Shalom Lamm’s Top Productivity Hacks: How Successful People Get More Done in Less Time
In today’s hyperconnected world, being “busy” has become a badge of honor. But real productivity isn’t about how many hours you grind—it’s about how much impact you create in the hours you have.
So why do some people seem to effortlessly manage businesses, family, and personal goals while others barely get through their to-do list?
According to entrepreneur Shalom Lamm, the answer isn’t hustle—it’s strategy.
“People assume productivity means working harder,” says Lamm, who has led companies in real estate, logistics, and the nonprofit world. “But the most effective people I know actually work smarter. They structure their day to support focus, not frenzy.”
In this post, we’ll explore the productivity hacks that Shalom Lamm and other successful entrepreneurs use to get more done—without burning out. Whether you’re a student, a team leader, or building your own business, these strategies can help you reclaim your time and sharpen your results.
Hack #1: Time Block Like a CEO
One of the simplest—but most powerful—productivity tools is time blocking: setting aside specific hours for focused work, meetings, email, and even rest.
Instead of reacting to your day, you design it.
“If you don’t control your calendar, your calendar controls you,” Lamm says. “I block time every morning for deep work—and protect it like a board meeting.”
How to do it:
- Use Google Calendar or a planner to block out hours.
- Set aside 1–2 hours in the morning for high-focus tasks (no meetings!).
- Group shallow tasks (email, admin, calls) in one time block later in the day.
- Don’t forget to block breaks and personal time.
This structure keeps your energy aligned with your priorities.
Hack #2: Use the 80/20 Rule Ruthlessly
Also known as the Pareto Principle, the 80/20 Rule says that 80% of results come from 20% of actions.
In other words: most of what you do doesn’t really move the needle.
“Every week, I ask myself: what’s the 20% of my work that creates the most value?” says Lamm. “Then I double down on that—and either delegate or cut the rest.”
How to apply it:
- Review your to-do list. Circle the 2–3 tasks that will have the biggest impact.
- Schedule those first—and do them when you have the most energy.
- Let go of the idea that everything needs to be done. Focus on what matters most.
This mindset frees up time and prevents burnout.
Hack #3: The Two-Minute Rule
Popularized by productivity expert David Allen, the Two-Minute Rule is simple: if something takes less than two minutes, do it immediately.
Why? It clears mental clutter and keeps small tasks from piling up.
“I use this to keep my inbox and desk under control,” Lamm shares. “If I can reply, file, or forward something in under two minutes, it’s gone. No backlog.”
It’s not just about emails—it works for chores, admin, and micro-decisions, too.
Hack #4: Limit Decision Fatigue
Your brain only has so much decision-making power each day. The more choices you face—what to wear, when to work, what to eat—the more you deplete your mental energy.
Shalom Lamm recommends eliminating unnecessary decisions with routines and systems.
“I wear the same type of clothes, eat similar breakfasts, and automate my mornings,” he says. “It sounds small, but it protects my mental energy for the big stuff.”
Ways to reduce decision fatigue:
- Meal prep or repeat your lunches
- Keep a consistent sleep/wake schedule
- Create a morning routine that runs on autopilot
- Use checklists for repeatable tasks
Less thinking = more doing.
Hack #5: Set a “Shutdown Ritual”
Most people don’t have a clear end to their workday—which means work bleeds into personal time, and your brain never truly rests.
Lamm swears by a shutdown ritual: a 10–15 minute process at the end of the day to review tasks, prep for tomorrow, and mentally close the laptop.
“I make sure everything is off my mind before I leave my desk,” he explains. “That way I’m present at home—and recharged for the next day.”
Sample shutdown ritual:
- Review what you accomplished
- Move unfinished tasks to tomorrow
- Set 1–2 top priorities for the next day
- Physically close your laptop and leave your workspace
It signals to your brain: you’re done.
Hack #6: Batching Tasks for Focus
Switching between tasks (also called “context switching”) kills productivity. Studies show it can take 23 minutes to regain focus after a distraction.
That’s why Lamm recommends task batching—grouping similar tasks together and doing them in one focused block.
Examples:
- Responding to all emails between 2–3 PM (not checking constantly!)
- Holding all meetings on two specific days
- Writing content on Mondays, planning strategy on Fridays
“Every time you stop what you’re doing to check Slack or social media, you’re leaking energy,” Lamm says. “Batching builds momentum.”
Hack #7: Use Tech… But Don’t Let It Use You
Productivity apps can be powerful—but they can also become distractions. Lamm suggests keeping your tool stack minimal and intentional.
His top tech principles:
- Use calendar tools religiously (Google Calendar, Calendly)
- Keep to-do lists simple (Todoist, Notion, or just pen and paper)
- Turn off non-essential notifications
- Use Focus Mode or apps like Freedom to block distractions
“Your phone should be a tool, not a trap,” he says. “Use it to support your goals, not derail them.”
Hack #8: Guard Your Mornings
The first 90 minutes of your day are your brain’s prime time. What you do (or don’t do) during this window sets the tone for everything that follows.
Shalom Lamm advises keeping mornings free of distractions and focused on deep work.
“No social media, no email, no calls before 10 AM,” he says. “That time is reserved for thinking, writing, planning—whatever moves the business forward.”
Try this:
- Don’t check your phone for the first 30 minutes
- Tackle your most important task first (MIT method)
- Build a morning ritual that energizes you (light exercise, journaling, reading)
Final Thoughts: Productivity Is a System, Not a Secret
There’s no magic bullet to being productive. But there is a system—a mindset and method—that you can develop over time.
And for people like Shalom Lamm, that system includes:
- Ruthless prioritization
- Structured schedules
- Smart tools
- Daily discipline
- Regular reflection
“It’s not about doing more,” Lamm concludes. “It’s about doing what matters—consistently and intentionally. That’s how you win back your time.”
So if you’re ready to stop being busy and start being effective, start small. Choose one productivity hack this week, implement it consistently, and watch how it changes your day—and eventually, your life.
