1. Nix your perfectionist tendencies.

“Striving for absolute flawlessness (read: doing things over and over again) is the number one reason people lose time,” says Dorothy Breininger, author of Time Efficiency Makeover. Give yourself a break, already! Realize that you’re most likely doing your best on the first try, and stop putting excessive value on every task. Remind yourself by sticking a Post-it somewhere visible that reads: My best is good enough.

2. Conquer indecision.

“Every minute you spend in a state of hesitation stalls efficiency,” says Breininger. As a general rule, allow yourself only 10 seconds to muse, then try this rubber band trick: Wear one around your wrist, and when the time is up, snap it and say, “Whatever I choose is correct — now decide!”

3. Follow your natural rhythms.

ID the time of day you’re most productive, and attack the most demanding tasks then, recommends Breininger. You’re more likely to put in a peak performance when you listen to your body clock.

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