"It's really powerful" - Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary reveals his daily productivity secret

Kevin O
Kevin O'Leary visits "Outnumbered" (Image via Getty)

Kevin O'Leary, renowned investor and star of ABC's Shark Tank, shares a simple yet effective routine for significantly enhancing his productivity. In a recent interview clip, O'Leary shared his daily strategy, stating on his Instagram,

"Three things. I do that every day now. Every day. It's powerful. It's really powerful."

One of the Shark Tank investor's methods involves writing down three critical tasks on sticky notes each night and ensuring they are completed before engaging in any other activity the following day. This straightforward approach has helped O'Leary manage his demanding schedule, which includes running companies, lecturing, and fulfilling various business obligations across different time zones.


Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary's secret to maximizing daily productivity

The three-task strategy

Kevin O'Leary outlined his method during an interview and reinforced it in a recent Instagram post captioned,

"This is a game changer. I don't set my daily goals any other way now."

The Shark Tank investor explained that the technique was inspired by a colleague. These notes were placed on her mirror to ensure they were visible during her morning routine. O'Leary adopted this practice and emphasized,

"You know what you haven't finished the evening of, and you simply put the three things down....I do nothing until I've torn them up."

Kevin O'Leary's method involves writing down tasks the night before to ensure a clear focus on priorities without distractions in the morning. These tasks are then placed in a visible spot, like a bathroom mirror, as a constant reminder.

The rule is to complete the list before engaging in any other activity. this ensures that the most important items are handled first, setting a productive tone for the day. This approach helps eliminate distractions and ensures that essential goals are accomplished right away.

The Shark Tank investor described the method as "corny and low tech," but he underscored its effectiveness in achieving productivity and maintaining focus, saying,

"I swear, it's so corny and so low-tech, but it works, and it makes me so productive because I get those things done before anything else, and they really make my day productive."

Other productivity hacks that build structure and discipline

O'Leary's daily routine demonstrates the value of structure in managing a packed schedule. In line with his recent insight on Instagram, O'Leary also talked about his other productivity hacks in an old interview with CNBC Make It on July 16, 2018.

He explained how he balances multiple responsibilities, often waking up at 4:30 am and traveling across several time zones in a day. The Shark Tank investor shared,

"I'm in a different city almost every day, sometimes stopping in three time zones for different meetings and appearances before I go to bed."

He advocates for creating and sticking to a strict schedule, prioritizing tasks in 15-minute increments to ensure every moment is used effectively. If O'Leary finds himself distracted, he uses a mental strategy to regain focus, asking himself,

"Am I making money doing this?"

He said this simple question helps him avoid distractions and realign with his goals. Additionally, O'Leary highlights the importance of keeping a journal to track progress regularly, allowing him to assess his productivity and adjust strategies as needed. The Shark Tank investor shared on CNBC,

"Keep a weekly, monthly, quarterly journal. Check in with yourself regularly. Take note of exactly what you're doing so you can change strategy."

Don't miss the latest innovations and deals on Shark Tank, with new episodes airing on ABC every Friday at 8 pm ET.

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Edited by Ivanna Lalsangzuali
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