My Favorite Productivity Hacks That Actually Work
Let’s be honest—between being a mom, running a business, staying active in the community, and keeping up with clients, my to-do list doesn’t exactly take a vacation. Over the years, I’ve tried just about every productivity trick in the book. Some didn’t stick, but a few have made a real difference in my daily routine. Today, I’m sharing the ones that actually work for me.
The Two-Minute Rule
If a task takes less than two minutes, I do it right away. That quick email reply, throwing in a load of laundry, or sending a follow-up text to a client doesn’t need to sit on my list. Knocking out the little things as I go keeps them from snowballing into stress later.
Time Blocking Like a Pro
Instead of keeping a never-ending to-do list, I block off chunks of time on my calendar. Mornings are usually for big projects that need focus, afternoons are for meetings or calls, and evenings are family time. Seeing my day laid out like this helps me stay realistic about what I can actually accomplish.
The “Top Three” Rule
Every morning, I pick the three most important things I need to get done that day. Sure, I’ll handle other tasks too, but if I finish those three, I know my day was productive. It keeps me from feeling like I’m spinning my wheels without moving forward.
Batching Similar Tasks
I group tasks that use the same kind of energy. For example, I’ll set aside one block to return phone calls, another to work on marketing, and another for errands. Switching back and forth wastes energy, so batching helps me move faster and stay focused.
Outsourcing Without Guilt
This one took me the longest to learn. As women, especially working moms, we think we have to do it all. But handing off tasks—whether it’s hiring a cleaner, using a grocery delivery service, or outsourcing parts of my business—frees me up to focus on what only I can do. And honestly, it’s been life-changing.
Tech Tools That Keep Me on Track
I live by my Google Calendar for time blocking, Canva for quick marketing design, and Trello for project management. These aren’t fancy tools, but they’re simple, effective, and easy to use on the go.
Protecting My Energy
This isn’t so much about apps or planners, but it’s the most important hack of all. I’ve learned to protect my time and say no to things that don’t align with my goals. A well-rested, focused version of me is always more productive than the overcommitted one.
Final Thoughts
Productivity isn’t about cramming more into your day. It’s about making room for the things that matter most—whether that’s hitting your business goals, serving your clients well, or just enjoying an evening with your family. These hacks have worked for me in real life, and I hope a few of them help you find a little more peace (and a little less overwhelm) in your day, too.