4 ONE-MINUTE Habits That Save Me 20+ Hours a Week: Time Management For Busy People

In our busy lives, a few hours a week means time for a date or a few hours of self-love pruning in the bath, so imagine what you could do with 10, 20 or even more extra time each week.

Well, from reading some of the best time management books out there, these are my top 4 quick habits to efficiently manage your time, which save me hours each week They are simple but hugely effective techniques to make the most of our 16 or so waking hours a day, and honestly, they are some of the core techniques that allow me to keep up a demanding career as a corporate lawyer while running multiple businesses on the side.

The key to these habits is (as with all habits) consistency… Kinda obvious, I know. But with these habits especially, they really don’t take much effort, but they do require a consistent consciousness of how you are working. So, try to keep each of these in mind as you get ready for, and then during, each of your work sessions

Over the last five years, I’ve explored nearly every time management book out there, and there are four habits that I use every single day to enhance my productivity. These habits enable me to juggle my demanding role as a corporate lawyer while also running a YouTube channel, managing a business, staying fit, and maintaining a healthy relationship with Beth. On top of all this, I still find time to read, watch TV, and spend time with friends. In this article, I’ll walk you through these four habits that I swear by.

The first habit is to treat work sessions like a cinema experience. Much like how you’d prepare yourself to sit through a movie for two and a half hours without interruptions, your work sessions should be approached in the same way. I learned this from Gary Keller’s book, The One Thing, and it has transformed my approach to work. Before starting a session, I ensure I’ve taken care of everything that could cause an interruption, like using the bathroom, stretching, grabbing a drink, and silencing my phone. This allows me to dive into a state of flow without distractions. To further enhance focus, I block out distracting noises using tools like noise-canceling headphones and apps like Endel, which create personalized soundscapes that help maintain concentration.

The second habit is batching tasks. Instead of constantly switching between different types of tasks, I group similar ones together. For example, when working on a project for a client, I do everything related to that client at once, rather than jumping between different clients’ tasks. This method minimizes the mental load of switching and makes the process much more efficient. I also apply batching to daily tasks outside of work, like cooking multiple meals at once or cleaning the entire house in one go. Batching allows me to focus on a single task category, increasing my productivity without the constant need to refocus.

The third habit is avoiding unnecessary work before diving into tasks. Inspired by Grace Beverly’s Working Hard, Hardly Working, I’ve learned to delegate tasks and use technology to simplify my workflow. Instead of immediately jumping into every task myself, I pause to consider if someone else might be better suited for the job, or if there’s a tech tool that can help streamline the process. This conscious delegation and use of resources save me time and prevent me from wasting hours on tasks that can be done more efficiently by others or through technology.

Finally, while multitasking is often criticized, I’ve found a specific way to make it work: by using my brain and body simultaneously. For example, I might listen to an audiobook or a podcast while walking or doing chores. Similarly, when I’m at my desk, I incorporate physical movement, such as standing, stretching, or even rolling a spiky ball under my foot to improve flexibility. By integrating movement into mental tasks, I maintain productivity while also keeping active, which helps me save hours each week.

These four simple yet powerful habits have significantly improved my time management, allowing me to save at least 20 hours every week. If you have any habits that you think could further enhance my routine, I’d love to hear them!

Implementing these habits has truly transformed how I approach my busy schedule. One of the biggest takeaways from these practices is the importance of intentionality. Whether it’s preparing for an uninterrupted work session or thoughtfully delegating tasks, being intentional about how I spend my time has allowed me to make the most of it. For instance, treating work sessions like a cinema experience is not just about focusing for a set period but about creating an environment conducive to deep work. By eliminating distractions and preparing in advance, I’m able to dive into tasks more efficiently and with better results.

Similarly, batching tasks has helped me streamline both my work and personal life. It’s so easy to get caught up in task-switching, but by grouping similar tasks together, I minimize downtime and wasted energy. Whether it’s answering emails in bulk or cleaning the entire house in one go, batching allows me to maintain momentum and avoid the mental fatigue that comes with constantly shifting focus. This method also gives me a greater sense of accomplishment since I can cross off entire categories of tasks in one go rather than just bits and pieces.

Delegating has also been a game-changer, especially in a work environment. I’ve had to learn to trust others to handle tasks that I might normally take on myself. While it can be tough to let go, especially when I care about the quality of work, this habit has helped me recognize that my time is valuable, and it’s okay to rely on others. In fact, delegating often leads to better results because others may have more expertise or insight into certain areas. By consciously making this a habit, I’ve freed up my time for more high-priority tasks or creative thinking.

Finally, my approach to multitasking, particularly with the brain-body connection, has allowed me to be productive even during moments that might otherwise feel like downtime. Whether I’m listening to a podcast during my commute or stretching while on a call, I’m able to maximize those pockets of time that might otherwise go unused. This not only helps me stay active but also ensures that I’m constantly learning or progressing in some way.

These four habits have truly become integral to how I structure my days. They may seem small, but together they add up to significant time savings, allowing me to balance the various demands of my life without feeling overwhelmed. If you’re looking to gain more control over your time, I highly recommend incorporating these strategies into your own routine. And of course, if there are other habits that could further optimize my time management, I’m always eager to learn and improve!

Incorporating these habits into my daily routine has not only saved me time but has also allowed me to lead a more balanced and fulfilling life. By being deliberate with how I manage my time, I’m able to stay on top of my career, run side projects, maintain relationships, and still carve out time for self-care and relaxation. The beauty of these habits lies in their simplicity and flexibility—they’re not rigid, but rather adaptable to different areas of life, whether professional or personal.

One unexpected benefit of adopting these time management strategies is the reduced stress and mental clutter. Before, I would often feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks and responsibilities piling up. However, by batching tasks, avoiding unnecessary work, and creating focused work sessions, I now feel much more in control of my workload. I’ve learned that it’s not about doing more; it’s about doing the right things at the right time and in the most efficient way possible. This shift in mindset has made a profound impact on how I approach both big projects and daily tasks.

The habit of multitasking by using my brain and body simultaneously has also contributed to a healthier lifestyle. As someone who juggles a busy professional life, finding time for physical activity used to be a challenge. But now, by integrating movement into my routine—whether it’s taking a walk while listening to an audiobook or stretching during a call—I’m able to stay active without compromising my productivity. This has helped me maintain my fitness and overall well-being, which is crucial for long-term energy and focus.

Another key outcome of these habits is that they’ve made me more mindful about where my time and energy go. Delegating tasks has taught me that I don’t have to do everything myself, and that it’s okay to seek help when needed. This mindset has also extended into my personal life, where I now ask for support when it makes sense, allowing me to focus on what truly matters.

Ultimately, these time management habits have helped me create a lifestyle where I’m not just working all the time but also enjoying life. I’m able to spend quality time with the people I care about, pursue my passions, and still find moments for rest and entertainment. It’s about balance, and I’ve found that these simple, effective strategies have given me the freedom to achieve it.

If you’re struggling with time management, I encourage you to give these habits a try. Start small, and gradually build them into your routine. You’ll likely find that the more you practice, the more natural and impactful they become. And remember, time is one of our most valuable resources—how you choose to manage it can make all the difference in your life.