How to make work go by faster

7 of our best tips and tricks to make work go by faster

Do you ever feel like your workday is lasting forever? We’ve all been there. From a thankless task you wish you could get out of, to a tricky problem that's impossible to solve, it's difficult to not clock watch when time passes slowly.

But we all know a watched pot never boils, and sometimes you need to find a way to maintain concentration on the boring things on your to-do list.

Let's take a look at the top insights and tips shared by FLOWN's Flock facilitators to help make work go by faster, and speed up your ability to get things done in the process.

Nate sets micro goals

We all know setting goals for yourself helps with motivation, but have you ever really broken a goal down?

Rather than finishing a presentation by the end of the day have you thought about drafting a slide every 30 minutes? Rather than completing a 2,000-word report, have you thought about how many words you can write in 20 minutes?

Nate, FLOWN’s head of live experiences, says these mental challenges can help us pass time and get us into a flow state. Micro goals make mundane tasks more urgent as we sprint towards the finish line at the end of each time block. Try combining your micro tasks with the Pomodoro technique for a real spike of motivation.

Discover your work personality

Take our 90-second quiz, you’ll understand what’s holding you back from focus so you can become a deep work master.

You'll also get your very own overcoming procrastination worksheet, so you can kick the procrastination habit for good!

Take the quiz

Georgie always Declutters her desk to get work done faster

A 2011 study hypothesized that visual distractions like clutter and mess overload the brain's cognitive function and reduce working memory.

This can create a slow workday as you can't find the momentum to get through your to-do list, not to mention the hours go a lot slower in an unpleasant environment.

One study even suggested that excess clutter can trigger avoidance strategies like eating junk and watching TV shows.

Georgie, FLOWN's resident creativity and wellbeing coach, suggests decluttering your physical space is a bit like wiping your computer. It’s going to leave you with a lot more brain processing power to get meaningful work done and make time go faster.

Micah recommends taking a break in nature

It can be tempting to try and power through a slow day without taking a break, but this will only make you less productive overall and reduce your focus.

FLOWN's productivity coach Micah’s advice? Take a break to give your mind a rest. You’ll be surprised at how much more efficient you are after a dose of fresh air when you come back to your work.

Science reckons the most efficient break-to-work ratio is job-related tasks for 52 minutes, before a 17-minute break.

Vic enjoys working from a new location

And she's not the only one. Studies show a positive link between work location enjoyment and productivity, especially with remote workers.

So if you're trying to make time go faster for a piece of work or feeling bored, why not try taking that work into a new environment such as:

• Co-working at a friend's house

• Going to a remote working space

• Visiting a cafe

• Working from the library

Vic says this change in the physical state can make time go faster by stimulating you even if your work doesn’t.

Arjun uses time blocking to create his perfect routine

Time blocking is the practice of breaking down a longer period of time. For example, taking a 9-5 day and turning it into a series of two-hour blocks.

You can then allocate specific tasks to each block, which will increase productivity and help you better focus on one task at a time.

FLOWN's mindful meditation instructor Arjun says if you use this practice regularly you can shape your week with a mixture of deep and shallow work to make time go faster based on your preferences. For example, doing deep work first thing in the morning, shallow work after lunch and meetings in the late afternoon.

Time blocking is a great way to access a deep work state that should make work go faster.

Jack tries to prioritize meaningful work

It's easy to get stuck in non-essential tasks, moving from one boring thing to another because they feel urgent. But for the longevity of your work engagement, you can make time go faster by seeking out pleasant tasks and meaningful work that inspires you.

Foundational meaningful work is defined as challenging work, in which you have a clear role and there is a meaningful reward for it. So if you're waiting desperately for the working day to finish all the time, consider:

• Finding work that challenges you and develops your skills

• Clarifying your role in a project so you know how you're contributing

• Having a one-to-one with your boss to talk about where your role could be heading if a project is successful

• Figuring out how a task connects to your deeper why and visualizing how you'll feel once it gets done

FLOWN's Awe Walk guide Jack suggests experimenting with prioritizing deep work when you normally have a slump and need to make time go faster. Whether that's the first thing on a Monday morning or jumping over the Wednesday afternoon hump, your daily routine should set you up for success.

Unlock the power of routines

5 steps to a procrastination free morning routine

Lorna swears by changing up her background music

If you're someone who likes to listen to music whilst working, FLOWN yoga guide Lorna reckons trying a new style or playlist can sometimes refresh a stale working routine. It won't suddenly make a dull role into a dream job, but if you have a specific task that is dragging, a fun playlist can help you get through it a bit faster.

(Lorna's electro swing cover playlist is the stuff of legend within Flocks.)

Remember some important factors help define whether music is a help or a hindrance when it comes to work, such as:

• How complex the music is

• Whether it has lyrics

• Whether you’re used to listening to music to concentrate

• How difficult the task is that you’re doing

• Whether it's your choice to listen to the music

So whilst a neo-classical work playlist you choose to listen to can help make time go faster, a lyric-filled pop playlist may just slow things down.

Learn how to build the ultimate work playlist

The science and art of finding music to focus to

Your working habits are in constant evolution

As you go through different phases of your relationship with work, you’ll need to consistently update your practices to keep you engaged. Try experimenting with our tips and tricks and reflecting on how they make you feel.Though there will always be tasks that you find more boring, on the whole, If you’re focused and engaged with work you find meaningful, time will fly by.

If you find yourself consistently dreading your job and clockwatching every day perhaps it's time to start asking deeper questions about what kind of environment you need to thrive.