Have you ever wished that there are more than 24 hours in a day? I do. I always do.

There’s just this endless list of things that I want to do, which I obviously can’t because of the limited amount of time. We all face this challenge, but there’s actually a way to maximize your productivity and acquire this uncanny ability to get things done.

If you want to get more out of life and accomplish your everyday goals without fail, adopt these 9 habits of productive people and you will surely be able to do more with the limited precious time you have.

1. Don’t lose focus on what’s really important.

Sometimes, people have the tendency to get distracted by the little things that have to be done and lose focus on what really matters.

If you give in and do these things that have little impact, you will find yourself going days without touching the important crucial matters. Productive people know what tasks they should ignore first or delegate to actually move forward.

2. Don’t touch things twice.

As soon as a particular thing gets your attention, act on it immediately or delegate it. Don’t save it for later because dealing with the same things twice can be a huge time-waster.

3. Do the things that you like the least first.

The best antidote for procrastination is by doing the tasks that you like the least first. Once you’ve ticked them off your to-do list, you’re free to take on the other more interesting things that excite you.

4. Do not multitask.

Contrary to what many people think, multitasking is actually less productive than doing a single task at a time. When you constantly multitask, you will soon find yourself having difficulty paying attention, organizing your thoughts, recalling information, and filtering out irrelevant data. Hence, it is better if you just do one thing at a time and then move on to the next only when you finish a task that you’ve started.

5. Prepare for the next day before calling it a day.

Before you leave the office and call it a day, make sure to get ready for tomorrow. Not only will this solidify what you’ve done in that particular day, but this will also help ensure that the next day will be a productive one as well. Organize your tasks for the next day and prepare whatever you need to accomplish those.

6. Follow the schedule during meetings.

Meetings can also be a huge time-waster if you let it. Hence, it is important to stick to the set schedule or duration and ensure that everyone is focused. If you don’t set the limit, meetings can drag on forever.

7. Learn when to say “No”.

If you want to be highly productive, don’t be afraid to say “No” and refuse new commitments or tasks. Once you’ve learned to do this strategically, you will be able to successfully fulfill your existing commitments.

8. Check your emails and other forms of communication during designated times.

Don’t let yourself get constantly interrupted by emails or unnecessary texts and calls. Only check your emails during the schedule you set and take advantage of specific features that allow you to prioritize messages according to the sender. Set alerts only for the most important clients and vendors, and then save the rest when you take a break.

9. Utilize technology to your advantage.

While technology can be a major cause of distraction, on the flip side, it can also help you focus. Use technology to your advantage and let it work for you. You can set up filters in your emails to prioritize certain messages that come in, and set up alerts on your smartphone when something important occurs.

For instance, if the stock you invested in hits a certain level or you get an email from a major client, you’ll be alerted. Doing so will allow you to focus and you won’t have to check your emails and phone from time to time.

Final Thoughts

We all want to find ways to be more productive and efficient. I always workout or read a book in the morning so it does not interfere with my schedule. I set a time for answering emails, only set aside a certain time during the day when I can accommodate my students. Learnings to say no, is one of the most powerful thing you can do. Since we are so friendly, its hard to avoid social gatherings with different circles, I tend to stay home almost all the time except weekends, but I do a lot 1 day per month to go out with my friends and catch up.

I hope the strategies discussed will help you squeeze every drop out of every minute you have. Always remember that you don’t have to work longer hours or expend too much extra effort—you just have to know how to work smarter.