The difference between the overwhelmed executive and the one who operates with clarity and control often comes down to small, underrated habits that compound over time. Here are 30 strategic habits to make your life significantly easier, so you can perform at your highest level without burning out.
Mindset & Decision-Making
1. The Two-Minute Rule
If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. It prevents small tasks from piling up and reduces mental clutter.
2. Think in Systems, Not Just Goals
Instead of setting endless to-do lists, build systems that ensure progress happens automatically. For example, instead of trying to “read more,” set a rule: read 10 pages before bed.
3. Prioritize via the Eisenhower Matrix
Sort tasks into urgent/important, important/not urgent, urgent/not important, and neither. Delegate or eliminate anything that isn’t important.
4. Practice the 80/20 Rule
Identify the 20% of activities that bring 80% of results. Cut the rest.
5. Make Fewer Decisions
Decision fatigue is real. Simplify choices — wear a few go-to outfits, eat the same healthy breakfast, and automate recurring tasks.
Time & Energy Management
6. Batch Similar Tasks
Group similar activities (emails, calls, deep work) to reduce context-switching and improve focus.
7. Adopt a Minimum Viable Day (MVD)
On your worst days, what’s the smallest effective workday that keeps you on track? Define it and stick to it.
8. Set Hard Stop Work Hours
Your work will expand to fill the time you give it. Set clear work hours and protect your personal time.
9. Front-Load Your Week
Schedule your toughest, highest-impact tasks early in the week when energy is highest.
10. Follow the 90-Minute Focus Block Rule
Work in deep-focus 90-minute blocks, then take 10–15 minute breaks to reset your brain.
Physical & Mental Health
11. Morning Sunlight First Thing
Exposure to natural light in the morning improves sleep, mood, and energy levels.
12. Hydrate Before Caffeine
Drinking 16–20 oz of water before coffee prevents dehydration and boosts metabolism.
13. Build a 3-Move Workout Routine
Pick three compound exercises (e.g., squats, pull-ups, push-ups) and make them non-negotiable, even on busy days.
14. Stretch for 5 Minutes Daily
Loosen tight muscles and improve circulation to stay mobile and pain-free.
15. Track Sleep with a Wearable
Poor sleep ruins productivity. A wearable device can help you optimize your sleep patterns.
Productivity & Work Efficiency
16. Use “Do Not Disturb” Mode Religiously
Silence notifications during deep work to reclaim focus.
17. End Meetings with Clear Next Steps
Every meeting should have an actionable outcome. If not, it was a waste of time.
18. Speed Up Your Typing & Shortcut Skills
Learn keyboard shortcuts and use text expanders to reduce repetitive typing.
19. Default to Voice Notes for Long Messages
Save time by sending voice notes instead of typing out long explanations.
20. Declutter Your Digital & Physical Workspace
A clean desk and digital space reduce distraction and improve efficiency.
Personal Growth & Learning
21. Read 10 Pages Daily
This simple habit compounds over time and keeps you constantly learning.
22. Turn Commutes Into Learning Time
Listen to audiobooks or high-value podcasts instead of music during commutes.
23. Ask One Better Question Per Day
Great questions lead to great insights. Challenge yourself to ask a thought-provoking question daily.
24. Write 3 Bullet Points of Daily Lessons
At the end of the day, jot down three things you learned. This reinforces growth.
25. Invest in Expert Advice
Whether through coaches, courses, or mentors, learning from experts saves years of trial and error.
Relationships & Communication
26. Send One Thoughtful Message Daily
A quick check-in or compliment strengthens relationships effortlessly.
27. Use the “Two-Second Rule” in Conversations
Pause for two seconds before responding. It makes you a better listener and prevents impulsive reactions.
28. Ask “What’s Your Biggest Challenge Right Now?”
This simple question deepens conversations and helps you provide real value.
29. Practice the 5:1 Praise Ratio
For every piece of criticism, give five pieces of positive reinforcement. It improves team morale and relationships.
30. Set a Recurring ‘No Work’ Social Commitment
Schedule a weekly social event — dinner, sports, or drinks — that forces you to step away from work and engage with life.
Mastering your time, energy, and mindset isn’t about making one giant change — it’s about stacking small, effective habits that remove friction from your day. These 30 underrated habits will help you reclaim control, reduce stress, and optimize your life so that success feels effortless.
This article was written by Olly Jay who is an executive function and lifestyle design coach, and he coaches execs to reclaim 2+ hrs/day, gain clarity & finally live on their terms. Weekly strategies → https://peakhabitcoaching.kit.com/subscribe