Making The Most Of Your Time - Jen Rulon

5 Productivity Hacks to Help You Achieve More in Less Time

Dreaming of success and setting goals are crucial steps, but they’re not enough. The only way to achieve your dreams and build the business you’re meant to create is by rolling up your sleeves and doing the work.

But here’s the truth: the doing is where many of us stumble.

We overbook our calendars until today’s priorities become next week’s overdue tasks. We procrastinate on what matters most while checking off the “nice-to-dos.” And sometimes, we simply take on too much—even when we know better.

So how do you stop spinning your wheels and start gaining traction? Try these five productivity hacks that top coaches swear by:

1. Refine Your Rituals and Habits

Your rituals shape your day. You likely have a morning ritual (wake up, brush teeth, work out, shower, get to work), an evening ritual (help the kids with homework, relax, head to bed), and even weekend routines.

The problem? Some of these habits can turn into time-sucking distractions.

For example:

  • Is scrolling Instagram or checking email part of your morning ritual?
  • Is turning on notifications during work time a habit?

Distractions like these can derail your best intentions. Evaluate your daily rituals and identify what’s stealing your time. Once you streamline your habits, you’ll notice an immediate boost in productivity.

2. Master Your Calendar

If you feel like you don’t have time for a new project, take a hard look at your calendar. Block off time for everything you’re already committed to—athlete calls, administrative work, workouts, meals, and even downtime. What’s left might surprise you.

By scheduling all your commitments, you’ll get a clear picture of your availability. Plus, you’ll avoid over-promising or overcommitting, keeping your business (and sanity) intact.

3. Delegate Like a Pro

Newsflash: You don’t have to do everything in your business. In fact, you shouldn’t.

Hand off lower-priority tasks to someone else, like a virtual assistant (VA). Hire a VA for admin work, a tech specialist for your website, or an accountant for bookkeeping. This will free up your time for the high-level work only you can do.

Pro Tip: I recently hired a fantastic VA on Upwork, and it’s been a game changer. Take the time to interview candidates carefully—many claim to be VAs but don’t actually enjoy or excel at the work. Choose wisely!

4. Work Hard, Play Harder

You’re not a machine. You can’t run at full throttle all day, every day, and expect to stay at your best.

Schedule time off. Take a day to recharge—whether that’s going for a long bike ride, having lunch with friends, or simply relaxing.

For me, Sundays are about balance. I knock out my long bike or run early, then spend the rest of the day recharging—whether that’s hanging out with girlfriends or binge-watching a movie (phone and computer-free!).

Taking breaks isn’t just good for your well-being; it’s also a productivity booster. When you return to work, you’ll feel refreshed and more creative.

5. Focus on One Thing at a Time

Here’s the hard truth: multitasking doesn’t work. You can’t write a new coaching program, scroll Facebook, supervise the kids, and answer the phone all at once.

Instead, use your calendar to block time for your most important tasks. Then eliminate distractions—turn off your phone, close social media, and make sure no one interrupts you. When you give your full attention to one thing, you’ll get it done faster and with better results.

The Bottom Line

Managing your time and mastering productivity doesn’t come naturally for most people. But when you commit to refining your habits, managing your calendar, delegating, and taking breaks, you’ll find your business—and your personal life—will thrive.

What’s one productivity hack you’ll try this week? Let me know in the comments!