Level Up: Get Sh*t Done With These Productivity Hacks
No. 1 — Time Blocking
Time blocking is a productivity technique where you schedule specific blocks of time for different tasks, projects, or activities throughout your day. Instead of working off a general to-do list, you assign each task a dedicated time slot on your calendar. This helps you focus on one thing at a time and minimizes distractions. You can use programs like Motion to help implement this strategy into your schedule.
The Benefits —
Less Distractions – By dedicating uninterrupted time to tasks, you reduce multitasking and unwanted interruptions.
Reduces Decision Fatigue – Planning your day in advance eliminates the constant need to decide what to do next, making you more efficient.
Reduces Missed Deadlines & Cramming – You can allocate time based on priorities and deadlines, ensuring there is enough time in your schedule to get the important work done, and done on time.
Minimizes Procrastination – Having a set schedule creates accountability and makes it harder to put things off.
Enhances Time Awareness – Time blocking helps you understand how long tasks actually take, improving future planning.
Prevents Burnout – By scheduling personal time, breaks, and meals you prevent overworking and ensure you are taking care of your body.
How to Start Time Blocking —
List your most important tasks (both work and personal). Determine what requires deep focus versus shallow work (emails, meetings, etc.).
Leave small gaps (5-15 mins) between blocks to prevent back-to-back overload and allow flexibility for unexpected tasks or breaks.
Schedule high-focus tasks during your most productive hours, and save routine, low-energy tasks for energy dips. For me, that is in the afternoon.
Protect your time by silencing notifications during deep work and scheduling meetings and calls during certain hours.
Review & adjust what worked and did not work at the end of each week. These time blocks do not have to be set in stone, they are meant to decrease stress, not create it.
No. 2 — The 1-3-5 Rule
The 1-3-5 Rule is a ways to structure your to-do list and can be used in tandem with time blocking. It works like this —
1 Big Task — The most important, high-impact task of the day.
3 Medium Tasks — Important but less time-consuming tasks.
5 Small Tasks — Minor, quick tasks that still need to get done.
The Benefits —
Prevents Feeling Overwhelmed – Instead of a long, never-ending to-do list, you focus on just 9 tasks, making your day feel more achievable.
Prioritizes Effectively – Ensures you are tackling the most important work first instead of just checking off minor tasks.
Balances Workload – Helps distribute work so you're not overloaded with too many big tasks at once.
Creates a Clear Daily Plan – You start the day knowing exactly what to work on, reducing decision fatigue.
No. 3 — Theme Your Day
Theming your day involves designating a specific focus or type of work for each day of the week. This approach is also known as "habit stacking." Rather than switching between tasks, you devote entire days to a certain focus or work type.
As an attorney, I spent whole days researching and writing in my office. On other days, I was in court around the city and sometimes couldn't return to the office until 4 or 5 pm. I To maximize my efficiency, I divided my days into court days and office days.
On court days, I scheduled calls, meetings, and networking event. I’d dress more formally and my hair and makeup would be done. I was always way to distracted to do any research and/or writing in the courthouse hallways and would end up having to do those tasks back at the office at the end of the day. So I tried to best to leave the writing and research to the office days since I could still take calls and participate in Teams/Zoom meetings on a quieter floor in the courthouse or in a local coffee shop.
Example of tasks I would schedule for a court day — Court appearance; status call with client; Meeting with partner to discuss new case; Meeting with other attorney to discuss research finding; Meeting with partner to review comments; Bar Association networking event.
My office days became my writing and researching day. I wouldn’t spend as much time on my hair, makeup, and outfit, so I’d be able to go into the office earlier. I am the most focused in the mornings. Plus, the earlier I was in the office, the less distractions there would be. Office days could also be broken down even further by what case I was working on and what stage that case was in.
Example of tasks I would schedule for an office day — The XYZ Case: Finish research, begin preparing motion outline; The ABC Case: Incorporate partner comments to motion, prepare exhibits, send finalized motion to partner for review.
Disclaimer: As in any profession, I had to be flexible. Sometimes a deadline meant I was writing on the loudest floor in the court house. Other times I had to break out the blazer and heels I kept in my office to run down to a last minute court appearance
