Do you ever feel like you’re working harder than ever but never seem to get caught up? Or, feel as if there are never enough hours in a day? Don’t feel bad. We’ve all been there.

I’m Stanley Meytin and I completely get where you’re coming from. But I also know that it doesn’t have to be that way. There are many methods by which you can get work done quickly and more efficiently, which will make you happier and even more productive. It’s all about working smarter, not harder. Let’s take a look at some of those ways, and I hope that incorporating them into your daily schedule will make you a more efficient, and less stressed, professional.

1. Schedule Your Time

Sounds obvious, right? But not everyone schedules their time in a disciplined way. By that, I mean actually writing tasks in your calendar – because what gets scheduled almost always gets done. If urgent tasks come up, as they often will, then re-schedule your planned task for another time. And always remember to prioritize your tasks. Do the ones first that have to get done today.

2. Take Breaks

Wait a second. Taking a break will help you get more done? Absolutely it will. It’s easy to just keep on working – to keep powering through task after task – without letting up, but when you don’t give yourself breaks you begin to lose your sharpness. I strongly urge you to take short breaks throughout the day. You’ll re-energize and keep yourself working at maximum efficiency.

3. Set Clear Goals

We’ve all heard of the importance of setting goals, but having clearly-defined, specific goals will help you work smarter. Without them you’ll race from task to task with no sense of priority.

4. Avoid Multitasking

I’d like you to ditch the notion that multitasking makes you a more effective employee. Our brains simply aren’t wired to do two tasks at once, or at least do them well. Focus on one task at a time, finish it completely, then move on to the next one.

5. Turn Stuff Off

Think of all those times when you’ve been completely focused on a project but suddenly interrupted by a text or email. If you really want to get something done, turn off your phone and gadgets. If someone really, urgently needs to get in touch with you, they’ll find a way.

6. Get Enough Sleep

I know how it is. You think that working crazy long hours and skimping on sleep will help you get more done. But lack of sleep won’t help you work smarter. It negatively affects the neurons in your brain and makes less sharp and less focused.

7. Delegate

One of the valuable lessons I’ve learned from experience and successful business owners is that other people can complete a vast majority of my everyday tasks. In turn, this frees me up to focus on those tasks at which I thrive.

8. Work When You’re At Work

Focus on your work – while you’re at work. And when you’re with family and friends? Leave work behind and focus on them and their activities. You’ll be better off in both parts of your life.

9. Use Your Prime Energy

What time of the day do you tend to have the most focus and energy? Plan your most difficult tasks around this time of the day, when you’re energy is high.

I hope these nine suggestions will help you out. I know they’ve helped me – Stanley Meytin – become a better, more efficient entrepreneur.