Here's how you can optimize your time and energy as a system developer.

1 Prioritize Tasks

Understanding what needs your immediate attention and what can wait is crucial. Begin by categorizing tasks based on urgency and importance. Use a method like the Eisenhower Matrix, which divides tasks into four quadrants: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither. This will help you focus on what truly matters, preventing you from getting bogged down by less critical tasks that can sap your energy and time.

2 Time Blocks

Assign specific time blocks for focused work and adhere to them as if they were meetings with the CEO. For instance, dedicate uninterrupted morning hours to coding, leaving afternoons for meetings and collaboration. During these blocks, turn off notifications and minimize distractions. This technique, known as time blocking, can significantly boost your productivity by creating a structured schedule that aligns with your natural energy levels throughout the day.

3 Automate Repetition

Automation is your ally. Identify repetitive, time-consuming tasks that you can automate, such as deployments, testing, or even email sorting. Write scripts or use existing tools to handle these chores. For example, setting up continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines can automate the testing and deployment processes, freeing up more time for you to focus on complex system development tasks that require your unique expertise.