46-Year-Old CEO’s Productivity Cheat Code to Running Two Startups Efficiently
Learn how 46-year-old CEO Jyoti Bansal runs two successful startups with a simple productivity cheat code. Discover time blocking, delegation, and impact-driven focus strategies for boosting efficiency.
Key Takeaways
- Jyoti Bansal, founder and CEO of Harness and Traceable, shares a unique productivity cheat code that helps him manage two billion-dollar startups without burning out.
- He advocates time blocking, focusing on one task at a time rather than multitasking, which boosts productivity.
- Bansal maximizes impact by prioritizing tasks that move the needle and delegates the rest to trusted team members.
How a 46-Year-Old CEO Masters Efficiency While Running Two Startups
Managing one startup is challenging enough, but imagine running two successful ones simultaneously. Jyoti Bansal, the CEO of Harness and Traceable, has cracked the code on how to do it effectively. His secret? A simple but powerful productivity cheat code that keeps him focused, efficient, and burnout-free. The best part? It’s not about working harder—it’s about working smarter.
Why Multitasking Is Destroying Your Efficiency and How to Fix It
Most people think multitasking is the key to getting more done, especially if you’re running a business. It’s a myth. Studies have shown that multitasking hurts your productivity more than it helps, resulting in poorer decision-making and less focus. Bansal himself fell into this trap early on, juggling multiple tasks at once—responding to emails, taking calls, and handling meetings.
His realization? Multitasking was slowing him down.
According to research from Nature, when you multitask, your brain struggles to perform optimally, leading to mistakes and slower output. Once Bansal recognized this, he switched to a time blocking approach and saw immediate improvements.
Time Blocking: The 30-Minute Strategy That Helped a CEO Run Two Startups
Bansal adopted time blocking as his go-to productivity method. Here’s how it works: instead of attempting multiple tasks at once, you focus entirely on one task for 30 minutes. By breaking up your day into dedicated intervals for different activities, you give each task your undivided attention.
For example, Bansal might spend one block of time working with his engineers on technical issues, then shift to a meeting with investors, and later focus on a customer conversation—all in separate, focused intervals. Each task gets 100% of his focus, allowing for higher-quality output and faster results.
Why does time blocking work? Your brain operates at its best when focused on a single task. Splitting your attention creates inefficiencies. With time blocking, you’re working smarter, not harder, and avoiding the brain fatigue that comes with constant task-switching.
Focus vs. Time: Why You’re Struggling with Productivity
Most people think the issue is not enough time. The reality? Time isn’t your problem—focus is. Bansal doesn’t worry about managing his hours as much as he does managing his focus. He structures his day around tasks that have the greatest potential impact.
“If I don’t do this, will it move the needle?”
If the answer is no, he delegates or drops the task altogether. This allows him to focus only on what truly matters—projects that directly influence the growth of his companies.
How Delegation Became a Productivity Superpower for Successful CEOs
Delegation isn’t just about lightening your workload—it’s about scaling your business. Bansal knows this all too well. He surrounds himself with people he trusts and empowers them to make decisions. By delegating tasks that don’t require his unique skill set, Bansal frees himself up to focus on high-impact activities.
Think about it: Bansal is running two companies. He can’t possibly be in the trenches for everything. Instead, he identifies where his time and skills are most valuable and lets his team handle the rest. This not only boosts his productivity but also fosters a culture of leadership within his companies.
How to Avoid Burnout While Running a Fast-Growing Startup
Burnout is real, especially for startup founders. Studies show that 72% of entrepreneurs struggle with mental health issues due to the intense pressure of running a business. Bansal is no stranger to these risks, but he manages to avoid burnout by carefully balancing his workload with rest.
Time blocking naturally incorporates breaks into his schedule. By focusing intensely for 30-minute intervals and then stepping away for a brief reset, Bansal avoids the burnout that plagues so many founders. He understands that recovery is just as important as productivity.
Why Learning to Say ‘No’ Is Key to Maximizing Your Focus and Productivity
One of the hardest lessons for entrepreneurs is learning to say no. Every opportunity, every meeting, every email—it’s all vying for your attention. But Bansal has learned that saying no is critical for maintaining his focus and protecting his time.
The power of saying no allows Bansal to prioritize tasks that truly matter, giving him the freedom to work on projects that directly contribute to his companies’ success.
Why Efficiency Beats Hustle Every Time for Startup Success
The hustle culture tells you that working 24/7 is the key to success. But Bansal’s productivity “cheat code” proves otherwise. He’s not running two billion-dollar companies by burning the candle at both ends. Instead, he focuses on efficiency, time blocking, and delegation to make the most of his time and energy.
If you want to boost your productivity, avoid burnout, and grow your business, start by implementing these strategies. Time block your tasks, prioritize high-impact activities, and delegate the rest.
Common Questions
What is Jyoti Bansal’s productivity cheat code?
Bansal’s productivity cheat code is time blocking—focusing on one task at a time for 30-minute intervals instead of multitasking.
How does time blocking work?
Time blocking involves dedicating specific periods to work on one task without distractions.
Why is multitasking bad for productivity?
Multitasking reduces your brain’s ability to focus and slows down cognitive function.
How does delegation help with productivity?
Delegation frees up your time for high-impact tasks while empowering your team.
How does Bansal avoid burnout?
By incorporating regular breaks into his schedule through time blocking.
Why is saying ‘no’ important for productivity?
Saying no allows you to protect your time and focus on tasks that drive real results.
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