The Science of Getting Things Done: Productivity for Founders
Introduction
As a founder, your to-do list never ends. Between pitching investors, managing a team, growing your customer base, and actually building the product or service—you’re constantly being pulled in multiple directions. Productivity isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the foundation of your business’s momentum and survival.
But here’s the catch: what works for a corporate executive or freelancer won’t always work for founders juggling chaos and uncertainty.
In this post, we’ll explore what productivity really means for entrepreneurs, the science behind getting things done, and five evidence-backed strategies to help you work smarter, not harder.
What is Productivity, and Why Does it Matter to Founders?
At its core, productivity is about output: how efficiently you turn your time, energy, and resources into meaningful results. But for founders, productivity isn’t about squeezing more hours out of the day—it’s about directing your limited energy toward high-leverage tasks that move your business forward.
That means:
Making clear decisions under pressure.
Avoiding energy-draining distractions.
Prioritising long-term gains over short-term tasks.
Productivity is a leadership skill, not just a time management tool.
How to Get Things Done (Like a Founder)
1. Master the Art of Prioritisation with the Eisenhower Matrix
Urgent vs. Important: It’s a trap every founder falls into. The Eisenhower Matrix helps you separate what’s truly important (strategic growth) from what’s simply urgent (email, Slack pings, meeting requests).
Quick Tip: At the start of each day, sort your top 5 tasks into the matrix. Delegate, delay, or delete anything that’s urgent but not important.
2. Use Time Blocking to Protect Your Brain’s Best Hours
Cognitive science shows your brain’s peak performance happens in 90–120 minute intervals. Time blocking helps you schedule deep work during your “prime time”—when you’re most alert and creative.
Founder Hack: Block 9–11 AM for strategic work, no meetings allowed. Save admin tasks for low-energy slots like late afternoons.
3. Eliminate Decision Fatigue with Routines
Barack Obama and Steve Jobs famously wore the same outfit every day to reduce decision fatigue. As a founder, every small choice you eliminate frees up mental space for high-impact decisions.
Try This: Create a “default day” routine—set meal times, workout slots, even default lunch choices. Save brainpower for bigger calls.
4. Apply the 80/20 Rule to Everything
The Pareto Principle suggests 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. Identify your high-leverage tasks—then ruthlessly eliminate or delegate the rest.
Ask Yourself: Which activities create the most momentum or revenue? Double down on those. Say no to the rest—even if they’re “nice to have.”
5. Embrace the Power of a Shut-Down Ritual
Productivity isn’t just about doing more—it’s also about stopping well. Neuroscience shows that clear boundaries help your brain recover and reduce burnout.
Wind Down Practice: End each day by reviewing your wins, setting 3 top tasks for tomorrow, and powering down devices. No doom-scrolling allowed.
Final Thoughts
The most productive founders aren’t the busiest—they’re the most intentional. By applying science-backed strategies to your work habits, you’ll create more clarity, energy, and momentum to build what matters most.
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