How to Get More Done in 4 Hours than 90% of People Do in 8 Hours

Aman Bhatia
5 min readMar 30, 2023

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Do you ever feel like you’re constantly busy but never quite getting anything done? Do you ever wish you could be one of those people who seems to accomplish more in a few hours than others do in an entire day? If so, you’re not alone. Many of us struggle with productivity, but the good news is that there are some simple things you can do to optimize your time and increase your efficiency.

Here are some tips on how to get more done in four hours than 90% of people do in eight.

1. Plan Your Days

Planning your days is crucial for maximizing productivity. When you wake up in the morning, you should already have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish for the day. This means that you need to take the time to structure your meals, your wardrobe, and your important work tasks the night before.

By planning out these things in advance, you reduce the number of decisions you need to make during the day. This, in turn, maximizes your mental energy, allowing you to focus on the tasks at hand.

But planning your days doesn’t just mean deciding what to wear and what to eat. It also means setting goals and identifying the tasks that will help you achieve them. Take 30–60 minutes at the beginning of each day to write down what you want to achieve and plan out the tasks that will get you there.

When you know what you need to work on, you’ll be much more productive than if you’re just going through the motions without a clear plan.

2. Stop Listening to Every Twitter Guru

In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest productivity trends and advice from “experts” on social media. But the truth is that everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for you.

Instead of trying to follow every piece of advice you come across, focus on what works best for you. This means understanding your own habits, preferences, and work style, and tailoring your productivity strategies to fit those needs.

It’s also important to recognize that you’re a person, not a machine. You need time to unwind and recharge your batteries. So, make sure you take breaks throughout the day to scroll Instagram, socialize with friends, or watch your favorite show. These activities will help you clear your mind and come back to work with renewed focus and energy.

3. Implement Buffer Time

No matter how carefully you plan your days, unexpected things will always come up. That’s why it’s important to build buffer time into your schedule.

For example, if you think a task will take you an hour to complete, block off 1.5 hours in your schedule. This will give you a little bit of wiggle room in case things take longer than expected or if something unexpected comes up.

By implementing buffer time, you’ll be better equipped to handle the unexpected, and you’ll be less likely to get thrown off track when things don’t go according to plan.

4. Do Hard Tasks First

At the start of the day, you have the most focus, energy, and willpower. So, it makes sense to tackle your most challenging tasks first thing in the morning.

By doing this, you’ll create momentum that will carry you through the rest of your day. You’ll also have a sense of accomplishment early on, which can help motivate you to keep going.

5. Build a Morning Routine

A morning routine can be a powerful tool for increasing productivity. When you have a set routine that you follow every day, you don’t have to waste mental energy deciding what to do next. Instead, you can simply follow your routine and get into a productive flow.

Some things you might include in your morning routine include meditation to help you focus, reading or writing to boost.

6. You’re a person, not a computer.

It’s important to remember that you are not a machine. You need time to rest and recharge. So, make sure to schedule time for yourself in your day. This can include taking breaks, socializing with friends, or engaging in hobbies that you enjoy.

By taking the time to recharge, you’ll actually become more productive. Research has shown that taking breaks can increase focus and creativity. So, don’t feel guilty about taking some time for yourself.

7. Create micro to-do lists.

One common mistake that many people make is creating a to-do list that is too big. When you have a massive to-do list, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and give up before you even start.

Instead, only start your to-do list with 1–3 manageable tasks. Once those tasks are complete, add more to your list. This approach will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the day.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, by implementing these tips, you’ll be able to get more done in 4 hours than most people do in 8 hours. Remember to take breaks, create a morning routine, and prioritize your tasks based on their level of difficulty. By doing so, you’ll maximize your focus, energy, and productivity throughout the day.

One book that I highly recommend for anyone interested in maximizing their productivity is “The 4-Hour Work Week” by Timothy Ferriss.

In this book, Ferriss shares his strategies for achieving maximum productivity in minimal time. He offers tips on how to delegate tasks, eliminate unnecessary work, and focus on high-priority activities that will have the biggest impact on your goals.

Ferriss also emphasizes the importance of taking breaks and allowing yourself to recharge, as well as the benefits of creating a morning routine and prioritizing your most challenging tasks.

Overall, “The 4-Hour Work Week” is a great read for anyone who wants to improve their productivity and achieve more in less time.

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Aman Bhatia
Aman Bhatia

Written by Aman Bhatia

2X Top Writer on Medium. Books, Life Lessons, Money, Self Improvement. Follow for inspiration and growth. Mail: amanbhatiakkr@gmail.com