13 small things to simplify your workday

1. Start early. By the time everyone else was getting started, I'd gotten two or three big tasks checked off.
2. Limit your hours. Limits force you to be effective.
3. Make a short list. Make a long list of all the tasks you need to do ... then make a short list of 1-3 things you really want to get done.
4. Batch distractions. What are your common distractions? By grouping them all into one time period, you allow yourself to do other work first, but still get in your distraction time. 
5. Write shorter emails. Limiting yourself to 3-4 sentences per email will make a big difference.
6. Limit meetings. The fewer the better.
7. Automate. The fewer repetitive and routine tasks you have to do, the more time you'll free up for creating and important work.
8. Eliminate paperwork. Whenever possible, eliminate paperwork in favor of digital. This might be more of a long-term move.
9. Clear your desk. Clear everything off the top of your desk. Only put back a few essential items.
10. Get away. If you can get out of your office, you can find a peaceful spot where you can focus on important work.
11. Take breathing breaks. Every 15-20 minutes, get up from your desk, and take a breathing break.
12. Practice a focus ritual. Every hour or two, do a refocus ritual. This only takes a minute or two.
13. Schedule big blocks of creative time. Not everyone can do this, but when possible, put a big block of 3-4 hours in your schedule for creating or doing other important work.