How To Be Faster In Everything. The Ultimate Guide!

Why am I so slow in doing everything?

I always had a controversial relationship with Time. I have been alwas researching about how to be faster in anything I do.

It happens to me time and time again to think of myself as particularly “slow”, or “not smart enough” to work on my goals or believing i can accomplishing them in a span of reasonable  time   

I have so many interests, things that I would love to learn, practice, master, share…

So many places I would love to visit, new cultures to get to know, so many people to meet..and the pressing, nagging thought that time is never enough for me…

How to be faster and accomplish more?

I even asked for professional help (3 different cycles of psychotherapy…), read tons of books on the subject, forums, blog posts, talked with friends and the best individuals in my circle of acquaintances…

All to understand myself better and receive at the same time precious insights from better minds than mine…

The First thing to focus On

Yeeeah….This sound a little too philosophical, I know…

I’ll try to explain it in a more concrete way. Let me share with you a list of the most common issues i found.

Let´s discuss them together : 

1. Inability To Choose
2. Lack Of Motivation Or Interest
3. Physical Or Mental Fatigue
4. Time Management Issues
5. Difficulty With The Task Itself
6. Attention Or Concentration Problems
7. Underlying Health Issues
8. Procrastination
9. Disorganization
10. #LackSkillKnowledge
11. Distractions And Interruptions
12. Lack Of Resources

I think this article will benefit you the most if you take the time to reflect on the concepts above as a starting point.

Let your mind wander for a couple of minutes and point out the issues affecting your specific situation.

Writing down your findings while your mind elaborates on them is a true and tested system to go deep in detail in areas you did not even know existed in your conscious and subconscious mind.

(you find yourself spontaneously asking and answering questions, the answer bringing more questions and details, and the circle continues).

So do not miss the opportunity just assuming that an app on your smartphone will do the job anyway.

This is simply not true!

Now, like promised, let’s expand a bit on each of the points in the list : 

Inability To Choose

Let me explain : You could have a hard time choosing from different projects, as well as from the multitude of tasks necessary to finish a specific one.

You cannot determine the value of one as opposed to the other, and so you can not only not prioritize your schedule but even not make a choice between the different options at disposal. 

Here is where something curious can happen : since you cannot choose, you keep bouncing between different assignments of each project, trying in vain to keep the ball bouncing for any of them.

This was something I had to discuss extensively with my psychologist. In the end she told me something simple but extremely powerful : “If you keep switching like that, it means that you haven’t made a choice, and still the way you are acting will soon bring you to fail in both instances..are you interested in losing everything? If you have to choose, then just choose.

If you pretend to have chosen for something, while you are concerned the whole day for not having chosen the other, then you are screwing on both”.

OUCH!! 😧

Lack of motivation or interest

You don’t have a strong desire to complete a task. Or you don’t find the task engaging, you might feel sluggish and unenthused.

In this case, try to find ways to increase your motivation or make the task more interesting.

This could involve:

• decompose the task to set clear goals, or
• finding a way to make the task more meaningful or enjoyable, or
• seeking support or accountability from others.

Physical or mental fatigue 

If you are feeling tired or drained, it can be difficult to maintain focus and energy.

Your quest on how to be faster has to include enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in physical activity that helps you feel energized. You might also consider trying relaxation techniques or finding ways to manage stress.

Time management issues 

If you feel like you don’t have enough time to complete tasks or that you are constantly racing against the clock, it can be tough to stay on top of things.

Consider ways to optimize your schedule, such as setting aside specific blocks of time for different tasks or using time-management tools.

And by the way, I wrote a whole post about a modern, working Time-Management meaning, check it out!

Difficulty with the task itself 

Sometimes, a task might be too difficult or complex, leading to feelings of frustration and overwhelm. If this is the case, try breaking the task down into smaller, more manageable pieces or seeking help from others.

Attention or concentration problems 

If you are having trouble focusing or maintaining your attention on tasks, it can be tough to get things done efficiently. Consider strategies like minimizing distractions, taking breaks, or using techniques like the Pomodoro method to help you stay on track.

Underlying health issues 

In some cases, feelings of sluggishness or difficulty completing tasks might be related to an underlying health issue, such as depression, anxiety, or a momentary physical problems. If you have been struggling with these issues for an extended period of time or if you are experiencing other concerning symptoms, it might be a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional for help.

Procrastination 

If you tend to put off tasks until the last minute, it will be tough to stay on top of everything. Procrastination can be driven by a variety of factors, such as lack of motivation or confidence, fear of failure, or difficulty getting started or even addition to the rush. To combat procrastination, try setting clear goals, breaking tasks down into smaller steps, setting hard deadlines and points of control along the way.

Disorganization

If you have a lot of tasks to complete but you don’t have a clear plan for how to tackle them, it can be tough to stay on top of everything. Experimenting on how to be faster, include technology: try using tools like calendars or project management software to help you keep track and measure your accomplshments.

It is also a worderful tactic to set aside dedicated time for organizing your work and to establish routines that help you stay focused and on track.

Lack of skills or knowledge 

If you feel like you don’t have the necessary skills or knowledge to complete a task, it can be tough to get started or to make progress.

In this case, try seeking out resources or support to help you build the skills or knowledge you need. This might involve taking a class or training program, finding a mentor or coach, or simply doing some research and self-study.

Distractions and interruptions 

If you are constantly being pulled away from your work by distractions or interruptions, it can be tough to make progress on tasks.

To minimize distractions, try setting boundaries around your work time, establishing rules for when and how you will check email or social media, and finding a quiet, distraction-free workspace (follow the link to read more, i am sure it can benefit you😊).

Lack of resources 

If you don’t have the necessary tools or resources to complete a task, it can be tough to make progress. In this case, try identifying the specific resources you need and finding ways to obtain them. This might involve asking for support from colleagues or superiors, seeking out new tools or software, or simply doing some research to find the resources you need.

Ouff…Thank you for taking the time to invest in yourself. By taking your time to identify the specific factors that are affecting you, you can work towards developing strategies for improving your efficiency and getting things done more quickly, regain confidence and crush everything on your path. 

But let me stress again how important it is to be kind to yourself and to take things one step at a time – 

Yeah, it takes time and practice to develop good time-management skills, so be patient with yourself and don’t be afraid to try different techniques and approaches until you find what meets easily your style of working on things.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it is a bad mistake to rush things when they relate to your long-term well being. It’s absolutely okay if you don’t get everything done right away, the focus has to be on learning the mechanics and making them a habit.

How to be faster right now? Here is how : 

Great, we are done with the diagnostics…what then??

Your best bet is to design a clean and actionable strategy. You have to see results fast enough to hold your interest and motivation alive.

Here is a solid summary about how to be faster coming from my research, my years as a Trainer, my years as a Father : 

1. Set clear goals
2. Break tasks down into smaller steps
3. Use time-management tools
4. Minimize distractions
5. Get organized
6. Seek out resources and support
7. Practice time-management techniques
8. Take breaks
9. Prioritize Tasks 
10. Establish routines
11. Find Ways To Streamline or Outsource
12. Find Your Peak-Productivity Time
13. Use the Power Of Momentum
14. Seek Out Ways To Reduce Stress
15. Find the humor in everyday situations

Set Clear Goals 

Before you begin a task, always take a moment to clarify your outcomes and priorities. What do you hope to accomplish, what is the most important outcome? WHY is it so important?

By clarifying yourself your goals, you can stay motivated despite the fatigue and  also avoid wasting time on tasks that aren’t clear enough or directly related to your objectives.

Break Tasks Down Into Smaller Steps

As your adult life goes on, you will be often faced with large, complex tasks. 

It can be sometimes overwhelming and difficult to know where to start. To make progress more manageable, practice and make an habit of breaking the task down into smaller, more manageable steps. This will help you to both stay focused on the big picture while also avoiding to forget vital details.

Use Time-Management Tools 

Yes, Technology can come handy here instead! Calendars, to-do lists, and other time-management tools can be incredibly helpful for staying organized and on track. 

Like discussed before, avoid them staying in the way while brainstorming, but then systematize as much as possible with any help from reminders, project-management tools and voice-notes details you feel useful for your tasks.  

Within a little time you will define your “perfect suite” of tools and techniques to accelerate your work while reducing stress.

(but, by the way, never forget to implement the first and most important step to Time-Management mastery! Read more in this article!)

Minimize Distractions 

Ow ow, this is a painful one…distractions and interruptions can be a major barrier to accomplish the most from the time at your disposal. 

Saying focused on difficult tasks is, well, difficult! 🙂

…but how to be faster if you are constantly distracted?

Take care to employ strategies to minimize distractions as much as possible. This might involve setting boundaries around your work time, establishing rules for when and how you will check email or social media, as well as building a quiet, distraction-free workspace.

Get Organized 

This one is simply a different kind of distraction… a cluttered workspace or disorganized files and documents can make it tough to find what you need while eating precious time and energy. Please do yourself a favor : make it a habit to keep your work area clean and organized (that is practically to say: create systems for keeping all you need up to date and always in the same place so that you never have to waste your time searching!) 

Seek Out Resources And Support 

If you are struggling with a task for too long or if you don’t have the necessary skills or knowledge to complete it, don’t be afraid to seek out help. This might involve asking a colleague for assistance, finding a mentor or coach, or taking a class or training program to build your skills.

You read this time and time again on this website : The money spent to improve yourself is the best investment you can do. Period.

Practice Time-Management Techniques 

There are many different time-management techniques that can show you how to be faster.

One popular method we discussed in a previous post is the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working in focused 25-minute blocks, followed by short breaks.

Other techniques include time-blocking, in which you schedule specific blocks of time for different tasks, and the old-truly Eisenhower Matrix, which helps you prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency.

But you are in good hands here, i have a whole category of posts specifically on the topic of Productivity and Time-Management, check it out! 🙂

Take Breaks!

It’s important to take breaks and give yourself time to rest and recharge. While it’s important to stay focused and work efficiently, taking regular breaks can actually help you work more effectively in the long run. Experiment with different break schedules to find what works best for you.

Here is  a YouTube Video I made some time ago about this important aspect and also some other related strategy that will improve your overall results for sure. Enjoy! –

Prioritize Tasks 

With so many tasks waiting for your attention, it can be tough to know where to start. To make progress more efficiently, try prioritizing your tasks based on their importance and urgency. 

A simple tool like the Eisenhower Matrix, can come handy here. (The Eisenhower Matrix was designed to evaluate tasks based on importance and urgency),

It helps you create your list of priorities for the day or for the whole project.

…But also the classic to-do list and tackling the most important tasks first is far better than staying stuck eating chips and watching tv… 😂

Establish Routines 

Establishing routines is largely undervalued as a tool to stay focused and on track.

Popular practices are for instance setting aside specific blocks of time for different tasks. Or creating a morning routine to help you start your day with a positive mood.

You know…even your coffee routine is key to confidently attack your first activities. 🤣🤣🤣

Experiment also creating a winding-down routine to help you relax and unwind at the end of the day.

How To Be Faster by Delegetion

Systemize as much as the task allows you!

If you find that you are spending a lot of time on repetitive tasks that could be done more efficiently, try to standardize the process.

This might involve automating tasks = implementing systems.

Use tools or software to streamline your workflows, or to simply complete tasks more efficiently.

Or the overall time involved in the task too costly for you?

In this Internet Era there are more than enough ways to outsource different activities:

Check out platforms like UpWork or Fiverr for instance.

It is easy to contact Virtual assistants, Web Designers, Engineers or every skill you could need at the moment. You could even build a virtual team of professionals always at your disposal.

Find Your Peak Productivity Time 

Everyone has different times of day when they feel most productive and focused. Experiment with different work schedules to find what works best for you. 

This should be the base of implementing a frame of reference for your windows of “Discretionary Time” (doubts? follow the link then 😁).

Maybe you are a morning person, then try tackling your most important tasks first thing in the morning.

If you are a night owl instead, you might find that you are more productive in the evenin (while the city sleeps…).

Now the Big picture should be complete! Let’s arrange some detail 🙂 :

Use The Power Of Momentum 

Once we get started on a task, it is normally easier to keep going. 

To build momentum, try tackling your most important tasks first.

Or chunk them small, setting achievable goals that you can complete quickly. The confidence coming from the positive flux of dopamine will then help you maintain momentum, making it easier to stay focused and make progress.

How To Be Faster and Reduce Stress 

Stress can be a major barrier to productivity. If you are feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, it will be hard and tedious to stay focused….

So reducing stress is key. Now, everybody is different about recovering from stress, so you have to experiment and find what works for you. Try incorporating relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing into your routine.

Your quest in how to be faster in anything includes finding ways to manage your workload more effectively…

So simply take the time to do things you enjoy.

My favorite of all? : find a way to laugh hard like an idiot for a couple of minutes until my belly hurts…

Sometimes I accomplish that by fake-wrestling with my daughter Mavi, or making pranks to my wife Wilma.

I could surf YT for a short video of my favorite comedian…

Or even raid the bathroom while one of my kids is doing his thing…find yours! 😄

Find The Humor In Everyday Situations 

This is related to the previous one :

If you can find a way to relate the topic you are working on to something funny or absurd, it can help to lighten the mood, take it easier and recover energy.

Sometimes, the best way to add humor to a topic is simply to find the absurdity in everyday situations. For example, you might highlight to yourself the ridiculousness of trying to juggle too many tasks at once.

Or the absurdity of trying to get organized when you are constantly being interrupted. You could even incorporate some humor while talking to a customer or humming songs while attempting a complex repair.

…Just make sure that your behavior is appropriate enough for the circumstance! 😅

Conclusion 

This article is the result of my many years of trial-and-error, start-again-from-scratch and some broken bones… 🤣…:

In the first part we went deeply into several possible causes that inhibit systematically your capability to perform at your best.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, rather than a reliable start to measure yourself from and ultimately find your particular issues to fix.

In the second section a large report of useful tips to implement is provided with additional insights for any of them.

I warmly encourage you to start a specific project about “How to be faster”.

Go deep. Develop a plan and a deadline to design a “standard” course of action you will employ constantly to approach any new endeavor of yours.

By implementing these and other strategies you will find going ahead, you will reliably improve your speed and efficiency in completing tasks. 

Experiment with different techniques and approaches until you find what works best for you, don’t be afraid to try something new if what you are doing isn’t working.

All the useful adjustments will come with time and practice, I guarantee you. But if you start now you will be building a powerful stress-killer system to accomplish anything at a speed you now don’t even think possible. 

This was a long ride, so thank you very much for reading.

If you have any kind of question, or just want to contribute with your personal experiences, feel free to write them all in the comments.