How I Rebuilt My Productivity System to Save 10+ Hours a Week
This gave me much more than time
Over the past few years, I have tried multiple tools and systems to accelerate my productivity.
But I have observed that a lot of them are overcomplicated and difficult to implement.
Which is why I rebuilt my productivity system and came up with a 5-step framework.
This not only helped me save 10+ hours a week but also gave me excellent decision-making powers.
Here's my 5-step framework to productivity:
Step 1: Stop Tracking Everything
I used to think writing down every single task would help me get more done.
Instead, I felt overwhelmed.
Every day became a race to clear an endless checklist — and I still felt like I was falling short.
That’s because more tasks don’t equal more progress. In fact, they often dilute your focus.
Now, I prioritize:
The 3 most important tasks that truly move the needle
Rest and reflection, not just checking boxes
Saying no to what doesn’t serve my goals
Your energy is limited. Don’t waste it spreading yourself thin.
Step 2: Build a Weekly Review Habit
The anchor of any productive system is a weekly review.
It helps you pause, reflect, and reset.
Without it, you keep reacting instead of realigning.
What it includes:
What worked last week?
What didn’t?
What are your top 3 goals for next week?
Just 15–20 minutes each Sunday can prevent weeks of mindless busyness.
Step 3: Create a “Second Brain”
Most people think they are smart enough to keep all important details in their brains-- until they realise it creates clutter in the mind.
Having a place to store all the information comes to the rescue here.
I use Notion as a second brain.
What does it do for me?
Weekly planning
Idea capture
Content writing
Analytics review
It keeps everything in one place for me and clears my mental clutter.
Step 4: Align your System with your Energy
Productivity is not all about external tactics — apps, lists, Pomodoro timers.
No system works if your mind is cluttered, your emotions are chaotic, or you're running from a place of self-doubt.
That’s where inner alignment comes in.
This includes:
Journaling to reflect on what's really working and what's not.
Building self-awareness about your habits and beliefs
Addressing burnout or fear by aligning your work hours with your moods.
Until you begin working on your alignment, you will always be inviting burnout and demotivation.
Real growth happens when you align your inner world with your outer goals.
Step 5: Replace Busy Time with Deep Work
We often fill time with shallow tasks—emails, pings, meetings.
But real progress comes from deep work: focused, uninterrupted effort on meaningful tasks.
How to get there:
Block out distraction-free time
Set clear goals for each session
Protect your calendar from clutter
Busy feels good. But deep work is good.
Final Thought
You don’t need more hours.
You need a system that respects your brain.
Rebuilding mine gave me back my time—and my peace of mind.