or large task. I find I can get more done if I break up the big project and give myself little breaks in between working on it.If I try to just push through and get it all done at once. I find that my mind wanders and I get distracted which makes it end up taking longer than it should. So I will give myself 15 minutes to play on the internet or read and then get back on task. That little break helps me to stay focused when I start up again.
4. It also really helps me if I set a timer. I do this all the time when I’m working or getting stuff done around the house. I either set the timer for a half hour or just check my phone and keep track of the time and then and get to work. Then sometimes after that, I take my break or just go on to more work. Depending on how I feel, it helps to know I just have to stay on task for that short period of time.
5. You have to learn to say no sometimes. If you want ways to get more stuff done then you need to start saying no sometimes. If you take on too much and are trying to do everything. Then things will either be done not well or not get done at all. So if you don’t have the time you need to politely decline.
6. It’s also helpful to find a routine when trying to get more done. I’ve always struggled to set routines and use a calendar. It doesn’t come naturally to me but when I do it I know that it does help. Using an editorial calendar has made a big difference with getting more done blogging.
related post: Using an editorial calendar
7. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. This is one area of my life I use to struggle with a lot. Luckily I have gotten better at this as I’ve gotten older because asking for help is something we shouldn’t be afraid to do because none of us can do everything on our own and that is ok. That is why we have our family, friends and sometimes professionals that we can lean on when we need to.
8. You need to get enough sleep and take care of yourself. If you want to find ways to get more stuff done then taking care of you needs to be one of the first steps. If you are exhausted or run down you just won’t be able to get as much done.
Also, if you aren’t sleeping enough you are more likely to get sick and that will stop you from getting anything done. So don’t pull that all-nighter. It might seem like a way to get more done but if you are exhausted. You will get sick and it will backfire and put you behind.
9. Next, you need to prioritize what needs to be done and put things in order. Although everything on your list seems really important in reality, not everything is equally important. So figure out the few things that have to get done. Thatwill have the most impact and get them done first. Then move on to other items on your list.
I hope you find these nine ways to get more stuff done tips to be helpful to you. Also that you are able to apply a few or all of them to your life. So that you can start getting more done and being more productive. It’s a work in process. I don’t think we are every really done with trying to be better at getting things done. So I will keep working hard at it as well.
Which tip are you going to try? What is one tip you would add? Let me know in a comment
5 DAY Productivity Course
Sign up for the Free five day course that will help you start getting more done in your day.
Summer @ Coffee With Summer says
Timers are so huge for me! So helpful!
Summer @ Coffee With Summer recently posted…We’re Moving!!
Rachel says
Excellent tips! Finding focus and breaks are key for me!
Ronda Bowen says
Lists and timers are so important! Those are really two huge ingredients to getting things done and staying focused.
Ronda Bowen recently posted…How I Get Things Done (Intro)
Rachel says
Focusing is usually the biggest struggle for me. There are so many distractions, ah! These are all great tips!
Rachel recently posted…Simple Ways to Pay it Forward
Joscelyn | Wife Mama Foodie says
Great tips! I definitely can use these practical ideas to get the day more organized!
Catherine says
With the amount of work and schooling I do, I really needed this! I love to blog and want to keep it going. But some times finding time is hard. Hopefully this list will help me get more organized and find more time!
Catherine recently posted…Why those Kardashian Memes aren’t Helping
Jackie says
Awesome tips! Taking breaks and making lists always helps me!
Jannine says
Awesome tips. Making lists a a must have for me, and I have to prioritize them too. My new thing to work on is using a timer. I find it to be really helpful, but hard to stick with consistently.
xo Jannine | http://www.happystylishfit.com
Falon says
I love lists! Seriously I make at least one a day and they always help keep me on track. Plus there’s something so satisfying about crossing off the items when you complete them!
Falon recently posted…Keep Your House Clean in Just 15 Minutes a Day with Scotch-Brite Brand
Krysten (@themomnoms) says
I really like this list. I really need help getting organized with my day.
It’s especially bad when you have a little man running around you all the time. 😛
Thank you for such a great post!
Stacey says
Really great tips! I find that when I make a list and set a timer – it really helps with my focus and getting it done.
Stacey recently posted…Hosting an Après Ski Party
Yona Williams says
I make a lot of mini lists to keep me focused throughout the day. I might have to start using a timer, that sounds like it might be helpful for me.
Yona Williams recently posted…Looking for a Subscription Gift Idea for Men? Consider the Gentlemen’s Box
Erica @ Coming Up Roses says
Finding focus and prioritizing accordingly is HUGELY important! Like make or break important. Saying no also…it has to happen for progress to be made!
Coming Up Roses
Erica @ Coming Up Roses recently posted…“I am prepared to perform.”
Jenna @ A Savory Feast says
These tips are great! I definitely use lists and prioritize those lists so that I make sure that what has to get done gets done. Another thing I do is to limit distractions by keeping off of social media or making myself focus on one task before doing something else.
Jenna @ A Savory Feast recently posted…Strawberry Cream Cheese Poke Cake
laura londergan says
I really look forward to your posts as they are always so on point with what I need to hear. I have been doing some of these things you suggest but I am reminded that I need to do more – like the timer idea, need to start that as I think it will help ;
laura londergan recently posted…DECOR :: Easter Mantel Ideas
Koninika says
Such great tips on time management and organizing! Slap a very bright and colorful post! Was very informative!
Koninika says
Also a very bright and colorful post *
Siniciliya says
It is so important to be able to say no to others and yes to yourself! Thank you for sharing these great tips with us
Ashlie Langston says
These are great! I love my to-do lists! Those are what keep me organized for sure! Thanks for sharing!
Heather says
Number 10 – send kids to Nana’s for the weekend 🙂 I have had to re-evaluate my to-do lists recently. I am in the habit of putting on way too many things because I want to get them done, but I know deep down that the list needs to be halved because of homeschooling and the other general needs of my kiddos 🙂
Heather recently posted…Spring Cleaning when it still feels like Winter
Toni says
One of the first things I had to learn when I started working from home is that I have to manage my time better. I’ve learned now that time blocking works best for me. Your tips are awesome!
Sheena Tatum says
Taking the time to make lists is SUPER important and a technique I use all the time. I’m hopeless without my lists and usually end up with a very confused day without them!
Sheena Tatum recently posted…Bunny Carrot Cake Recipe
KRYSTLE COOK says
Making lists and do things in short spurts seems to help me get things done. I burn out less when I do this.
KRYSTLE COOK recently posted…Easter Treats: Nutella Muddy Carrots + Free Printable
tp keane says
I keep allowing my routine to be broken by others. I should just ignore the dog and phone and husband and tell them all to feck off so I can write… well, for a couple of hours a day at least lol.
Ana says
I can be terrible at managing my time but I tend to overwork myself . I am pinning this post to help me out!
jill conyers says
All great tips! It’s amazing to me how much getting enough sleep makes a difference. In so many ways other than the obvious ones.
jill conyers recently posted…Spring Break Travel Workout – No Equipment Needed
Keating says
Lists are seriously the best thing ever. I make lists for everything. I also have to get myself into a routine. Once I have one down, I turn into Superwoman and there’s nothing I can’t handle haha great list!
Keating recently posted…Spring Break Packing List
Crystal // Dreams, etc. says
Lists are so important for me! I feel like I waste so much time trying to think of what I need to do and what’s more important if I don’t have one. If I have a list I already know what needs to be done and I can glance at it and see what’s most important. I’ve found that making my lists the day before means that I can jump right in the next day and it eases my mind. 🙂
I need to work on getting more sleep! I definitely don’t take the time that I need for that.
Roxanne says
Great tips! For me I find most of these helpful, but I really need to be better about breaks. I try to cram it all in during my limited hours without kiddos. I will add that I find it helpful to keep a list of the 6 most important things to do the next day. 10 can be overwhelming but 6 is doable!
Roxanne recently posted…Commending Our Heroes and Empowering Girls
Diedre says
I”m a list and routine queen! However, I’ve learned how to ease my routine a bit since having kids. I spent the first couple of years being stressed out because I couldn’t get everything done that was on my list. I’ve learned to prioritize and if it doesn’t have to get done today, I don’t freak out about it. Great tips.
Amber NElson says
I am definitely a list maker. I get great satisfaction from crossing things off a list!
Amber NElson recently posted…5 Simple & Easy Wine Bottle Craft Ideas
michele says
I make lists and star the 3 that absolutely have to get done. That way I know I have prioritized the most important things and if thats all that happens Im ok with it! Some other good ideas in your post too!
michele recently posted…Gruyere Salami Risotto Balls (Arancini)
Debra says
Mini breaks always seem to help me! I need to work on getting more stuff done for sure!
Debra recently posted…Bunny Pudding Pies
RaNesha says
Making a list helps with time management and orgsnization.
Christine @ The (mostly) Simple Life says
Setting a timer is a great tip. I do that when I have to tackle something I really don’t want to do. I figure I can at least do it for 15 minutes 🙂
Christine @ The (mostly) Simple Life recently posted…6 Things I Can’t Live Without
Jen says
Great tips!!! I struggle with this daily. I recently bought a planner so that I can make lists and prioritize the things that I need to get done. I totally believe doing those two things will make a huge difference in my day!
Laci says
These are awesome tips !!! I need all I can get seems like I never have enough time
Skye says
I love that you suggest to rest and take mini breaks! It is really important for your brain to get a chance to breath and re-set so you can get more work done! Great post!
Amber-Lee says
Yes! Setting a time is key! Thanks for the post, great reminders! xo
Blythe A. says
Such great tips. I always make lists, as I find it helps me remember everything I need to accomplish. I tend to make weekly lists, as well as daily. Taking breaks is also essential. It keeps the brain fresh. I also try to pick an end time to answer emails. I find that if I answer them after the normal 9-5, clients think they can email me late all the time and expect me to work late until the night. They respect boundaries better.
Blythe A. recently posted…Warm up to the Zoe Report Box of Style Spring 2016
Cara says
Great tips! I’m definitely a list maker and I love setting timers for myself to try to complete tasks within an allotted time. Awesome post!
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
I am loving all of your tips! I definitely don’t make the most of my time and stuff ends up getting put off a lot.
Rachel says
I need to write down all these great tips on hundreds of post-it notes and put them all over my house! I just get so darn distracted easily.
Kait says
These are all such good tips! I especially love the part about getting enough sleep and taking mini breaks. I used to wake up so early, push myself hard for about 4 hours and then wonder why I was feeling so burnt out. Now I space out my work, put all my important stuff in the beginning and prioritize for the rest of the day 🙂
Candy says
I’m a morning person, that is when I am most productive. Keeping small poles picked up helps me focus on bigger things to accomplish.
GiGi Eats says
I am a total LIST GIRL – I love them. I have like 5 of the same list in my house/phone/computer – ha ha ha! I just love XING THINGS OFF OF THE LIST!
Terra Dawn says
Great article!! Lists and routines have always been my ultimate get stuff done go-to’s. 🙂 I keep a little book with me that I write everything I need to get done the next day.
Thanks for the great ideas!
Emily says
These tips are so accurate!! I agree 100%
Alexis says
Awesome tips and great blog post! 🙂 Thanks for sharing. I definitely needed this.
Alexis | http://www.themindfulmotivation.wordpress.com
Sara McCarty says
Such great tips! I love setting a timer and forcing myself to do all those dreaded things I’ve been avoiding! They don’t seem so bad when you power through them for a set length of time.