Microblocking and the 72-hour rule: my tips for sky high productivity

Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, these 5 practical hacks are guaranteed to drive results. As someone who has built several businesses from scratch, I've learned the hard way what it takes to succeed. I run Masterminds and workshops for entrepreneurs now and these are the hacks that entrepreneurs love the most.

1. The 1:5 Ratio

For every hour spent creating a product or service, spend 5 hours promoting it or £1 on content, £5 on ads. Therese realized she spends most of her time on product development and very little on promoting her designs. It's not enough to just create something amazing; you need to put in the effort to get it out there. So many entrepreneurs are guilty of spending too much time designing and creating, neglecting the promotion. To start, try a 1:1 ratio and spend your mornings on creative projects and afternoons on promotion. It works like magic for me.

2. Daruma Doll

Do you know why your goals are not being achieved? Lack of accountability. Use a Daruma doll to track progress and hold yourself accountable. This Japanese doll symbolizes determination and perseverance, with one eye filled in when you set a goal and the other when you achieve it. It’s totally the cheapest accountability buddy. I used it when I decided to sell one of my businesses. It did took a long time, 9 months to be precised, but very proud to have two-eyed daruma doll on my desk now. Will work adding more of these to my collection.

Another great option is to find a fellow entrepreneur and commit to weekly or monthly calls to hold each other accountable.

3. Microblocking

Feel like you don't have enough time to work on your amazing goals? Try microblocking. As a busy mom of three, I commit to spending at least 15 minutes every day working towards my goal. This technique has been a game-changer for me. Instead of waiting for large chunks of free time, make small but consistent progress every day.

4. Artificial Deadlines

Set deadlines for yourself and stick to them. As the saying goes, 'You don't need time, you need a deadline.' Create a sense of urgency and accountability by sharing your deadlines with others. For example, I committed to bringing the first draft of my book to a workshop, even though it was nowhere near ready. When people started buying tickets, I had no other option but to finalize and bring my draft.

5. 72-Hour Rule

Implement any insights you gain from reading an article, book, or attending a meeting within 72 hours. Otherwise, the probability of ever implementing them is extremely low. Better yet, think of creating a habit or process that you can implement in your life so that it sticks.

And don't forget to work on yourself as much as you work on your business and even more. Take time to enjoy the ride and don't let work dominate every moment. As Andrew Taggart once said, "If work dominated every moment, would life be worth living?" So, use these hacks to make the most of your time and then go out there and live your life to the fullest!

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Darya is the CEO and founder of Chelsea Swim Spa, a swim school for children.

She has recently successfully sold the Chelsea Creperie brand. Additionally, she rents properties short-term for filming and advertising, and runs MasterMinds and events for entrepreneurs and want-reneurs.