Ever feel like you’re spinning your wheels but not getting anywhere?
It’s like sitting in a rocking chair. You’re in motion, but you’re not headed towards anything. Or you’re doing ALL THE THINGS but it doesn’t matter because your to-do list is hooked up to an IV of Miracle Grow. It never stops.
Yeah, I get it. We’ve all been there. But here’s the thing: It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing what matters. Productivity isn’t just about the hustle. It’s about creating space for your most important tasks so you can get them done—without burning out in the process.
I’m about to share some super surprising tips to get you on track without adding chaos to your life.
Why Does Productivity Feel So Hard?
Let’s be real for a second—our days are filled with distractions. Too many. Whether it’s the ping of a notification, the never-ending emails, or the random thought about your socks not matching up in the laundry, it’s easy to get pulled in a thousand directions. And guess what? Every single one of those distractions is eating up your time.
But, here’s the thing: It’s not about doing more; it’s about doing the most important things. That’s why my strategy revolves around blocking out the chaos. Think about it like decluttering your brain, so the important stuff can actually stick.
One way I do this is by writing everything down. And I mean everything. Those random thoughts or brilliant ideas that pop into my head (seriously, where are they coming from?!). If they’re not on the list, they can cause serious distractions, so I write them down, but only on a separate list so they don’t hijack my actual to-dos.
It’s like creating a “thought parking lot” for your brain. When an idea pops up, toss it in the parking lot and deal with it later—when it’s the right time. That’s how I keep my entrepreneur productivity on point.
Focus: The Secret Weapon You’re Missing
Okay, so let’s talk about one of my favorite hacks—15-minute focus sessions. No, it’s not a typo. Just 15 minutes. You see, sometimes the hardest part is getting started. Once I set the timer for 15 minutes, I stop overthinking and just get to work. I’ll commit to focusing for those 15 minutes, and more often than not, once I’ve started, I’m in flow. You’d be amazed at how much you can get done when you don’t overcomplicate things.
Oh, and here’s a pro tip—block distractions like a boss. No notifications. No social media scrolling. (I’m serious. I limit myself to only 15 minutes of scrolling a day on my phone, and it’s a game-changer.) It’s about keeping your brain clear for the things that will move the needle forward, not just random distractions that eat away at your time.
Take Ownership of Your Day (You Got This!)
It all boils down to taking ownership of your time. You can’t just wake up and let the day happen to you. You’ve got to plan for it. That means setting boundaries, blocking off time for what’s important, and being unapologetic about it.
For me, that means protecting my movement time. I block off my mornings for a workout, and nothing gets in the way. No meeting at 8 a.m. (unless it’s life-or-death level). This routine has not only improved my productivity but my energy and creativity, too.
Here’s the kicker: once you take ownership, you’ll stop letting random things derail your momentum. Instead, you’ll be able to build a day that works for you and your business goals.
The Tools You Need for Entrepreneur Productivity
If you want to improve your time management skills, you need the right tools. And let me tell you, these have been absolute game-changers for me:
- The Timer Trick: Set a 15-minute timer to get started on big tasks. Focus for just 15 minutes, and you’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish.
- The Distraction Blocker: Use your phone’s app limits or set specific times for social media to stop wasting time.
- The “Thought Parking Lot”: When you have an idea that’s not a priority, jot it down and let it sit until the right moment.
There you have it! Simple, effective strategies to get you out of the chaos and into focused action. Want more tips like this? Listen to the full episode for even more hacks that’ll save you time and energy. You’ll feel so much more in control.
HIGHLIGHTS:
00:21 Introduction to today's topics
02:06 The eight strategies to help you increase productivity
04:40 What are the 100-dollar bills?
13:52 “No, thank you”—a beautiful answer
21:15 15-minute timer concept
