Starting and running a business is no small feat. Whether you’re dreaming of leaving that 9-to-5 grind, growing your side hustle, or scaling your startup, every entrepreneur knows it takes focus, consistency, and a bit of creativity to keep making progress.
But here’s the real question—how do you not just survive but truly thrive in your business? Truthfully, it’s about working smarter, not harder. That’s where these five simple and effective hacks come in. They’re productivity boosters, mental clutter clearer, and momentum makers.
By the end of this, you’ll have actionable strategies that you can implement immediately—because, after all, thriving entrepreneurs don’t wait. They act.
Sign up for our FREE Mini-Course! – Creating your Escape Plan from Corporate Life
Hack #1 – The Two-Minute Rule
If it takes less than two minutes, just do it.
This rule is game-changing, especially for clearing all the small but nagging tasks that pile up. You know the ones—responding to a quick email, filing receipts, cleaning your workspace, sending that one follow-up message—it’s time to knock them out.
Why this works:
- It reduces mental clutter. Every small to-do takes up space in your mind. Checking them off creates breathing room for bigger, more impactful decisions.
- It’s quick momentum. Completing little tasks motivates you to keep moving forward.
Whether it’s setting up your weekly calendar, organizing your desk, or handling an easy admin task, these “micro-actions” are surprisingly powerful. Next time you think “should I wait on that?”, remember this rule. Give yourself two minutes, crush it, and move forward.
Hack #2 – Time Blocking
Time blocking is the productivity magic wand for anyone juggling a million different tasks. While the idea of sticking to rigid schedules might make you cringe, hear me out—this simple method can help you focus and protect your priorities.
Here’s how it works:
- Block out specific hours for certain tasks. For example, 8-9 a.m. is your time for emails. 10-11 a.m.? That’s when you create content.
- Treat those blocks like sacred appointments. No distractions. No multitasking.
When practiced consistently, this minimizes the constant shifting between tasks—a huge productivity killer. Imagine scheduling time every day for business growth tasks like content creation or outreach instead of reacting to interruptions. The more tightly you guard your time, the more impactful you’ll be.
Pro tip: Start small. Try setting one or two time blocks a day, and get comfortable protecting them.
Are you already a time-blocker? If so, drop your tips in the comments—I could always use fresh ideas, and I bet others could too!
Hack #3 – The 80/20 Rule
You’ve probably heard the rule before—80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. But are you really applying it to your business?
This principle helps you identify which tasks deliver real impact versus which ones just fill your time. For entrepreneurs, the high-impact 20% might be:
- Networking with potential partners or clients
- Creating content that attracts leads
- Building systems to scale operations
- Adding value to current customers
Meanwhile, low-impact tasks like endlessly scrolling social media or over-polishing tiny details can drain your energy without meaningful returns. Shift your focus to the activities that serve your bottom line—whether that means profits, leads, or personal growth—and watch your results skyrocket.
Here’s a challenge for you today: Write down all the tasks on your plate and circle the ones that actually push the needle forward. Prioritize those.
Hack #4 – Batch Working
Batch working involves grouping similar tasks—like writing emails, filming videos, or even creating social media graphics—and completing them all in one go. This hack helps you stay in “flow state,” where your brain isn’t forced to switch gears constantly.
Here’s why batching works:
- It reduces mental strain. Switching between different tasks can decrease productivity by up to 40%.
- It speeds up repetitive tasks. By batching, you streamline the process and save so much time.
For example, if content creation is your priority (hello, Hack #3!), devote an afternoon to brainstorming ideas, drafting social posts, designing graphics, and scheduling everything. The upfront effort saves tons of time later.
Not a natural batch worker? Start small. What’s one type of task you can batch today? Emails? Content creation? Jump in and see how it feels.
Hack #5 – The Pomodoro Technique
No matter how much you love your business, there are always tasks that feel daunting—or just plain boring. Enter the Pomodoro Technique. This time-management method keeps you focused without feeling overwhelmed.
Here’s how it works:
- Set a timer for 25 minutes.
- Work on your task without distractions (seriously, put your phone down).
- When the timer buzzes, take a five-minute break.
- Repeat the cycle for up to four rounds, then treat yourself to a 15–30 minute break.
Breaking your work into bite-sized sessions makes even the toughest tasks manageable. Plus, knowing you have a break coming up keeps you motivated and helps prevent burnout.
Pro tip? Use Pomodoro sessions for tasks you’re procrastinating on—like bookkeeping or detailed admin work. You’ll be amazed by how much you can accomplish in those focused 25-minute sessions.
Which Hack Will You Try First?
There you have it—five simple yet powerful hacks to keep you thriving, no matter where you are in your business-building journey. Whether it’s tackling tasks in under two minutes, scheduling time blocks, or adopting the Pomodoro technique, each one is a practical tool to help you work smarter, not harder.
We’re all striving toward the same goal—building a business and life we love. Which of these hacks are you most excited to try?
Remember, small changes build big results. Let’s thrive together!