22 ONE-MINUTE Habits That Save Me 25+ Hours a Week

Key Wellness, Self-Care, and Productivity Strategies from 22 ONE-MINUTE Habits That Save Me 25+ Hours a Week

Daily Prioritization & Planning

• Start each day by asking: What is today’s adventure? (Identify the most important task)
• Schedule that task immediately in your calendar to ensure it gets done.

Focused Work Techniques

• Use a visible focus timer to stay on task and avoid procrastination.
• Put your phone face down or in another room; turn off notifications to reduce distractions and anxiety.
• Keep your phone on Do Not Disturb mode with exceptions for important contacts.
• Block distracting apps (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube) after 9 PM to protect sleep and energy.
• Keep your phone away from your bed; use alternatives like a Kindle for bedtime reading.

Computer Efficiency

• Learn and use keyboard shortcuts for frequently used apps to save time.
• Avoid using the mouse; navigate with keyboard commands or apps like Alfred.
• Set up text expansion shortcuts for frequently typed information (emails, addresses, VAT numbers).
• Use voice dictation tools (e.g., Voice Pal) to draft ideas or writing faster than typing.

Task & Communication Management

• Practice the “capture habit” from Getting Things Done: immediately record tasks or ideas in a to-do app (e.g., Things 3).
• Organize WhatsApp contacts into emoji-coded lists (family, friends, business contacts) to prioritize replies and reduce anxiety over unread messages.

Information Absorption

• Listen to audiobooks, podcasts, and videos at increased speeds (1.5x to 3x) to consume content faster.

Multimodal Multitasking (“Double Dipping”)

• Combine activities using different modalities, e.g., listen to audiobooks while commuting.
• Take walking Zoom calls to get exercise and work done simultaneously.
• Use a walking treadmill or standing desk to accumulate steps while working or gaming.

Time Management & Scheduling

• Use recurring calendar blocks for important personal and professional events (date nights, gym, lessons) to reduce coordination time.
• Batch similar tasks together (e.g., book multiple date nights in one session) to minimize context switching.

Lifestyle & Energy Management

• Schedule early morning activities (e.g., 8 AM tennis lessons) to encourage earlier bedtimes and improve productivity.
• Outsource tasks you dislike or that cost less than your hourly rate:
  • Hire a cleaner to save time on household chores.
  • Hire an executive assistant (e.g., via Athena) to manage emails, calendars, and ad hoc tasks if you run a business.

Enjoyment as a Productivity Tool

Find ways to enjoy your work and tasks to boost creativity, reduce stress, and increase energy. Feeling good is framed as the ultimate secret to sustainable productivity.

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Presenters / Sources

• Ali Abdaal (Productivity Expert and YouTuber)