Say no to these things.

Jobs’ advice of saying no mirrors my own counsel to coaching clients who struggle with productivity. To simplify, I often tell them to say no to these things in particular:

Doing all the work themselves

Getting as much done as possible in a day means delegating. This may be challenging for controlling types to take on, but it’s absolutely essential.

To Jobs, the first step is to surround yourself with bright people. The next is to step back and let them work: “It doesn’t make sense to hire smart people and tell them what to do,” he said. “We hire smart people, so they can tell us what to do.”

Interruptions and distractions

Technology is one of the greatest gifts of productivity and one of the biggest obstacles to maintaining good focus. The constant distractions from notifications can easily take you off track.

One study found that if all interruptions were eliminated, workers would recapture three to five hours a day every day, which equals 40-60 percent of the standard workday.

Instead of letting tech manage you, manage your tech by avoiding jumping into email when you start your day; you may get sucked into a whirlpool of others’ needs, so do this last. Then, when doing work that requires flow and sharp focus, go airplane mode or turn off notifications, and place your smartphone in another room nearby.

Setting unrealistic goals

As you think of the countless tasks you’re likely to face this week, avoid ​setting goals you won’t likely be able to accomplish or you just can’t take on. Be realistic about what and how much you put on your plate.

For example, while planning out your day, come up with one or two primary goals you want to accomplish before close of business. These should be goals that will propel you forward, not sidetrack you from your MO.

To ensure success, break these down into smaller tasks in support of those goals, so it doesn’t feel like you’re staring up at Everest when you begin your day.

As Jobs reminds us, “Focusing is about saying no.” It isn’t easy, but the payoff can be quite rewarding. As Jobs said, “I’m actually as proud of the things we haven’t done as the things I have done.”