If you’re anything like me, you’re wearing a lot of hats. I’m running a business, working with clients, raising children, and still trying to prioritize self-care and personal goals. Productivity isn’t optional—it’s essential. Over time, I’ve developed a few hacks that help me stay on track, keep my energy focused, and actually enjoy the process.
These are the hacks I come back to again and again—and you can implement them starting today.
1. Define Your Focus Areas with Intention
Before you open your calendar or even make a to-do list, get really clear on what matters most to you right now. What do you want to accomplish—not forever, but in this season of your life? I even do this just for a two or four week period.
Here’s a helpful question I use:
“If I looked back on the next two weeks, what would I be proud to have accomplished?”
Right now, it’s summer for me. My focus areas include:
- Studying Italian
- Planning an upcoming trip
- Growing our Specialized Education Consulting division at Evolved
- Supporting my clients through the admissions process
- Going on runs and walks, lifting weights
- Spending time with friends
- Going out with my husband
- Spending one-on-one time with each of my kids and seeing my nieces/nephews for our 1-1 time
That means I’m not focusing on adding new hobbies, launching a community service initiative, or making major changes to my health routines right now. Those may come later, but not today.
Your focus areas should shift as your life does. That’s not failure, instead, that’s flexibility. Just anchor your energy intentionally for 2-4 weeks at a time.
2. Put It on the Calendar
This one’s simple, but powerful: if it matters, schedule it.
I take each of my focus areas and block them into my calendar. If something isn’t happening—like I’m avoiding a study session or procrastinating on a writing task—I revisit my calendar to reset.
The calendar isn’t just about time—it’s about energy. When I’m intentional with my time, I have the energy to follow through.
3. Override Resistance with a Countdown
For those tasks that feel hard to start (writing, planning, studying…), I use the 5-4-3-2-1 rule. I don’t give myself time to overthink. I just count down and move into action.
This helps me override any resistance, self-doubt, or decision fatigue that tries to creep in.
4. Use the “Trick Your Brain” Strategy
Here’s the truth: procrastination gives you a chemical boost. When we’re under pressure, our brains release dopamine, reduce pain, and help us focus. But we don’t have to wait until the last minute to tap into that.
Instead, create a little urgency. Set a 30-minute timer. Tell yourself, “I’ve got just 30 minutes to get this done.” You’ll be amazed at how productive you become.
5. Don’t Fear Being Busy—Use It
It might sound counterintuitive, but I find I’m more productive when I’m a little busy. A moderate level of stress can actually improve focus and energy. When we have too much free time, our motivation dips. A bit of structure keeps momentum alive.
These are just a few of the productivity strategies I use to keep things moving—and to live well while doing it. Productivity isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most, with focus and intention.
What productivity hacks work for you?
Share them in the comments—I’d love to learn from you, too.
