5 Hacks: How to be More Efficient When You Feel Overwhelmed

They say, if you want something done, give it to a busy person. . .

Successful Productivity Tips and Tricks | www.thisismeldrake.com | efficiency ideas | work efficient | get stuff done | tackle your to do list | work smarter not harder

Once upon a time, I found myself in a new job as a Sales Director for a new company working late nights and continually meeting with clients. And if I wasn’t working, I was writing and trying to get my new blog off of the ground. And if I wasn’t working or writing, I was neglecting my relationship. The pace I was keeping was exhaustive and I couldn’t continue to burn the candle at both ends.

Y’all, I was busy.

I needed my life and my time back.

I quickly learned that in order for me to get it all done, remain successful at work and have a strong relationship, I needed to learn how to be more efficient and I needed to learn STAT!

“Some people chase the fountain of youth, I chase the fountain of efficiency.”

— Mel Drake

So I set out on my quest to figure out how to be more efficient and finally get sh*t done. Along the way, I grabbed notes from Tim Ferriss and from Michael Michalowicz and other resources from around the web. And I’m happy to share with you 5 of my favorite hacks that have been a game changer in making me more efficient and less overwhelmed.

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5 Hacks That Will Make You More Efficient

Just Say “NO”

This one is HUGE! And might be a little controversial too!

Contrary to the popular “say, yes” culture of today, there’s still something to be said about a good old fashioned saying “no”. In fact, you’ll notice that the most efficient people know how and when to properly use the word “no”. Which allows them to get sh*t done.

Here’s how to be more efficient and why you should say “No”: Most of us have an intrinsic need to help our fellow man. And to be honest, I LOVE to help. However, saying "Yes," to things that aren't in line with your goal or an IPA (Income Producing Activity) can really throw you off course. You can absolutely be a team player if you say “no”. And saying the word “no” doesn’t have to be negative or mean in sentiment but it does have to be honest and firm. You can still say “yes”, just be selective about who and what you say "yes" to.

Create Your Top 3

Feeling overwhelmed? As women, we tend to put more on our plate than we can actually handle for the day. We share this intrinsic drive to conquer Rome in one day. But as the day goes on, we find our to-do list growing and growing out of control. Now, we are officially overwhelmed.

Here’s how to be more efficient and tackle your to-do list: Each morning, make a list of the Top 3 things you must get done come hell or highwater for the day. Then put your blinders on and get to it and knock ‘em out.

Pro Tip: If you need a little jump start on Top 3 your list, I’ve got you covered. Download my FREE “Let’s Get Sh*t Done” 7-Day printable planner to help you tackle and conquer your day like the boss you are!

Which brings me to. . .

Stop Multitasking

Ok this is a hard one, because most of us boss ladies, pride ourselves on being the “World’s Best Multitasker”. I know I certainly did.

The ugly truth is, multitasking never works because we start little projects over here and we start little projects over there. And soon we have little projects everywhere. . . which leads to nothing getting completed.

Here’s how to be more efficient and stop multitasking: Focus on completing only one task at a time (hint, hint: your Top 3). Once done, move on the next task. Rinse and repeat.

Templates Are Our Friend

Working in sales, I would receive the same questions over and over and over again. Some clients may switch it up and ask a question in a different way, but at the end of the day, the questions were the same.

Questions like:

Hey Mel, “what is the cost of?”

“how do I place an order?”

“how can I pay for _____?”

And etc.

Here’s how to be more efficient and stop repeating yourself: Instead of taking the time to type individual replies to the same emails day in and day out, opt to draft up a general response to the questions you receive the most. If your email service has an email template feature where you can quickly store and retrieve your responses, AWESOME!

If not, no worries. Here’s what you do: Save all of your “canned” responses or templates to a master document in Word or the notes section on your phone or computer. Then copy and paste to email as needed.

Make a VIP list

Just like at a party or a club, VIP’s get all the attention, perks and special treatment. So why should your time at work be treated any differently? During a work day your time is precious and only a select few should be able to gain full access.

Here’s how to be more efficient and never miss a call or an email from your boss: Make a list of VIP’s in your life (your boss, family members, etc.). Use the instructions below to set up VIPs on your phone. Once this feature is up and running, any correspondence from your VIP’s will go straight to the top of your email inbox and any calls will ring with a special tone.

How to add contacts to VIP list on iPhone and iPad:

iPhone user instructions here (scroll down in the link to the iPhone section)

Android user instructions here (scroll down in the link to the Android section)

Thank You

Thank you so much for getting efficient with me. After juggling 2 jobs and a relationship, I definitely know and understand the need to get more done by working smarter and not harder. I hope my tips and hacks will give you back more time and make you hella efficient like a boss. And if you have any tips of your own on how to be more efficient, I’d LOVE to hear them. Feel free to shoot me an email or post them in the comments below.

-xoxo Mel

Need More Help With Efficiency?

P.S. If you need a little efficiency boost, my FREE 7-Day printable planner, "Let’s Get Sh*t Done!” should do the trick and keep you on the road to efficiency. And the best part, it’s FREE!