Three Research-Backed Tips for Scheduling Your Day

Feeling overwhelmed by a long to-do list and a shortage of hours in the day is a common struggle. We often hear the advice, “Work smarter, not harder.” However, drawing on research-backed insights allows you to structure your day for maximum efficiency and productivity.

Start Your Day With The Toughest Tasks

It’s tempting to quickly check off easy items from your list to feel productive. However, research indicates that this strategy can backfire in the long term. Tackling challenging tasks first, even if they seem overwhelming, builds skills and boosts efficiency over time. Studies have shown that individuals who consistently take on challenging responsibilities develop more excellent expertise than those who avoid them. Breaking tough tasks into smaller, manageable parts can make them feel less overwhelming, allowing you to balance progress with personal growth.

Align Your Schedule With Energy Levels

Energy tends to rise and fall throughout the day, influencing the quality of your work. Research has shown that people often become less effective as fatigue sets in later in the day. For example, one study found that professionals were less thorough and detail-oriented in the late afternoon compared to earlier hours. To counter this, schedule your most demanding tasks during periods when you feel most alert, usually in the morning. Save less critical or routine tasks for when your energy naturally wanes. You’ll work more effectively by aligning tasks with your peak performance times while maintaining focus.

Focus on One Thing At A Time

Juggling multiple tasks can seem like a shortcut to getting more done, but it often leads to attention gaps and slower progress. Research from the judicial system highlights the benefits of grouping related tasks and completing them in sequence. Judges who avoided jumping between unrelated cases significantly sped up their workflow. In your schedule, prioritize completing one task or project before starting another. This approach reduces the mental strain of switching between tasks and allows you to deliver better results in less time.

Check out this blog post if you want more advice about scheduling your day.