14 super-busy startup founders share their single best productivity tip

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Imagine if you could get twice as much work done by 5 p.m. every day.

For most people, improving productivity means more business growth, better health, less stress … and better odds of reaching those big, scary goals.

In this post, busy CEOs and founders of 14 fast-growing companies shared how they hack their productivity. Below you’ll find the No. 1 piece of advice from each entrepreneur on how to make the most of your hours at work. 

Scott Britton, cofounder, Troops

For me, it's by far and away waking up early. I'm usually up at 5:30 a.m. and reserve the beginning of my day, when no one is there to distract me, for my most important activities, which can include everything from working out and meditation to writing new pitches and strategically thinking about my business.

Whenever I say this, most people ask me, "Well what time do you go to bed?" Usually before 11 and closer to 10 … which is also very good for your productivity and health.

Tracy Osborn, CEO, Wedding Lovely

The only emails in your inbox should be ones you don't expect. Set up aggressive filtering, unsubscribe from everything you can, and archive unneeded messages.

Having a clean inbox — once you get into the habit, it's not that hard — will get your day started out on the right foot to get your most important items done.

Peldi Guilizzoni, CEO, Balsamiq

Hire enough people who are better than you to be able to delegate a large part of your job to them. Finally, now I get to be CEO and spend my day thinking strategically.