OUTWORK 99% of People: 5 Life-Changing Strategies from THE EFFECTIVE EXECUTIVE

Definition: Track where your time goes every day, and only put energy into things that matter. Don’t just check off tasks; make sure those tasks are important.

Example: Record how you spend your day. You might find you waste an hour mindlessly scrolling through Instagram. Once you spot it, decide to use that time better.

Application: Set aside blocks of time for study or projects and eliminate small, random interruptions. Try working in 25-minute focus blocks with a 5-minute break to avoid burnout (this is called the Pomodoro Technique). ⏰

Definition: Identify the one thing that will make the biggest impact and do that first—everything else can wait.

Example: Before anything else, complete the assignment with the nearest deadline or the project that requires the most brainpower.

Application: Every day, choose one “most important task” (MIT) to finish before anything else. Doing this lets you tackle harder stuff first while your energy is high. Repeat this habit daily to boost productivity.

Definition: People often think working harder is enough, but what really matters is the outcome. Aim to achieve something tangible, not just to stay busy.

Example: Instead of “studying all night,” focus on understanding key concepts or completing a set number of exercises. Results over hours!

Application: Set goals for what you want to achieve with your study sessions or projects, not just how long you’ll work on them. Keep track of your progress, and adjust if needed.

Definition: Make big, strategic choices that clear up smaller decisions. Know where you’re going to avoid endless little questions.

Example: If you know you want to improve in math, decide to dedicate an hour every day after school to practice, instead of debating when you’ll get around to it.

Application: Decide on your daily “big three” tasks and stick to them. Keep a list of things to stop doing that don’t serve your goals to stay focused.

Problem: You’re in a group project with friends. Everyone’s procrastinating, and you’re the only one who seems to care. You want to do well, but how do you make sure you don’t end up doing all the work? 👀

1. Set the Big Goal: Communicate a clear goal (like finishing by Thursday) to create a timeline.
2. Assign Based on Strengths: Know who’s good at what. If one friend is creative, ask them to design the slides; if another is organized, let them handle the outline.

3. Check-In Points: Schedule mini-deadlines so everyone has something small to show each day. This keeps momentum high and avoids cramming.

4. Do Your Most Important Task First: Complete your part first, and set the tone for others.

5. Reflect on Results: Discuss what went well and what didn’t after it’s done. This way, everyone knows their strengths for future projects. 🎓