1. The 5-Minute Rule

Got a task you’ve been dreading? Commit to working on it for just five minutes. Once you get started, you’ll often find it’s not as bad as you thought—and you’ll probably keep going. This hack helps you beat procrastination and get things done without feeling overwhelmed.

2. Single-Tasking, Not Multitasking

Contrary to popular belief, multitasking doesn’t make you more productive. Old-school productivity experts knew that focusing on one task at a time leads to better results. Give your full attention to what you’re doing, and you’ll get it done faster—and better—than if you’re juggling multiple things

3. Eat the Frog

This quirky tip is all about tackling your hardest task first thing in the morning. The idea is that once you’ve done the toughest thing on your list, everything else will feel easier. Plus, you’ll have that accomplishment under your belt before the day even gets started.

4. Time Blocking

Before calendars were digital, people used to block out chunks of their day for specific tasks. It’s still one of the most effective ways to manage your time. Set aside time for focused work, meetings, and breaks, and you’ll find yourself more productive with less stress.

5. Start with Small Wins

Sometimes, the key to a productive day is simply starting. Knock out a few small, easy tasks to build momentum, and you’ll be surprised how quickly you move on to bigger projects. These quick wins give you a psychological boost, making the rest of your day feel more manageable.

6. Stand Up While You Work

This may sound simple, but standing up while you work can boost both energy and focus. Before fancy standing desks, people knew that getting on their feet helped fight fatigue and kept the brain engaged. Try standing for part of your day and see how much more productive you feel.

7. The Two-Minute Tidy

Cluttered workspace, cluttered mind. Before you dive into a big project, spend just two minutes tidying up your area. A cleaner workspace leads to a clearer head, making it easier to focus and be productive.

8. Batch Your Emails

Instead of checking your inbox every five minutes, try batching your emails into set times during the day. This forgotten hack prevents constant interruptions and helps you stay focused on the task at hand. When you handle emails all at once, you’ll free up more mental space for real work.

9. Take Walking Breaks

Back in the day, people would take a walk when they needed to clear their heads or think through a problem. Walking breaks aren’t just for physical health—they’re a powerful way to reset your brain, boost creativity, and come back to work feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the next challenge.

10. Use a Timer

Before fancy time-tracking apps, people relied on a simple kitchen timer to stay focused. The Pomodoro Technique, for example, breaks work into 25-minute sprints followed by a short break. Using a timer creates a sense of urgency and helps you power through tasks without burning out. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish in a short burst of time.

11. Set a Hard Stop Time

In the past, people had clear work hours, and when the clock hit quitting time, they were done. Setting a hard stop for your workday helps prevent burnout and gives you something to work toward. It also forces you to prioritize what’s really important, so you get the essential stuff done without dragging things out all night.

12. The Ivy Lee Method

This productivity technique, developed in the early 20th century, involves writing down the six most important tasks to accomplish the next day, in order of priority. The next day, start with the first task and work down the list. This method keeps you focused and ensures you’re always working on what matters most.

13. The Two-Minute Rule

If a task will take two minutes or less to complete, do it immediately. This simple rule helps prevent small tasks from piling up and becoming overwhelming. It’s a quick way to maintain momentum and keep your to-do list from getting cluttered with easy-to-handle items.

14. Pomodoro Break Activities

Instead of scrolling through your phone during breaks, try engaging in a purposeful break activity. Old-school productivity hacks encouraged things like stretching, breathing exercises, or even a few minutes of doodling. These activities can help you recharge without falling into distraction traps.

15. Use Pen and Paper

Before digital to-do lists, people relied on pen and paper to keep track of tasks. Writing things down by hand has been shown to improve focus and memory retention. Plus, there’s something satisfying about physically crossing items off your list as you complete them.

These forgotten productivity hacks may seem simple, but they can completely change how you work. Which one will you try to get more done with less stress?