How I Get More Done Than You

I’ll say upfront… this article is a bit of a different direction than normal.

Let’s start with this premise: it takes more effort than ever before to get traffic nowadays.

I think most of you would agree with that.

For me, that extra effort has made it harder to focus on 3-5 websites on the side like I used to, along with my other side hustles. On top of my “real job” – running my marketing agency.

It takes more precision, more focus, and more effort now to get traffic. And all that time and effort has to come from somewhere.

So, the best way to do all of this is to get more efficient. It’s never been more important than now.

I just ​got back from speaking at a conference in NYC​. Traveling and speaking, while still having all the responsibilities that come with owning your own business, really put into perspective how important it is to get important stuff done!

So, I’m going to share a couple of strategies that aren’t just productivity tips—they’re methods to regain control, find focus, and actually get more done in this chaotic environment.

I always get a bit squirrely when someone says “hacks”… so I won’t call any of these hacks. But I know they work crazy well. They are what I use every day.

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Step 1: My 5-Minute Morning Method for Total Inbox Domination

Most start their day by checking email, but here’s the problem: your inbox has also become your to-do list. And when your to-do list is constantly refreshed by other people’s demands, you lose control of your priorities.

This morning routine changed everything for me, and I know it can do the same for you. Here’s how it works:

1. Open Your Inbox and Skim Quickly: Set a timer for 5 minutes and go through your emails at lightning speed. You’re not trying to respond—just getting a sense of what’s there.
2. Handle Anything That Takes Less Than 5 Minutes: The magic is in the rule. If an email can be answered, acted upon, or resolved in 5 minutes or less, do it right now. Don’t overthink, don’t overcomplicate, and don’t delay.
3. Add Longer Tasks to Your To-Do List: If an email requires more thought or action (e.g., a content strategy request, keyword audit, client proposal), add it to your to-do list or project management tool and set the appropriate due date. Do not leave it in your inbox, and do not let it hijack your focus for the day.
4. Archive Everything Else: Emails that are informational, FYIs, or newsletters you’ll read later? Archive them now. Your goal is to start the day with an empty inbox.

Yes, this is a version of the zero inbox methodology. But not the one that most people use. That one is more focused on eliminating clutter. This is more about taking charge and getting stuff done fast. ​Asana has a good summary of it too​.

So, this daily activity helps… a lot. But, layer on the next one for much more efficiency.

See how I used Pinterest to revitalize my traffic after the HCU destroyed it. September’s earnings were higher than pre-HCU! ​See the process HERE​.

Step 2: The Eisenhower Matrix – The Real Way to “Do Less, Achieve More”

The Eisenhower Matrix is one of the most practical ways I’ve found to make sure I’m working on what truly matters. If you manage a team, then its power is exponential.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how I use it:

1. Urgent & Important: Do It NOW
   • These are the fires you need to put out immediately. Yes, you have to define that, and that is the key. That will depend on your specific business. For me, it’s things like client website issues that could impact traffic. Stuff like that. The key is to make these tasks your priority. Everything else waits.
2. Important but Not Urgent: Schedule It
   • This is where the long-term impact happens… this bucket is for activities that are crucial to success but don’t require immediate action. All client deliverables fall into this. Schedule these tasks deliberately into your week. Most creators fail here—they treat these tasks like optional extras, when they’re actually the activities that create sustained growth.
3. Urgent but Not Important: Delegate or Automate
   • The key to multiplying your time lies in automation and delegation. Schedule social media posts, outsource routine editing, or use tools to automate analytics reports. Freeing up time in this quadrant can be the difference between working in your business and working on your business.
4. Not Urgent & Not Important: Eliminate Ruthlessly
   • These are the time-suckers. Learning how to identify them is almost like a cheat code in your efficiency. But, in general, if it doesn’t contribute to your growth, it goes. Period.

Implementing the Eisenhower Matrix isn’t just about saving time. It’s about transforming how you experience your workday. It’s about cutting out what drains you and focusing on what drives you. You’ll gain more clarity, more progress, and, surprisingly, more energy.

This framework does a couple of things every day for me:

• The important stuff doesn’t slip through the cracks
• I’m constantly focused on delegation, which means my list is a lot shorter
• I work a lot less hours

How to Build, Grow, and Monetize a Successful Email Newsletter – ​you can read my entire process HERE​!

Step 3: Advanced Efficiency Hacks I Don’t Think You Should Ignore

If you really want to take your productivity to the next level, try incorporating these additional time-saving techniques. They’re simple to implement but deliver massive returns over time.

1. Learn Keyboard Shortcuts (Forget the Mouse)
   • Keyboard shortcuts are like small incremental wins throughout your day. Whether it’s switching between tabs, copying/pasting, or navigating through tools, eliminating your reliance on the mouse can shave off seconds that compound into hours saved each week. The less you use your mouse, the faster you get things done.
   • Focus on the most-used tools first (e.g., Gmail, Slack, Excel, Google Docs), and master the basic shortcuts for each. It might feel awkward at first, but over time, it’ll feel like second nature.
2. Use a Text Expander
   • Imagine being able to type out entire responses with just a few keystrokes. That’s the magic of text expander tools like [TextExpander, PhraseExpress, etc.]. You can create shortcuts for repetitive text like common email replies, URLs, or even specific SEO guidelines. I use it to write emails, fill out forms, communicate with team members, etc
   • I’ve personally saved hours of my life by having canned responses.
3. Gmail Canned Responses (Or Equivalent)
   • If you’re in Gmail, use “Canned Responses” to save templates for emails you send frequently. Whether it’s outreach, follow-ups, or client onboarding, these pre-written templates will save you time and ensure consistency in your communications. All it takes is a few clicks, and your email is ready to send—no need to start from scratch each time.

But Jared… what about AI?

You probably noticed… I haven’t mentioned AI yet.

Yes, I’m using AI to make myself more efficient, quite a bit. BUT…

AI is a tool. The principles in this post are foundational. This article is about your mindset and your approach.

AI can mask over this stuff, meaning that you’ll have a bad process that now operates a bit more efficiently. But, set up a really good foundation and process, then layer AI on top, and now you’re talking.

If you want to hear more about how I’m using AI to be more efficient, just quickly reply and let me know. I can publish a separate article on that.

Why This Matters—Especially Now

In a market where more is being asked of you to achieve the same results, efficiency isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity. In this kind of environment, being efficient isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. You can’t afford to waste time on low-impact tasks.

This isn’t the first “how to be more efficient” article you’ve read, haha. I know. I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel here or anything. I’m just sharing what works for me.

More time + more focus = more projects (should you choose).

If you have any questions, just let me know!