We all want more time in our day to get more done. However, we’re all given the same 24 hours in a day as everyone else. To be highly productive organize your life so you can efficiently get things done. So how do some people squeeze more out of every moment of every day?

Kevin Daum, contributor to Inc. recently wrote an article on what helps him make the most of his time.

Prioritize

Daum suggests you choose activities in life and focus your time on what is fun and productive. You probably have a to-do list, but also consider a to-don’t list. It sounds strange, but it’s a useful tool to keep track of unproductive habits.

Be Efficient

“Design your life to meet your wants, and recognize when to say no to opportunities that are outside the scope of your desires,” Daum says.

Have a workflow system that allows you to work effectively, creatively, and frees up time to do work that matters.  You can also break down work into smaller chunks until you have specific tasks that can be accomplished in a few hours or less.

Enjoy Activities in a Combined Matter

Don’t try to balance time between friends, family, work, and play. It’s exhausting! Instead, try to find ways to enjoy them in a combined matter. Daum suggests you develop your career around the people and activities you love.

Manage Distractions

The most effective way to get things done is to eliminate distractions for a set time while you work. Turn off your phone, texts, email, instant messaging, or whatever it is that distracts you.

Daum suggests to budget time for necessary activities. “Make a choice to limit non-supportive interactions that don’t energize you,” he says.

Continue to Learn

There is always a new tool or new way to do things to save time, so be on the lookout. They might just be the ticket to save time on your least favorite tasks.

Make Time for Yourself

Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t get to everything that needs your attention.

“The world won’t come to an end in most cases just because you left a few things undone,” Daum says.

He suggests you celebrate the progress and continue to refine towards a happy, productive existence.  Every time you cross something off your to-do list is a small victory so enjoy it and when you’re ready, move on to the next task.

You can become one of those people who seem to accomplish a lot and still appear happy and relaxed if you follow these tips. Everyone one is different, and all of these may not work for you, but this is a great place to start.

What behaviors define highly productive people? What can you do to increase your own productivity?