Strategies for Time Management for High Achievers

I've tried 100s of time management techniques.  This is by far my favourite: I used to work 80 hrs/week and call it "productive." When really I was: - Attending pointless meetings - Fighting countless small fires - Being involved in every decision Now I work less than 70% the time and get 4x as much done. The Eisenhower Matrix helped me get there.  It teaches you to categorise tasks by importance and urgency. Here's how it works: 1. Do It Now (Urgent + Important) Examples: - Finalise pitch deck before investor meeting tomorrow. - Fix website crash during peak customer traffic. - Respond to press interview request before deadline. Best Practices: - Attack these tasks first each morning with full focus. - Set a strict deadline so urgency fuels execution. 2. Schedule It (Important + Not Urgent) Examples: - Plan quarterly strategy session with leadership team. - Map long-term hiring plan for next 18 months. - Build a personal brand content system for LinkedIn. Best Practices: - Protect time blocks in advance. Never leave them floating. - Tie them to measurable outcomes, not vague intentions. 3. Delegate It (Urgent + Not Important) Examples: - Handle inbound customer service queries this week. - Organise travel logistics for upcoming conference. - Update CRM with latest sales call notes. Best Practices: - Build playbooks so your team executes without confusion. - Delegate with deadlines to avoid wasting time. 4. Eliminate It (Not Urgent + Not Important) Examples: - Tweak logo colour palette again for fun. - Attend generic networking events with no ICP fit. - Review endless “best productivity tools” articles. Best Practices: - Audit weekly. Cut anything that doesn’t compound long-term. - Replace low-value busywork with rest, thinking, or selling. If you are always reacting to what feels urgent,   You'll never focus on what matters. Attend to the tasks in quadrant 1 efficiently,  Then spend 60-70% of your time in quadrant 2.    That's work that actually builds your business. Which quadrant are you spending too much time in right now?  Drop your thoughts in the comments. My newsletter, Step By Step, breaks down more frameworks like this. It's designed to help you build smarter without burning out. 200k+ builders use it to develop better systems. Join them here:  https://lnkd.in/eUTCQTWb ♻️ Repost this to help other founders manage their time.  And follow Chris Donnelly for more on building and running businesses. 

Let’s Talk About Time. People have ask me in the past how I manage to get so much done. It’s simply a method. I built a surgical time management system years ago that's essentially a hybrid of three "proven frameworks"; it's customized to match me. When I follow it, the output speaks for itself. People assume I’m a machine. Lately, I’ve been loose with it. Not off-track, but not dialed in like I should be. That’s changing now. Especially since I will be starting a Masters of Engineering in the spring. I call it "The Method to my Madness" The Eisenhower → Mind Map → Time Block Method: Achieve High Quality Volume Output, Stay Sharp, and Get More Done If you want high-quality output at a high volume, you need more than motivation. You need discipline and a bonafide system. This one works; it's not for staying busy. It's for execution and precision: 1. Start with the Eisenhower Matrix Often viewed as a productivity hack, it's more of a filter that separates movement from progress. Urgent & Important → Do it now. Important but Not Urgent → Schedule it. Urgent but Not Important → Delegate it. Neither → Delete it. Delete a lot. As much as possible. Majority of people stay stuck in reaction mode because they never clarify what actually deserves their time in a prioritized manner. 2. Turn Priorities those into a Mind Map. Brainstorm. Think about requirements and deliverables. Once you know what matters, you build your mind map. This is how you visualize your goals, responsibilities, and projects, as well as identify connections between different pieces and outcomes. Architect a snapshot of your entire battlefield.. This map is your battle strategy. Every node should be a calculated move. Every connection is a dependency. Now, you’re never guessing because you have a clear vision and path. 3. Convert the Map into EXCEL Time Blocks Here it get's surgical. Start with hour blocks but get used to honoring a schedule. Tighten it to 30-minute blocks once you’re zoned in. Eventually move to 15-minute or even 5-minute blocks when you need total control. Use 45-minute blocks to leave time for review, margin, or re-alignment Don't go cramming your calendar. You need to be constructing clarity. Every minute needs to have has a purpose, resulting in every block equaling an output. Why It Works? Well, I lived it, for 4 years. But it works because: You stop reacting and start executing. You make fewer, better decisions. You get more done in less time. You create time instead of losing it to friction. If you want to achieve a lot, don’t leave your output to chance. You need to engineer a laser focused lens, structure your days, and block YOUR time like it’s a currency. If your work matters, your time should too. Start with the matrix. Build the map. Block the time. And watch your execution go from good to elite. Always take time to REFLECT. Everyday, reflect.

When people ask me about my time management strategies, I often share my journey of balancing my role at LinkedIn, my side project, and, at one point, my master's degree. Time management wasn't something I just picked up; it was a skill I honed from a young age. I simultaneously completed two high school programs: the American public system and the French distance learning system, presenting an early and unique time management challenge. After having practiced this for many years at this point, it feels like it comes down to three interlinked things: 1. Clear boundaries: I work specific hours and don't deviate from them much. Sure, there's flex occasionally, but there is always a compensatory flex in the other direction. 2. Ruthless efficiency: I spend minimal time on each task to ensure it's done right. Speed is critical for everything, whether learning keyboard shortcuts to save a few keystrokes or keeping a document to a page instead of 10. 3. Task timing optimization: I coalesce all my meetings into the late morning/early afternoon period of my day and also schedule mindless administrative tasks for myself during this time. This gives me time in the morning to focus on "real" work and enables me to be as efficient as possible in filing expenses, checking on data for a project, etc, while actively participating in meetings. By sticking to my boundaries early and continuously looking for ways to be more efficient, I've gradually stacked more and more time management techniques on top of one another. As they say in one of my favorite shows: 'This is the way' 📈

Stop managing time. Start mastering energy. After coaching over 200+ executives, I've learned that the high-performers prioritize their energy not their time. Here's what they've shared with me (save this): 1/ Decision Energy Optimization ↳ Map your peak alertness hours (track for 5 days) ↳ Schedule critical decisions before 2pm ↳ Create a "power hour" buffer before board meetings 2/ Strategic Recovery Design ↳ Implement the Navy SEAL 4x4 breath work (4 seconds in, 4 out) ↳ Book 20-min gaps between high-stakes meetings ↳ Use "walking meetings" for 1:1s (movement = energy) 3/ Cognitive Load Management ↳ Batch similar tasks in 90-min blocks ↳ Use "two-minute previews" before switching contexts ↳ Clear mental tabs with a daily brain dump (5 mins, end of day) 4/ Energy-First Calendar Defense ↳ Rate meetings from 1-3 (energy give vs. take) ↳ Front-load relationship building before 11am ↳ Create "untouchable Thursdays" for deep work 5/ High-Impact Recovery Protocols ↳ Master the 3-2-1 reset (3 deep breaths, 2 stretches, 1 intention) ↳ Schedule "micro-breaks" (7-12 mins) after lunch ↳ Use "energy gates" (10-min buffers) between major transitions 6/ Presence Activation Tactics ↳ Activate the 2-minute centering ritual before important meetings ↳ Use "power phrases" in private before presentations ↳ Practice selective unavailability (block "focus hours" daily) 7/ Environmental Energy Design ↳ Make their desk an "energy zone" ↳ Create a "recharge corner" in your office ↳ Mute the chaos (noise canceling earbuds) 8/ Relationship Energy Management ↳ Identify your top 5 energy amplifiers (schedule them weekly) ↳ List your energy vampires (limit exposure to 30 min) ↳ Build your "energy board of directors" (5 people who elevate you) 9/ Peak State Activation ↳ Create your "power playlist" (60-90 motivation seconds) ↳ Design your "pre-game ritual" (specific sequence before big events) ↳ Use "anchor phrases" for instant state transformation 10/ Sustainable Excellence Framework ↳ Track energy levels hourly for one week (use 1-10 scale) ↳ Implement "recovery days" after high-intensity weeks ↳ Create your "minimum viable recovery" protocol (3 non-negotiables) Reality check: Your energy capacity is your competitive advantage. Not your ability to outlast everyone else. Which tactic will you implement in the next 24 hours? ♻️ Share to help a leader thrive 🔖 Save this guide for your next energy audit 🎯 Follow me (Loren) for more high-performance tactics

It’s not my usual article day, but I couldn’t wait to share this one. Why? Because I know so many of you are feeling the same: overwhelmed by endless tasks, struggling to keep up with everything that demands your attention. So let’s talk TIME. Master Time, Master Success: Proven Strategies for Leaders Here’s the deal: Time is the ultimate equalizer. We all get 24 hours. That’s it. But what separates the truly successful from the overwhelmed? How you manage those hours... 👇 Here’s a sneak peek at the top strategies from this week’s article: 1️⃣ Ruthlessly Prioritize Ask yourself: What are the top 5 things that will move the needle this year? Then, focus 95% of your time on those 5. If it’s not one of those five? Delegate or cut it. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: Focus is a force multiplier. The tighter your focus, the bigger your results. 2️⃣ Stop Death by Meeting Before you schedule or attend another meeting, ask: Does this meeting have a clear purpose tied to a critical decision? If not, cancel it. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: Meetings without purpose are really distractions in disguise. 3️⃣ Master Calendar Clarity Start with a clean slate. Rebuild your calendar with INTENTION—deep work, high-priority meetings, and most importantly, time to think. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: A cluttered calendar = a cluttered mind. 4️⃣ Time Block for Deep Work You’re a leader, not a micromanager. Block off 1-2 hours a day for undistracted work on the big challenges. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: Deep work isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. 5️⃣ Make Well-Being Non-Negotiable High-performing leaders aren’t just good at their jobs—they’re good at life. Schedule time to recharge...skip the slow burn. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: Peak productivity comes from balance. 6️⃣ Audit Your Collaboration Time Be ruthless with your time—collaboration should be about solving problems or making decisions. Everything else? Skip it. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: Collaboration is only productive when it drives results. 7️⃣ Delegate Like a Pro Let it go. If its not vision, strategy, or leadership? It belongs on someone else’s plate. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: Your job is to empower, not control. 8️⃣ Track Your Time, Own Your Day For one week, track every minute. Where’s your time going, really? Once you know, you can fix it. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: Time is your most valuable asset. Own it, don’t let it own you. 9️⃣ Batch Similar Tasks Together Stop multitasking—it’s a myth. Group similar tasks and handle them in focused blocks to boost efficiency. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: Switching between tasks kills productivity. Batching is the answer. 1️⃣0️⃣ Reflect & Adjust Each week, take a few minutes to reflect: What worked? What didn’t? Then tweak your approach for the next week. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: Time management isn’t static. It’s a process that needs refining. 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝘁.

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.

High achievers don't work more hours. They master these 7 power moves instead: If you're trading: ↳Sleep for inbox zero ↳Lunch for 'urgent' calls ↳Life moments for success There is a better way. These 7 practices changed everything for my highest-performing clients: 1. Power Hour Protocol Living in your inbox kills priority. First hours shape everything. ↳ First 60 mins = deep work only ↳Deep work reduces task completion time by 25% 2. 90/20 Reset Rule (Ultradian Rhythm Theory) Non-stop work drains quality. Recovery drives excellence. ↳90 mins focus + 20 mins reset ↳Brief breaks enhance focus and productivity 3. Meeting Minimalist Method Calendar chaos steals your edge, most meetings waste potential. ↳Cut meetings by 25% ↳Employees waste 31 hrs/month in unproductive meetings 4. Digital Sunset System Always online means always underperforming. Rest powers success. ↳No tech after 8pm ↳Better sleep, sharper thinking 5. Strategic No Framework Quick yes destroys focus. Boundaries build impact. ↳24-hour pause before committing ↳Saying "no" to non-essential tasks boosts job satisfaction 23% 6. Energy Audit Approach Clock management fails. Energy mastery wins. ↳Match tasks to peak hours ↳61% of workers are more satisfied when they control their energy 7. Micro-Recovery Method Constant push leads to crash. Tiny breaks prevent burnout. ↳2-min resets hourly ↳Micro-breaks reduce stress and boost performance You don't need to sacrifice your life for success. You just need better systems. Which approach resonates most with your day? ♻️ Repost to help your network build sustainable work habits 🔔 Follow me Dr. Carolyn Frost to create habits that support your work and life

High achievers don't need more motivation... They need better systems: Motivation is a mood. Systems are infrastructure. A well-built system works whether you feel like it or not. It gives you a repeatable way of doing the boring parts - And saves your energy for the work that actually matters. Here are 12 you can install today: 1. Batch Tasks ↳Handle email, admin, and messages in fixed blocks ↳Action: Pick two daily slots (AM + PM) and close inboxes the rest of the day 2. Two-Minute Rule ↳Tiny tasks create momentum if handled right away ↳Action: When a quick task pops up today, finish it instantly 3. Time-Block ↳Put deep work on the calendar first ↳Action: Reserve your peak 2-hour window tomorrow for one priority project 4. Build Templates ↳Outlines for agendas, reports, and replies save time and energy ↳Action: Create one template today for a task you repeat weekly 5. Automate Resets ↳Weekly and daily checkpoints prevent drift ↳Action: Block 30 minutes Friday for review + 5 minutes each morning to plan 6. Daily Shutdown ↳A shutdown routine marks work as "done" ↳Action: Write tomorrow's top 3 tasks, then close your laptop and leave the workspace 7. Environment Design ↳Make bad habits harder, good ones easier ↳Action: Put your phone in another room at night and set out what you need for the morning 8. Single-Tasking ↳Focus beats juggling ↳Action: Close extra tabs and set a 25-minute timer for one task only 9. Parking Lot ↳Capture stray ideas and tasks so your brain can stay clear ↳Action: Open a "Parking Lot" note on your phone and drop distractions there 10. Finish Lines ↳Define "done" to stop endless tweaking ↳Action: For your next task, write down what 'good enough' looks like before starting 11. Pre-Decide ↳Fewer daily choices = more bandwidth ↳Action: Decide tonight what you'll eat and when you'll exercise tomorrow 12. Daily Cleanup ↳Tiny resets keep clutter from building up ↳Action: End each day with 5 minutes clearing desk, files, and notes Which of these would make the biggest difference for you this week? --- ♻️ Share this to inspire others to build systems. And follow me George Stern for more.

Time management isn’t about doing more… It’s about doing less, but better. But doing less strategically is the challenge. Feeling overwhelmed? Let’s fix that: 1. Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule): - Rank tasks by impact. - 20% of tasks drive 80% of results. - Tip: Say “no” to low-value work. 2. Eisenhower Matrix: - Sort tasks: Do, Schedule, Delegate, Eliminate. - Daily review ensures focus on what matters. - Tip: Automate “Eliminate” tasks where possible. 3. Time Blocking: - Dedicate slots for your high-priority tasks. - Color-code your calendar to focus. - Tip: Protect blocks like unmissable meetings. 4. Parkinson’s Law: - Work expands to fill the time you give it. - Shrink deadlines to 75% of your initial plan. - Tip: Set alarms to stay on schedule. 5. Audit Your Time: - Track your week’s activities to find time-wasters. - Apps like Toggl or RescueTime make it simple. - Tip: Schedule focus hours after peak energy times. 6. Eliminate Distractions - Silence notifications and use tools like Pomodoro. - Gamify focus with apps like Forest. - Tip: Block apps during deep work sessions. 7. Regular Review & Adjustment - Weekly check-ins refine your productivity strategy. - Monthly goals keep your progress on track. - Tip: Write goals where you’ll see them daily. Mastering time means working smarter, not harder. Prioritize what matters most to protect your energy. Follow Jonathan Raynor. Reshare to help others.

Stop letting your to-do list grow by the hour. 5 counterintuitive ways top performers get 7x more done: 1. The MIT Morning Method Block your first 90 minutes for your Most Important Task: • Zero notifications • Zero meetings • Zero exceptions. Research shows peak mental performance occurs 2-4 hours after waking. This is your golden window for deep work. 2. The 1-3-5 Output System Schedule exactly: • 1 major project • 3 medium tasks • 5 quick wins This prevents context switching - which wastes 40% of productive time. Split your calendar into power blocks for each category. 3. Strategic Incompetence Deliberately underperform in low-impact areas. Let some fires burn. Top performers succeed by choosing what to fail at. Say no to 'urgent' tasks that don't drive results. 4. The 2-Minute Multiplier For every task under 2 minutes: • Do it immediately • Delete it permanently • Delegate it instantly No postponing quick decisions. This prevents small tasks from creating mental drag. 5. Energy-Based Scheduling Match tasks to your energy levels: • High energy → Creative/strategic work • Medium energy → Meetings/calls • Low energy → Admin/email Working against your biology kills productivity. Align your calendar with your natural rhythms. The real secret? Stop trying to manage time. Start managing your energy and attention instead. These aren't just tips - they're a system for sustained high performance. Try them for 21 days. Track your results. Share what works. What's your biggest productivity challenge? Let everyone know in the comments 👇 If you found this valuable: • Repost for your network ♻️ • Follow me for more deep dives • Join 25,500+ subscribers for more actionable tips to build your brand and protect your reputation: https://lnkd.in/edPWpFRR