Getting things done is something we all struggle with. It’s not just about completing all the tasks on our to-do list, but also about performing better, being efficient, doing it fast and feeling accomplished in the end.

So if you really want to improve your results and double your productivity, check out these tips and tricks from the masters of time management:

1. Start small.

Often people look at the big picture when starting to work on a new project and they feel overwhelmed. That makes them procrastinate and eventually even fail.

But each big thing can be broken down into smaller tasks. Every activity and project, be it at work or for personal stuff, can be divided into easy and quick steps to take, each of which will get you closer to your final goal.

So do it today. Then, break them down into even tinier steps. The goal is to have one simple action to start with that takes less than 5 minutes.

This way you won’t wonder where to begin or what to do next. You’ll also have a sense of accomplishment after each step. Which will keep you motivated and consistent in the long-term.

2. Do one thing at a time.

Multitasking is a bad habit that steals our productivity.

Instead, successful people choose to single-task – to do one thing at a time, but to focus their attention only on it and eliminate all distractions.

And that improves their performance and lets them do their best.

Our mind isn’t really programmed to work on more than one thing in the present moment. It gets distracted by jumping from one task to another. But if focused on one activity, it does its job well.

3. Prepare.

Make a step-by-step plan before you start.

Set a deadline – that helps a lot and prevents you from putting things off for later.

Decide on a particular time of the day when you’ll get to work and stick to it no matter what.

Preparation also means analyzing what can go wrong and doing something about it now. So, in this case, let other people know when you’re doing your most productive work and trying to stay focused so that they won’t come in the room, call or text you unless it’s something urgent.

4. Find your best time of the day.

My most productive time is in the very first part of the day. That’s why I’m ruthless with it and know that if I wake up early and get to work right away, I’ll get a lot done and will be happy with the results. That itself will help me build momentum and keep going till the evening.

So find your best time and cherish it.

5. Don’t be a perfectionist.

Perfectionism prevents you from taking action and completing daily tasks. So it must be eliminated.

Know that failure is part of the process, so don’t fear it. Also, don’t overanalyze things before you actually start working on them. All that will let you lose motivation and you’ll procrastinate even more.

Let go of perfectionism by knowing that you’ll do your best no matter what. And even if you fail in some way, you can always try again and do things better.

6. Keep your why in mind.

If a certain task is on your to-do list, then it must be important. And only you know how it can help you become a better person, get things done, achieve a goal of yours, or improve your lifestyle. So remind yourself of that as often as you can.

You can also visualize success in details. See your work completed and feel good about it before it has actually happened. That’s an instant motivation boost.

Time management is a powerful skill these days with all the distractions around us and all the chances to procrastinate. So get better at it by following the advice in this article.

What other secrets to getting things done have you tried?