12 Productivity Life Hacks From Successful Entrepreneurs

Time is precious. Here’s how to make it worthwhile – from those who can’t afford to lose it

- Daphne Leprince-Ringuet

Be more productive” often stands at the top of the list for New Year resolutions – but finding the tools to implement it in everyday life is a different kettle of fish. Especially when tips from technology moguls like Tim Cook include setting an alarm clock to start their day at 3:45am every morning.

We asked 12 successful entrepreneurs and chief executives from various industries ranging from gaming to transportation about their own secret productivity hacks – and the good news is none of them mentioned-sleep deprivation as a personal favourite. Here’s a round-up of the real tricks you can apply to your life to boost productivity in your free time, at work and for your future targets.

TO BETTER MANAGE YOUR FREE TIME

01 TAKE TRELLO HOME

Trello, the popular web-based project management tool, is now established in many workplaces, and with good reason: It’s a useful way of planning ahead. And the basic version is free – so why not use it at home? Yunha Kim, the founder of Simple Habit, certainly sees the appeal: “I have Trello boards for projects such as product releases, but also for random to-dos such as calling a friend or my dentist,” she says. “It helps me stay organised and proactive.”

02 BE LONELIER

When facing a day that is sure to be full of face-to-face interactions, Jen Rubio, the co-founder of Away, has taken the habit of spending the first hour of her day completely alone. She calls it “owning the first hour”. She may meditate, work out or get straight to work and start answering emails; but she always takes that time to be on her own. “I’m at my own pace, free of meetings or push notifications. It energises me,” she says.

03 MAKE AN ONLINE TO-DO LIST