Most time drains aren’t epic disasters—they’re small leaks. Plug a few of them with these one-minute tasks and you’ll bank back surprising time.

1) Put chargers where you use them

A dead phone derails plans. Place a charger where you sit at night and one in your bag. Future-you won’t scramble.

2) Name your files clearly

“draft_final_v3(2).docx” guarantees confusion. Use a simple pattern: topic-yyyymmdd.ext.

3) Pre-fill tomorrow’s top 3

Write three must-dos for tomorrow before you stop today. Decision made → smoother start.

4) Reset your workspace

Put tools back where they belong. Visual chaos = cognitive load.

5) Pin most-used tabs

Email, docs, dashboard—pin them so you don’t hunt.

6) Set a 2-minute timer for dishes

Future breakfast is faster when the sink isn’t a project.

7) Turn on auto-updates (non-work hours)

Let apps update while you sleep; avoid surprise patch delays.

8) Snapshot receipts

Snap, tag with the vendor name, toss the paper. Taxes and expenses get easier.

9) Create a “waiting on” list

When you’re waiting for replies, put names on one list. Review once a day so balls don’t drop.

10) Pack a micro-kit

Earbuds, pen, sticky notes, USB stick. Prevent last-minute scavenger hunts.

Try this today: Pick three from the list and set a recurring reminder to do them at the same time each evening. Small moves, big momentum.