4 Proven Steps for Busy People to Reclaim 20 Hours Weekly

Read time: 6 minutes

Learn how to master your time and achieve more with less effort.

New year, new you — but the same old “I'm swamped” feeling? Let's fix that.

Ever catch yourself saying:

• "My day's packed, but I've done nothing important."
• "I miss hanging out with my family."
• "I'm always busy, but where does my time go?"

Sounds familiar, right?

Don't worry, you're not alone.

And here's some good news: there's a way out of this time trap.

This isn't just another set of tips you'll forget by tomorrow.

It's a real game plan for those who feel there's never enough time in the day.

Let’s dive in and find those lost hours.

Ready to make every minute count?

Let's face it, gaining an extra 20 hours a week sounds like a stretch.

But 20 hours weekly is about 12% of your weekly time – so redirecting that is definitely doable.

Cutting straight to the chase: If you're always busy but not making progress, this is for you.

Why?

Because mastering your time is not just about ticking off tasks, it's about feeling accomplished and balanced.

We're tackling the big question: How to get the important stuff done without burning out?

Today, we’re laying out clear, actionable strategies – no fluff, just real solutions.

The secret: Focus + clarity = your winning combo

Bill Gates and Warren Buffett say focus is their secret weapon.

In today’s attention economy, focus is your most valuable currency.

But focus itself is not enough.

We first need clarity.

I mean, focus without clarity is like having a fast car, but being without a destination. You have no clue where you’re going, but you’re heading there real fast.

Clarity sets your direction; focus drives you there.

Time management that actually works

You might think, "I've heard all this before."

But here's where we change the game.

It’s not about squeezing more into your day.

It’s about being smart with your time.

Let’s dive into what makes this different and why it matters to you.

Your 4-step game plan: The 4D way

Let’s get down to business with the 4D Plan:

1. Destination
2. Diagnosis
3. Declutter
4. Direction

These four steps can free up 20+ hours a week. That’s a whole lot of time for the good stuff in life.

Let's break down the 4D's into clear, actionable steps:

1. Destination - The big picture: First up, let's talk about your goals. What do you want your life to look like? Maybe it's working less but achieving more, spending quality time with your loved ones, or just feeling energised and at peace. Think of this as setting your personal GPS. What's your final destination? This isn’t just about listing goals; it’s about imagining the life you truly want and deciding to make it real.

2. Diagnosis - The reality check: Now, take a good, hard look at your everyday life. Are your daily doings helping you get to that ideal life, or are they more of a detour? This step is like being a detective in your own life. List what you do each day and mark whether it's helping (+), hurting (–), or just there (=) in terms of reaching your goals. This is all about figuring out what needs to change so you can stay on track to your destination.

3. Declutter - Clearing the path: Next, let's get rid of the stuff that's in your way (what you marked as –). It's like cleaning out your closet, but instead of clothes, you're sorting through your activities and habits. Too much time on the phone? Binge-watching TV shows? Checking emails constantly? If it's not helping you move forward, it's time to let it go. Decluttering is about making space for the things that matter most and saying goodbye to what doesn’t.

4. Direct - Focusing on what matters: With the clutter gone, it's time to zoom in on what's essential. This step is about taking action. If it's family time you're after, dedicate one morning for a nature hike. If personal growth is a goal, set aside a reading hour for the whole family. If it's about creating inspiring content, set aside a non-negotiable writing block in your calendar. By aligning activities with your priorities, you're making every moment count, directly stepping towards your goals in life and work. It's practical, purposeful living.

   To further level up your focus, try these tactics:

   • 3:3:3 Method: Begin your day with 3 hours of uninterrupted work on your most important project. Then tackle 3 key to-do’s, followed by 3 maintenance tasks. This method ensures you're covering all bases efficiently (hat tip to Oliver Burkeman).
   • Time-Boxing: Allocate recurring time slots for different tasks every week, and stick to these time limits. This keeps your week structured and helps avoid overruns on any one activity.
   • Single-Tasking: When working, individuals switch tasks on average every 3 minutes – this is crazy, and it prevents people from actually moving the needle. Instead, focus on one task at a time, which improves concentration and effectiveness, reducing the time spent on each task.

Each of the 4 steps is a building block towards a life that's not just busy, but full and meaningful.

It's about being honest with yourself, making choices that count, and taking steps that lead you closer to your ideal life.

The 4D's aren't just a plan; they're your personal roadmap to a life you love living.

Get unmistakable clarity with our free worksheet

Want to put the 4D Plan into action effortlessly?

I've crafted a fillable worksheet to guide you through each step of this transformative exercise.

Simply visit this page to download it for free.

Plus, you'll find an accompanying video where I dive deeper into how to effectively use this tool.

Digging deeper: Why this really matters

This isn’t just about saving time. It’s about making your time count.

The 4D Plan doesn’t just boost your productivity; it improves your whole life.

Less stress, clearer mind, and better days. It's about moving from busy to effective.

Wrapping it up: Takeaways for your toolbox

So here’s the deal with the 4D Plan:

1. Destination: Clearly define what your ideal life looks like.
2. Diagnosis: Honestly assess if you're on track to your goals.
3. Declutter: Remove pointless distractions.
4. Direct: Zero in on actions that propel you forward.

Remember, it's not about doing more; it's about doing less, but better.

This year, let's focus on quality, not quantity.

Are you ready to take the plunge and make 2024 your most intentional year yet?

Let’s begin this journey of purposeful living right now.

To making a difference,

Dr Yannick