Mastering Time: Essential Hacks for High Achievers to Maximize Productivity

By Karry Kleeman
3x SaaS Exited CRO | Board Member | Investor | Advisor | GTM Executive

High achievers don’t have more hours in the day than anyone else—they just use their time differently. The ability to manage time effectively is one of the most critical skills for success, whether you’re leading a high-performing team, scaling a business, or simply trying to make the most of each day.

Over my career in sales leadership, go-to-market strategy, and revenue growth, I’ve learned that time management isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing the right things with focus and efficiency. Here are the time management hacks that have helped me maximize productivity, maintain momentum, and lead with impact.

1. Prioritize Like a CEO

Time is your most valuable asset, and how you allocate it determines your success. The best way to ensure you’re spending time on high-impact activities is to prioritize effectively.

  • Use the Eisenhower Matrix – Classify tasks into four categories: urgent & important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important. Focus on what truly moves the needle.
  • Start with the hardest task first (Eat the Frog Method) – Tackle the most challenging or important task first thing in the morning when your energy is highest.
  • Limit your daily priorities – Focus on 3–5 key priorities per day rather than drowning in a never-ending to-do list.

2. Time Blocking for Deep Work

Distractions are the enemy of high achievement. One of the best ways to avoid them is to schedule dedicated time blocks for focused work.

  • Set ‘No-Meeting’ Zones – Block off chunks of uninterrupted time on your calendar for deep work.
  • Follow the 90-minute rule – Work in focused 90-minute blocks followed by a short break to maximize productivity and avoid burnout.
  • Use a time tracker – Apps like RescueTime or Toggl can help you understand where your time goes and optimize it accordingly.

3. Leverage Technology for Efficiency

AI and automation can help streamline tasks, reduce manual work, and increase efficiency.

  • Automate low-value tasks – Use AI-powered tools like scheduling assistants, CRM automation, and email templates to save time.
  • Batch similar tasks together – Group tasks like email responses, meetings, or content creation to minimize context switching.
  • Use the 2-minute rule – If a task takes less than 2 minutes, do it immediately instead of letting it pile up.

4. Master the Art of Saying No

High achievers guard their time fiercely. Every “yes” to one thing is a “no” to something else.

  • Assess every request – Before committing, ask: “Does this align with my goals?” If not, politely decline.
  • Use strategic delegation – Empower others to take on tasks that don’t require your direct involvement.
  • Set boundaries – Protect personal and focus time by setting clear expectations with your team and colleagues.

5. Optimize Meetings for Maximum Impact

Meetings can be one of the biggest time wasters if not managed properly.

  • Have a clear agenda – Every meeting should have a defined purpose and outcome.
  • Limit meeting times – Keep meetings short (15-30 minutes when possible) to drive efficiency.
  • Eliminate unnecessary meetings – If it can be resolved with an email or quick Slack message, skip the meeting.

6. The 80/20 Rule: Focus on High-Leverage Activities

The Pareto Principle states that 80% of outcomes come from 20% of efforts. Identify your highest-impact activities and prioritize them.

  • Audit your time – Identify which activities generate the most results and double down on those.
  • Minimize low-value tasks – Cut out or delegate tasks that don’t contribute meaningfully to your goals.
  • Keep a ‘Stop Doing’ list – Identify time-wasting activities and eliminate them from your routine.

7. Protect Your Energy & Avoid Burnout

Time management isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working smarter while maintaining balance.

  • Get enough sleep – High performance starts with proper rest and recovery.
  • Schedule breaks – Taking short breaks increases overall efficiency and prevents burnout.
  • Move your body – Exercise, even just a short walk, boosts focus and productivity.

Final Thoughts: Make Every Minute Count

Time is the most valuable resource we have, and how we use it defines our success. High achievers don’t just work harder—they work smarter. By implementing these time management strategies, you can unlock more productivity, reduce stress, and focus on what truly matters.

The best time to start optimizing your time is now. What’s the one change you can make today to take control of your schedule and drive greater impact?

About Karry Kleeman

​​Karry Kleeman is a seasoned software executive, go-to-market strategist, and revenue leader. He thrives at the intersection of business growth and human connection, blending a sharp instinct for scaling companies with a deep passion for people and a commitment to infusing a human touch into the process. He is known for bringing energy and clarity to organizations—rallying teams around a common mission, driving execution, and creating momentum that fuels growth.

With a career spanning decades in enterprise software, Karry has built and led high-performing revenue organizations from early-stage startups to IPOs and strategic acquisitions. He has played a pivotal role in scaling multiple companies to successful exits, generating well over $1 billion in enterprise value. At LogicGate, he architected a go-to-market strategy that propelled the company from $1M to $50M in ARR. At SpringCM, he led the revenue function through its $270M acquisition by DocuSign. And at Mobius he helped scale the business from $3M to over $100M, culminating in a successful IPO.

Karry’s ability to inspire and energize teams is a core part of his leadership. Just as he commands attention and engagement when performing live music, he brings the same presence and intensity to leading teams—aligning them around a shared vision, setting the pace, and ensuring everyone is moving in rhythm toward ambitious goals. When he’s not driving business growth, you’ll find him performing classic rock hits anywhere he can find a live mic.