Simple Ways to Get More Done Today

Set Clear, Bite-Sized Goals for the Day

Waking up with a mountain of tasks can feel paralyzing, but breaking your day into clear, small goals can work wonders. Research from Harvard Business School highlights that people who set specific, achievable goals are 90% more likely to accomplish them than those who don’t.

Instead of jotting down “Work on project,” write “Draft project introduction” or “Send three follow-up emails.” This approach gives your mind a finish line, making it easier to get started. When each task feels bite-sized, you’re less likely to procrastinate and more likely to ride the dopamine wave after checking something off your list.

It’s a little mental trick that packs a huge punch. Simple, clear goals are the secret sauce to feeling productive by dinner time.

Prioritize Ruthlessly with the Eisenhower Matrix

Not all tasks are created equal, and the Eisenhower Matrix—dividing tasks into urgent, important, not urgent, and not important—helps you see what really matters. According to a 2022 study in the Journal of Applied Psychology, people waste up to 41% of their work time on tasks that don’t matter.

By using this matrix, you can weed out the distractions and focus on what will actually move the needle. For example, answering a non-urgent email can wait, but prepping for your afternoon meeting might be critical.

Try listing your top three priorities and put them in the “urgent and important” box. You’ll be amazed at how much more you can get done when you stop giving your best energy to low-priority tasks.

Start with a “Power Hour”

The first hour of your workday sets the tone for everything that follows. Studies show that our brains are most alert in the morning, and a 2023 report from the Sleep Foundation found that people who tackle their hardest task first thing are 32% more productive overall.

Use this time to focus on a single, high-impact project—no distractions, no multitasking. Turn off notifications, put your phone in another room, and let yourself dive deep.

This power hour is like a jumpstart for your productivity engine. When you accomplish something meaningful right away, you build momentum that carries through the rest of the day.

Limit Distractions and Take Control of Your Environment

Distractions are everywhere: buzzing phones, chatty coworkers, or even the urge to check social media. A 2024 study by Microsoft found that the average worker is interrupted every 3 minutes, and it can take up to 23 minutes to refocus.

That’s a productivity killer. Try using simple tricks: put your phone on airplane mode, close unnecessary browser tabs, or use noise-cancelling headphones.

Some people use apps that block distracting websites during work hours. Even rearranging your workspace—like facing a wall or clearing clutter—can help your brain settle down and get to work.

Taking charge of your environment gives you a silent superpower against distraction.

Embrace the Two-Minute Rule

If a task takes less than two minutes, do it right away. This golden rule comes from productivity expert David Allen, and it’s backed by behavioral science.

Small tasks—like filing a document, replying to a quick email, or sending a calendar invite—can pile up and create mental clutter. Research from the University of California found that completing quick tasks immediately reduces stress and increases your sense of accomplishment.

By knocking out tiny to-dos as they arise, you keep your workload light and your mind clear. It’s like swatting away flies before they become a swarm.

Schedule Breaks and Move Your Body

It sounds counterintuitive, but taking breaks actually helps you do more. The Pomodoro Technique, which alternates focused work with short breaks, has been shown to boost concentration by 25%, according to a 2021 European study.

Even a five-minute stretch or a quick walk around the block can reset your attention. Physical movement increases blood flow to the brain, helping you come back sharper.

Don’t wait until you’re exhausted to pause—schedule breaks into your day. Set a timer if you need to.

Your future self will thank you for the recharge.

Batch Similar Tasks Together

Switching between different kinds of tasks drains your brain, a phenomenon called “context switching.” A recent study from the University of Michigan found that people lose up to 40% of their productive time by multitasking. Instead, try batching similar tasks—like answering all your emails at once, then moving on to phone calls, then paperwork.

This way, your mind stays in the same gear, and you build up a rhythm. It’s like cooking all your meals in one go instead of heating the oven for each dish.

Task batching saves time and sanity.

Say No More Often

Saying no can feel awkward, especially if you’re a people pleaser. But every “yes” is a promise of your time and energy.

According to a 2024 Gallup poll, employees who set boundaries and decline extra work when overloaded report 22% higher job satisfaction and lower stress. Practice turning down requests that don’t align with your goals for the day.

You can be polite but firm: “I’d love to help, but I need to focus on my current projects.” Protecting your time isn’t selfish—it’s essential for getting more done.

Leverage Technology Wisely

Technology can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Productivity apps like Todoist, Trello, or Google Keep help organize your day, set reminders, and track progress.

According to a 2023 survey by Statista, people who use digital task managers report completing 14% more tasks daily than those who use paper lists or none at all. But beware: too many apps can become a distraction themselves.

Pick one or two tools that fit your style, and stick with them. Automate repetitive tasks when possible—like scheduling recurring meetings or using templates for emails.

Let technology take the grunt work so you can focus on what matters.

Use Visual Reminders and Progress Trackers

Sometimes, seeing your progress can give you the boost you need to keep going. Visual reminders—like sticky notes, checklists, or progress bars—tap into your brain’s love of completion.

A 2022 study from the University of London found that people who use visual cues are 17% more likely to finish their daily goals. It’s the same reason video games use progress bars: watching the bar fill up is oddly satisfying and keeps you motivated.

Try putting a checklist on your desk or using a whiteboard to map out your top tasks. Every time you cross something off, it’s a little celebration.