Getting The Most Important Things Done Faster Than Ever

What if you could get more done by starting smaller?

We’ve all heard the advice to “block time” on your calendar for tasks—like setting aside 30 or 45 minutes to focus on a project or clear out your inbox. This is truly a powerful tool, but one that can take a bit of time to build up. 

Here’s a little tip that’s worked wonders for me—and for my clients:

Start small and stay consistent.

What if you could achieve more by committing to just five minutes of focused work? When juggling multiple tasks, diving into a big project for half an hour can feel overwhelming. But five minutes? Doable. And here’s the kicker: those five minutes can help you build a habit of focus that sticks.

Here’s how you can get started with this “micro-tasking” approach:

• Pick a Task You’ve Been Avoiding
  Think of a task that’s been hanging over your head. It doesn’t need to be urgent—just something that would make a difference if you could get it done. Maybe it’s cleaning up your email inbox, brainstorming new ideas for a project, or jotting down priorities for tomorrow. The goal is to choose something specific that you can start easily, without requiring much mental preparation.

• Set a Timer for Five Minutes
  This is where the magic happens: commit to just five minutes. Set a timer and focus on one task. When you know it’s only for five minutes, there’s less pressure to commit to a larger block of time. And, the best part? You might be so engaged that you’ll keep going once the timer goes off. But even if you stop, five minutes is a win!

• Focus Fully for Five Minutes
  During your five minutes, avoid distractions—no phone checking, emails, Teams, or anything else… Go into “focus mode.” It’s like a mini mental workout. With practice, it’ll get easier to concentrate, and you’ll build the muscle for more extended periods of focus. Over time, you’ll notice it becoming a natural part of your routine.

Repeat Daily for a Week or Two
Consistency is key. Try this daily for a week or two, and you’ll see steady progress. The beauty of this approach is that it’s sustainable. Even on busy days, five minutes is manageable. Over time, you’ll find that your brain starts shifting into focus mode quicker, and tasks that once felt daunting become easier to tackle.

3 Power Questions:

1. What small task can I commit to for just five minutes today?
   Focus on starting, not finishing.

2. How can I ensure I stay distraction-free during those five minutes?
   Create a productive environment for maximum impact. Turn off what you can, and put your phone in Do Not Disturb.

3. What’s the long-term benefit of adding this five-minute habit into my routine?
   Reflect on how these small efforts lead to significant gains over time.

The power of this approach is in its simplicity. Committing to just five minutes of focused work each day means less stress, more productivity, and more freedom in your workday. 

The best part? You can expand this habit as you go—moving from five minutes to ten or more when it feels right or increasing the frequency to get even more done. 

Ready to level up your leadership game? The Credit Union Playbook is here to support you. We're just an email away.