How to Get Your Life Back Without Wasting Years on Bad Advice
Productivity is a word we hear everywhere, but what really matters is effectiveness. Many people spend years following advice that simply doesn’t work. Let’s break down what truly makes a difference, based on my own experience and what I’ve seen work for others.
Know Your Goal and Your Deadline
The first step is to be clear about what you want. What is your main goal right now? What do you want to achieve in the long run? Define the outcome you’re aiming for and set a real deadline. Without a clear target and a finish line, you’ll drift and waste precious time.
Start Your Day With the Right Mindset
Every morning, look in the mirror and tell yourself, “I am the best. Today will be an amazing day.” This isn’t just about positive thinking. It’s about setting the tone for your actions. If you believe you’ll succeed, you’ll approach your tasks with more energy and confidence.
Human Nature Is the Enemy
It’s tough to admit, but our own habits often work against us. Discipline is hard. We struggle to learn from mistakes and to stick to good routines. But here’s the truth: Discipline is freedom. The more disciplined you are, the more time and freedom you’ll have.
Nightly To-Do and Not-To-Do Lists
Every night, write down what you need to do the next day. But also make a “not-to-do” list. For example, don’t eat junk food, avoid sugar, and go to bed before 11 or 11:30 pm. Try this for 21 days. You’ll reset your body clock and feel more rested, even if you sleep a bit less.
Consistency Is Key
Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. This simple habit changes everything. Your body adapts, and you’ll feel more alert and ready to tackle your goals.
Breakfast as a Reward
After your first 80-90 minute work session in the morning, treat yourself to a breakfast you love. This small reward makes it easier to start your day strong and stick to your routine.
Cut Out Digital Distractions
Limit your time on social media and distracting websites to 30 minutes a day. Check your emails only twice: once at 1 pm and once at 6:30 pm. Never check emails right before bed, or you’ll carry mental clutter into your sleep.
Transform Bad Habits Into Good Ones
Replace time-wasting activities with something that brings you more joy or value. Instead of scrolling through Facebook or TikTok, find alternatives that make you feel better and help you grow. Remember, time is your most valuable resource.
Time is what we want most, but what we use worst. — William Penn
Use Tools That Help You Focus
Apps like Forest, Flora, and Stay Focused can help you stay on track. I personally use Forest for its gamified approach. For notes, Google Keep is great if you’re on Android, and Apple’s built-in tools work well too. Use a password manager and enable quick unlock features on your phone to save time.
Batch and Delay Recurring Tasks
Push back tasks like haircuts or nail trimming by a few days each time. Over a year, this adds up to weeks of saved time. Reduce the number of decisions you make about meals or clothes. I eat one or two meals a day, fully present, without my phone. This saves time and makes meals more meaningful.
Stay in the Flow
Work in focused sprints of 90 minutes. Wake up early when it’s quiet. Use your phone’s accessibility features to have emails read to you, or use voice dictation to save time.
Make Faster Decisions
Set a timer when making choices—five, ten, or twenty minutes depending on the decision. If you haven’t decided by the end, go with your default option. This prevents endless hesitation and frees up mental space.
Automate and Use AI
Don’t hesitate to automate repetitive tasks. Use AI tools to save time where possible. Always know what you’ll do next after finishing a task, so you don’t end up mindlessly scrolling on your phone.
Protect Your Time Like Gold
Treat your time as if it were precious stones. Money comes and goes, but lost time never returns. Use money to buy back your time whenever possible.
Lost time is never found again. — Benjamin Franklin
Live With Intention
Every day is a new chance to move forward. Don’t let negative thoughts weigh you down. Take them out of your mind and throw them away. If you control your time, you control your life.
Discipline equals freedom. — Jocko Willink
Key Takeaways
- Define your goals and set deadlines.
- Start each day with a positive mindset.
- Discipline is your best friend for gaining freedom.
- Write both to-do and not-to-do lists every night.
- Limit digital distractions and automate where possible.
- Batch recurring tasks and reduce decision fatigue.
- Protect your time as your most valuable asset.
Reflection
- What is the one goal you want to achieve this year?
- Which bad habit can you replace with something better today?
- How can you make your daily routine more consistent?
Pierre-Henry Soria
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