More on getting things done

None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.

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View time as funds spent on objectives instead of a space to fill up.
Your output will likely increase.
3 people, independently
Place your phone or alarm clock across the room or out of reach so you must physically get up to turn it off.
It prevents the temptation to stay in bed or stay on the phone too long.
- Putting it in another room may not be possible if you live with roommates.
- Some users report doing this in a haze without remembering it.
6 people, independently
Open, set up, and update gaming consoles before wrapping them as gifts so the recipient can play immediately.
This prevents the recipient from spending hours waiting for downloads on the day of the gift.
- Updating firmware may eliminate the ability to hack the device.
- Some people value the experience of unboxing and setting up the hardware themselves.
10 people, independently
Break focus time into 25-minute sections with 5-minute breaks in between.
It helps keep your mind fresh.
4 people, independently
Spend time in silence or meditate before the day's noise begins.
Five minutes of silence is described as the best way to center oneself.
- Meditating in the morning may make some people too groggy, causing them to fall back asleep.
4 people, independently

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Scan your writing from the end to the start, one word at a time, to spot typos.
This method stops your mind from predicting upcoming words or finishing sentences on its own, compelling you to examine each term individually instead of glazing over.
- This method does not help with catching grammatical, punctuation, or homophone errors.
- Spellcheck tools may already handle many of these errors.
11 people, independently
Enable 'Do Not Disturb' (or Zen mode) and limit phone checks to specific times you select.
This lets you manage how your focus is split.
3 people, independently
Place apps in nested folders or on secondary screens to require extra clicks and swipes before accessing them.
Making access harder reduces usage.
- This method may only work for a few weeks as you get used to the new navigation path.
3 people, independently
- Remove social media apps from your home screen and bury them in subfolders to increase friction and break autopilot usage.3
Write down every task, no matter how small, to avoid forgetting or skipping them.
Otherwise you may forget the tasks or fail to do them.
3 people, independently
- Always write down ideas, dreams, thoughts, feelings, and lists immediately to prevent loss.8

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Pretend you must explain the issue to another person when you are stuck.
Often, articulating the problem, its components, and your prior steps is enough to uncover the answer.
4 people, independently
- Describe the issue to an object or person as if they know nothing; speaking it out often helps you spot the fix.3
Send proof of waking up to an accountability partner to prevent self-deception about the time.
It prevents cheating yourself on the exact wake-up time.
3 people, independently
Improve reading speed by reading more frequently over time.
Practice makes perfect; with practice, you can understand material with less time.
5 people, independently
If you skip a day of your routine, let it go and start again the next day without feeling discouraged.
One missed day does not erase one disciplined day; failure is staying down, not falling down.
4 people, independently
Adjust Pomodoro intervals if the standard 25-minute work and 5-minute break structure disrupts your flow.
The standard timing is for beginners; some find that breaks break their flow.
5 people, independently
Count backward from 5 or 10 (or just to 3) and stand up instantly at zero, without deliberation.
This technique helps beat procrastination on tasks.
3 people, independently
Focus on doing the work toward your goals instead of discussing them for approval.
Action helps maintain focus and drive.
3 people, independently
Focus on only a few goals at a time and take it one step at a time to avoid overwhelming yourself.
Trying to tackle everything at once causes overwhelm.
3 people, independently
- Focus on the small daily actions you can take rather than the magnitude of the overall goal.4
Write down your goals and at least one step you will take toward them each day.
4 people, independently
- List your major objectives for the next 1, 5, and 10 years, then split them into steps with due dates.3
- Avoid massive long-term targets; instead, set small, doable objectives for today.3
- Write down the specific steps required to make your goals happen.4
Reframe resolutions as daily disciplines or process-oriented goals rather than end goals.
Success in end goals depends on small daily disciplines.
3 people, independently
Start with one tiny task, make it automatic, then layer on more small tasks gradually.
Consistency beats perfection.
4 people, independently
Let yourself feel bored to grant your mind the liberty to innovate and resolve issues.
It allows for eureka moments.
3 people, independently
Adopt new routines gradually, adding only one or two at a time to prevent failure.
Overloading your schedule leads to collapse; incremental changes let you monitor impact and make necessary tweaks.
4 people, independently
Shift your internal narrative from 'I have to do X' to 'I get to do X'.
7 people, independently
Break down large parent tasks into smaller, manageable pieces that you can chew on.
Crossing out these smaller items gives you a feeling of accomplishment and encouragement to keep going.
3 people, independently
Keep your goals private to avoid feeling foolish if you fail, to avoid unsolicited advice, and to stay focused without external pressure.
Publicly declaring goals can create pressure to reach checkpoints and expose you to discouragement or drama.
3 people, independently
- Keep your goals private to avoid the premature sense of accomplishment that reduces motivation.27
Share goals only with a few trusted friends or family members who can provide accountability and whom you do not want to disappoint.
External accountability from supportive people helps maintain focus, whereas sharing broadly invites criticism.
8 people, independently
Begin with just a few minutes of study daily. Maintain this routine for several weeks before extending the time.
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- Start with very short work intervals and gradually increase the duration as you build momentum.3
Be aware of your most productive window of time and focus on the most important tasks to fit within it.
3 people, independently
- Keep a to-do list and finish the top priority task first.3
- Structure your day by creating a schedule, a to-do list, and specific time blocks for your activities.4
- Dedicate specific time slots to particular activities and focus solely on that activity during its assigned slot.7
Test whether you truly understand a topic by trying to explain it in simple terms to someone else; if you struggle, you likely do not understand it well enough.
3 people, independently
Use a dry-erase marker to write reminders on your bathroom mirror so they appear during your daily routine.
Placing notes there ensures you spot them while brushing your teeth, both morning and evening.
4 people, independently
Concentrate on a single activity at once rather than juggling multiple tasks.
Switching between duties lowers output and disrupts concentration.
10 people, independently
Use digital wellbeing functions, bedtime mode (grayscale), or apps like ScreenZen to reduce social media usage and screen time.
Making the screen less interesting cuts down usage; one user reported it helped their headspace and attention span.
3 people, independently
- Turn off notifications for most apps, especially social media, and only check them when you consciously decide to.4
Have a friend watch over you or schedule a study session with a peer to keep you accountable.
5 people, independently
Head to a spot free of screens or TVs, and leave your mobile device in the vehicle or across the room.
3 people, independently
Write notes by hand instead of typing to improve memory retention and concentration.
Writing requires more concentration and the brain recalls information better when learned in a similar state; studies show better memory retention.
5 people, independently
Work on part of the job rather than finishing it all at once; resuming a partially completed task feels easier.
Returning to a project that is already halfway finished makes the remaining effort seem smaller.
3 people, independently
Set up a distinct user profile on your personal device exclusively for professional duties.
This separates private data from work files, avoids accidental sharing of non-work content during calls, and simplifies removing job-related data upon departure.
4 people, independently
Envision the guidance you would offer a dear friend or offspring facing your circumstances, then apply that same counsel to yourself.
This approach introduces a layer of affection and concern for health without requiring approval.
3 people, independently
Take up physical tasks or interests to keep busy and reduce phone use.
6 people, independently
Stick with one simple daily habit every day to build a foundation for discipline.
3 people, independently
Read the textbook chapter before the professor teaches the topic in class.
Knowing the general idea beforehand makes it easier to follow the lecture and understand why the instructor focuses on important or subtle parts.
3 people, independently
To remember that inches use double quotes (") and feet use single quotes ('), associate the number of syllables in the word with the number of marks: 'inches' has two syllables, 'feet' has one.
4 people, independently
Study in a location separate from your leisure space to avoid distractions.
7 people, independently
- Move your phone to another room when you need to focus on work.7
- If concentration fails at home, relocate to a cafe, library, or another room.3
- Switch off your WiFi router to remove internet distractions when studying.3
Conduct a weekly session to reflect on the past seven days and organize the next week.
3 people, independently
Put in the effort quietly and let outcomes demonstrate your progress rather than making announcements.
Demonstrating results is more impactful than stating intentions.
5 people, independently
Remember that months alternate between 31 and 30 days, except for February and the consecutive July/August pair which both have 31 days.
July and August were named after Roman emperors who wanted extra days, pinching them off February.
3 people, independently
Delete social media apps from your phone to remove immediate access and reduce temptation.
18 people, independently
- Block specific apps during set hours with Screen Zen to stop doomscrolling.3
Unload heavy and durable groceries onto the conveyor belt first.
This prevents squishing lighter items and allows heavy items to be placed on the bottom of bags.
3 people, independently
Reconnect with or start new tangible hobbies such as playing instruments, cooking, drawing, or hiking.
4 people, independently
- Take up a creative activity such as journaling, drawing, photography, digital creation, or learning an instrument.5
Place small notepads in spots where you spend time, like near your bed, sofa, or desk.
4 people, independently
Include easy, mundane tasks like brushing teeth or putting on pants in your to-do list.
4 people, independently
Read the book 'Digital Minimalism' for a blueprint on successfully reducing social media use.
3 people, independently
Set a sleep timer for your audio so it stops automatically if you fall asleep.
3 people, independently
Mark an X on your calendar to build a habit chain, following the 'Don't Break the Chain' idea.
3 people, independently
Create a study schedule by listing every topic and concrete action needed, then divide that list over your available time, leaving a buffer at the end.
4 people, independently
Replace time spent scrolling with productive activities such as hobbies, exercise, reading, meditation, or spending time with friends.
7 people, independently
Add quick exercises like walking, stretching, or bouncing on toes during short waits.
3 people, independently
Cross out completed items from your to-do list to gain satisfaction and motivation.
7 people, independently
Listen to podcasts or music during mindless tasks to keep entertained and focused.
3 people, independently
Begin with minor daily routines like a brief walk, ten minutes of journaling or reading, or a basic skincare regimen.
3 people, independently
Try a routine involving quiet reflection, positive self-talk, visualizing goals, physical activity, reading, and writing.
4 people, independently
Set alarms for every specific task, such as brushing teeth or getting dressed.
3 people, independently
Reward yourself with small treats for consistent, minor improvements.
8 people, independently
Read 'The Now Habit' by Neil Fiore for strategies on overcoming procrastination.
4 people, independently
Study while exercising on a treadmill or stationary bike.
3 people, independently
Write down notes multiple times if necessary to reinforce memory.
3 people, independently

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Get out of bed immediately when your alarm rings; do not use the snooze button.
Using snooze trains you to ignore the alarm and causes your brain to generate reasons to stay in bed.
- Some people experience headaches from getting up too quickly.
- The first few days may be difficult.
6 people, independently
Keep a notebook and pen by your bed to jot down ideas right before sleep or upon waking.
The mind is prone to creative thoughts just before bed; writing them down helps clear your head and may aid falling asleep. If not recorded immediately, you will likely forget them by morning.
- Using a phone may make it harder to fall back asleep due to light and stimulation.
- People with ADHD may find this prevents them from sleeping.
6 people, independently
- Place a pen and notebook by your bed to capture thoughts instantly without leaving your sheets.3
Read a book before sleep instead of aimlessly scrolling your phone.
Makes waking up easier.
3 people, independently
If you naturally function better at night, structure your schedule around that rhythm instead of forcing yourself to be active during the day.
- Not everyone is a morning person.
3 people, independently

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Set out your exercise gear by your bed or dressing area the evening prior.
It removes an excuse not to work out and makes changing easier.
4 people, independently
- Prepare your workout gear the evening prior or sleep in it to ease morning exercise routines.3
Recognize that waking up early does not create extra time; it simply shifts hours from night to morning.
3 people, independently
Set your coffee maker on a delayed brew timer so coffee is ready when you wake up.
The smell helps you get up without hitting snooze and leaves the house faster.
8 people, independently
Get a light-based alarm clock, such as a sunrise alarm or Lumie.
Having blaring light in the room when you are waking and groggy helps; one user reported waking up naturally and easily each morning, often before the actual alarm goes off.
3 people, independently
Go to bed early to ensure you can wake up early with enough sleep.
Going to sleep early is necessary to rise in the morning, though it can be as hard as waking up.
3 people, independently
Schedule something enjoyable, like a TV episode or short story, to look forward to immediately after waking up.
Having something to get excited for helps pop you out of bed.
3 people, independently
- Have a compelling reason or activity to look forward to in the morning to motivate getting up.8
Position a water container beside your alarm and consume it right after switching the device off.
Dehydration upon waking can cause discomfort and a desire to remain in bed; hydration helps initiate bodily functions and alertness.
4 people, independently
- Drink a glass of water immediately upon waking.3
- Place water within reach of your sleeping area and consume it immediately upon waking.3
Wait at least one hour after waking before consuming caffeine.
3 people, independently
Focus on maintaining a regular sleep routine and good hygiene habits instead of targeting a specific wake-up hour.
Consistent sleep patterns predict performance better than exact start times.
3 people, independently
Lay out makeup, pack your briefcase, and prepare lunch alongside your outfit the night before.
3 people, independently
Introduce bright light into your space right after waking by activating intense overhead lighting, utilizing a daylight lamp, or opening blinds to allow sunlight onto the floor.
3 people, independently

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Put your ask in the opening line of an email, then add short background details.
- Sound byte communication can be soulless and lead to details being missed.
5 people, independently
Email the paper's author directly to request a free copy, as they are often legally permitted and willing to share it.
Authors typically do not profit from paywalls, want their work read, and understand students' financial constraints.
- Unsolicited emails from unknown senders may be ignored.
- Some authors transfer copyright to publishers and may need to negotiate reprint rights.
8 people, independently
- Contact a university or public librarian via online chat or email to request access to paywalled articles through institutional partnerships.3
Wrap search terms in quotation marks to locate exact phrase matches.
Quotes limit results to pages where those words appear in that precise sequence or verbatim.
- If you don't get any results, it's probably too specific.
11 people, independently
Draft emails in reverse order: add files first, then write the body, then the subject line, and lastly enter recipient addresses.
This helps prevent sending incomplete messages to recipients before you are finished writing.
- One user prefers drafting the email first to avoid getting sidetracked.
5 people, independently
- Draft and review the message content before adding the recipient's address.6
- Fill in the recipient fields last, after writing the body and attaching files, to prevent accidentally sending incomplete emails.6

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Draft the main content before creating the opening and closing sections.
You cannot summarize or introduce material that has not been written yet. Completing the core text first clarifies what the framing sections should cover.
6 people, independently
Put a brief summary at the start of any message or document.
Using a TL;DR approach can make email exchanges more effective.
3 people, independently
Copy the link to the piece and paste it into Google's search bar. Selecting the top hit often loads the page directly, bypassing the subscription barrier.
Sites sometimes allow this so search engines can index their content; a practice referred to as 'First click free'.
4 people, independently
Send a clickable Google Maps link or dropped pin instead of typing an address or sending a screenshot.
Screenshots are useless when driving, whereas a link provides exact navigation without cutting or pasting.
7 people, independently
If you struggle with forgetting attachments, pause your writing and insert the file immediately when you mention it in the email body.
It becomes a second nature habit to think about the attachment at that moment.
4 people, independently
Interrupt the page load by clicking the stop button or pressing Escape before the page fully loads, as the paywall often appears last.
On some websites, the text content loads before the paywall overlay.
5 people, independently
Immediately after the article loads but before the paywall appears, hold Ctrl and press A then C to copy the text, then paste it into a document.
9 people, independently
Reverse image search photos of dating app matches and LinkedIn profiles before meeting or engaging to identify catfishers, stolen profiles, or scams.
5 people, independently
Use BCC for group emails to protect recipients' privacy and prevent reply-all chains.
It prevents sharing contact info and stops others from spamming the list via reply-all.
4 people, independently
Add a minus sign immediately before a word (with no space) to exclude that term from search results.
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Use the reference list at the bottom of a Wikipedia article to find primary sources for research papers, citing those sources directly rather than Wikipedia itself.
Wikipedia collates sources similarly to how a librarian does.
7 people, independently
Hover over hyperlinks in emails to reveal the actual URL before clicking, checking for suspicious domains or redirect indicators.
The displayed link text may hide a phishing site, random characters, or redirects that differ from the official destination.
3 people, independently
Create a separate user account on your computer specifically for public presentations to keep private files and history hidden.
This prevents embarrassing content, such as search history or desktop images, from being visible to the audience.
4 people, independently
Add 'filetype:' followed by an extension (e.g., filetype:pdf) to restrict results to specific file formats.
Google will only return links to that specific filetype.
3 people, independently
Only mark emails as spam if they are from illegitimate sources; avoid marking legitimate business emails you no longer want as spam.
Marking legitimate mail as spam corrupts the training data, decreasing overall filter effectiveness and causing important messages to be missorted.
3 people, independently
Learn the citation style guide manually to recognize when automated tools produce errors.
Automated tools are not accurate enough for final papers and TAs often penalize incorrect references.
3 people, independently
Once you have an initial selection, adjust it character by character using Shift + arrow keys.
This helps if you missed punctuation or selected too many characters.
4 people, independently
Transmit vital details like phone numbers, bank info, emails, and addresses in distinct messages to make copying easier.
Recipients typically copy and paste this data, and additional text hinders that process.
8 people, independently
Access online property records or tax information to verify the owner of a rental property before signing any lease.
3 people, independently
Create shortcuts for emotes or ASCII art to insert them quickly into messages.
4 people, independently
Save profane words as contact names to trick autocorrect into correcting misspelled profanity correctly, or use the user dictionary to avoid cluttering contacts.
4 people, independently
Use 7-Zip to open and extract Office files directly without renaming the extension.
3 people, independently
Assign distinct character sequences as shortcuts for different email addresses to switch accounts quickly.
5 people, independently

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Use Interstate numbers to gauge position: East-West routes get higher numbers as you go north; North-South routes get higher numbers as you go east.
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More on more on getting things done1

Check if a number is divisible by 3 by adding its digits together; if the sum is divisible by 3, the original number is too.
3 people, independently