Getting More Done: How to Use Parkinson’s Law to Be More Efficient

Wilson Obeneme
3 min readFeb 23, 2024

Introduction

In the realm of productivity, time management stands as a cornerstone for success. Yet, the way we allocate time to tasks can significantly impact our efficiency. Enter Parkinson’s Law, a simple yet powerful concept that revolutionizes the way we approach deadlines and task completion. By understanding and applying Parkinson’s Law, individuals can unleash newfound productivity and achieve more in less time.

Understanding Parkinson’s Law

Parkinson’s Law, coined by British historian and author Cyril Northcote Parkinson, states that “work expands to fill the time available for its completion.” In essence, the amount of time we allocate to a task often dictates how long it will take to complete it. This phenomenon arises from a combination of factors, including procrastination, perfectionism, and the natural tendency to use all available time.

Application in Practice

To harness the power of Parkinson’s Law, individuals must adopt a proactive approach to time management. Rather than allowing tasks to stretch indefinitely, deliberately set specific timeframes for their completion. This technique encourages a sense of urgency and focus, driving productivity and preventing unnecessary delays.

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Wilson Obeneme

I have extensive experience in scaling citizen development program, helping startups grow and enable professionals to become more productive.