Techniques for Building a Routine That Works

Time is what we want most, but what we use worst. Years ago, I thought time management was: ↳ Making to-do lists, ↳ Planning everything on a schedule, ↳ And still not getting everything done. But I learned the hard way: It’s not about doing more, it’s about doing it right. Here are 12 game-changing strategies: (that truly transformed my productivity) 1/ Anti-To-Do List: Track what not to do (low-value tasks or habits that waste time). 2/ The Rule of Three: Instead of endless task lists, set just 3 key priorities per day. 3/ Time-Stamped Planning: Estimate time for each task, so your schedule isn’t just a wish list. 4/ Switching Tax Awareness: Switching between tasks can cost up to 40% of your productivity—minimize it. 5/ Waiting Time Hack: Use waiting in line or commuting for micro-tasks (replying to emails or listening to audiobooks). 6/ 90-Min Deep Work Cycle: Your brain works best in 90-minute focus sprints followed by breaks. 7/ Day Theming: Assign specific tasks to certain days (e.g., Mondays for planning, Fridays for networking). 8/ Set Hard Stops: Decide when work must end to prevent overworking and force efficiency. 9/ Productive Boredom: Allow quiet time for creative thinking (no phone, no music). 10/ Just Start Rule: When procrastinating, commit to just 2 minutes of a task—momentum usually follows. 11/ Multiplier Tasks: Some tasks (automating a workflow or hiring the right person) save you time forever. 12/ Manage Energy, Not Just Time: Track when you’re naturally most focused and schedule deep work. Time is the only resource you can’t get back. Manage it wisely. ♻️ Share this with your network. ☝️ For more valuable insights, follow me, Victoria Repa.

I've struggled with procrastination for decades. For years, I willed myself to attack my todo list with limited success: working as a Staff Eng at Meta, teaching at Stanford, and running a YouTube channel. Here's how I achieved stress-free productivity: 1️⃣ Action leads to motivation. This is the most important thing to remember when you feel down. Don't wait for motivation to hit you. (you'll end up waiting forever!) Instead, just start making some progress toward your goal, and the motivation will follow after a few minutes. If you're doom-scrolling on Instagram, tell yourself that you simply want to open up your editor and start writing *something*. This is surprisingly effective. 2️⃣ Build a system. Create a system where it's easy to do the right thing and hard to do the wrong thing. Your willpower will change day by day (even hour by hour), so you can't rely on it. Make certain activities automatic based on time of day, e.g. 1 hour of deep work in the morning. This is a mind hack that capitalizes on the fact that simplicity changes behavior. Systems create simplicity. 3️⃣ Figure out what to work on. Your goal is not to be productive for the sake of productivity. Your goal is to make progress on something important. You need to figure out the few tasks that are the most meaningful and prioritize them. For example, you don't want to be known as the software engineer who is always replying to emails. Your prodigious productivity with emails is not why you're hired as an engineer. Focus on the important over the urgent. My full breakdown: https://lnkd.in/gDz7tRCy #productivity #LIPostingDayApril

How to Plan a Productive Week 👇 Success doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built on consistent, intentional habits. Here’s how I approach planning a productive week to maximize focus, energy, and results: 1. Set Your GPS (Goal, Plan, System): Start with your big goal for the week. Break it down into actionable steps and create a system to stay on track. Clarity is power. 2. Time Block Your Priorities: Schedule your non-negotiables first—workouts, creative time, meetings, and rest. Treat your time like the valuable resource it is. 3. Reflect on Last Week: What worked? What didn’t? Adjust your strategy to build on your successes and learn from your challenges. 4. Plan Your Morning Routine: Begin each day with habits that fuel your mind and body—meditation, journaling, exercise, or reading. How you start your day sets the tone for everything else. 5. Batch Similar Tasks: Group similar activities together—emails, calls, or creative work. This minimizes distractions and keeps you in the zone. 6. Identify Potential Roadblocks: Anticipate challenges that could derail you and plan solutions in advance. Preparation beats procrastination. 7. Commit to Rest and Recovery: Productivity isn’t about grinding 24/7. Schedule downtime to recharge, reflect, and stay sharp for the long game. 8. Use Sunday as a Reset Day: Take time to organize your space, review your calendar, and set intentions for the week ahead. A clear mind leads to clear actions. 9. Stay Flexible: Life happens. Adapt without losing focus on what matters most. Productivity is about progress, not perfection. 10. Celebrate Wins Along the Way: Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small. Gratitude fuels momentum and keeps you motivated. Remember, planning is the foundation, but execution is where the magic happens. Make this week count!