As a neuropsychologist, mom, wife, and business owner, the number one question I get asked is, "How do you have time to do it all?" It's a question that resonates with so many ambitious, busy women who are constantly juggling multiple roles and responsibilities. Whether you're trying to balance a demanding career, nurture a family, or pursue personal passions, finding the time and energy to do it all can feel like an impossible task.
Unlike the neatly packaged success stories we often hear, my journey hasn't been about discovering a secret formula that transformed me from a productivity novice to an expert. The truth is, I've always been productive because I've had to be. From a young age, I had big dreams but limited time and resources. I didn't have the luxury of letting life take me wherever it wanted; I had to actively steer it in the direction I wanted to go. Now, as someone who wears many hats, I want to share the strategies that have helped me navigate this journey. For a deeper dive into my methods and how you can apply them to your life, I invite you to watch my latest video, where I break down these concepts in more detail.
Embracing Intentionality: The Artist's Vision
One of the most powerful tools in my productivity arsenal is intentionality. Like an artist with a clear vision for their masterpiece, you need to be laser-focused on your goals. It's about streamlining your efforts so that every action you take is a step towards your target. This begins with planning and realistic time-blocking.
Imagine your schedule as a puzzle. Each piece represents a different task, and your job is to make them all fit together seamlessly. This requires not just planning but also creating buffers for the unexpected. Life is unpredictable, and having a little extra time here and there can make all the difference between staying on track and feeling overwhelmed.
When I plan my week, I treat it like an intricate design process. I prioritize tasks that align with my goals and consciously eliminate or delegate those that don't. By doing this, I ensure that my time is spent on activities that truly matter. This approach has allowed me to maintain focus and momentum, even during the busiest seasons of my life.
For those of you looking to take control of your schedule and align it with your goals, I highly recommend our ModAmbition Goal Planner. It’s designed to help you plan with intention, keep track of your progress, and ultimately, achieve your biggest dreams.
Busting Procrastination: Overcoming Creative Blocks
We've all experienced it: that sinking feeling when you know you need to get something done, but you just can't bring yourself to start. Procrastination can be a significant barrier to productivity, especially when you're juggling multiple responsibilities. However, I've found that there are several effective strategies to overcome this common obstacle.
One of the most effective ways to bust procrastination is through accountability. Whether it's a group setting or a one-on-one feedback session, having someone to check in with can provide the motivation you need to get started. Additionally, finding inherent rewards in completing tasks can be a game-changer. For instance, if I finish a report today, it means I can dedicate the next day to content creation, something I genuinely enjoy.
Another powerful technique is setting "it has to get done today" rules. For me, this sometimes means working in the evenings after my kids are asleep. While it's not always ideal, it's a necessary step to keep things moving forward. It's also essential to find meaning and passion in what you're doing. When you're genuinely excited about a task, procrastination tends to disappear.
Lastly, keep it simple and race the clock. Sometimes, setting a timer and challenging yourself to complete a task within that time frame can spark productivity. It’s not about perfection; it’s about making progress.
Achieving Focus: Finding Your Flow State
In a world filled with distractions, achieving a state of deep focus can feel elusive. But when you're able to tap into that flow state—where time seems to disappear, and you're fully immersed in your work—you can accomplish incredible things in a short amount of time.
To get into this state, I rely on a few key strategies. First, I use alpha wave study music, which has been shown to promote concentration and creativity. I also make it a point to turn off my phone and eliminate other distractions during focused work sessions. This helps me stay in the zone for 15-20 minutes at a time, which is often all it takes to make significant progress on a task.
Compartmentalization and batching are also crucial. For example, during my college years, I focused on my studies during the week and worked doubles on the weekends. This approach allowed me to keep my academic and work responsibilities separate, which in turn helped me excel in both areas.
Now, as a mom and business owner, I've had to refine this strategy. I dedicate mornings to deep work or self-care activities, like getting glam, and reserve weekends for more flexible tasks that I can do while relaxing, like admin work or beauty treatments. In the evenings, after my kids are settled, I wind down with a workout and shower before diving into tasks I find enjoyable, like working on my content. I never tackle my neuropsychology work at night because I know it requires a level of focus that I simply don't have at the end of the day.
Eliminating the Unnecessary: Carving Out What Matters
There's a famous quote about sculpture that goes something like this: "The statue is already in the stone; the sculptor's job is to chip away at the excess." This idea applies perfectly to productivity. Often, the key to doing it all is not about adding more to your plate but eliminating what's unnecessary.
When I first started focusing on YouTube, I realized that certain tasks were draining my energy without contributing significantly to my goals. By identifying and removing these tasks, I was able to focus on what truly mattered. This required accepting that I can't do as much as others who don't have the same responsibilities. But that’s okay—it's about quality, not quantity.
Outsourcing has also been a game-changer for me. Whether it's hiring a social media manager, getting help with editing, or using a babysitter to carve out some focused work time, delegating tasks allows me to focus on my areas of genius. And let’s not forget the power of AI tools that can handle mundane admin tasks, like drafting video descriptions or cleaning up my email inbox. These small changes can free up hours in your week, allowing you to focus on what really matters.
If you’re looking for ways to streamline your workflow and eliminate unnecessary tasks, our 12 Week Year Notion Template can help you organize your goals and track your progress in a way that maximizes efficiency.
Building Systems, Habits, and Routines: The Artist's Process
Finally, let's talk about the importance of systems, habits, and routines. As Tiago Forte wisely said, "Our minds are not meant to be storage devices but creative engines." To make the most of your creative energy, it's essential to have systems in place that take care of the routine, mundane tasks.
One of the systems that has transformed my productivity is the GTD (Getting Things Done) method, which I’ve implemented using Notion. This system revolves around capturing tasks as they come to mind, processing them into actionable steps, reviewing them regularly, and engaging with them when the time is right. By keeping my mind free of clutter, I can focus more on creative and strategic work.
In addition to my GTD system, I rely heavily on routines. Whether it's a reset routine to get back on track after a busy week, a cleaning routine to maintain a tidy home, or a self-care routine to recharge my energy, these habits keep my life running smoothly.
And of course, I track these habits to ensure I'm staying consistent. A habit tracker can be an incredibly powerful tool for building and maintaining the routines that support your goals.
Conclusion: You Can Do It All—With the Right Tools
Balancing the demands of a career, family, and personal goals is no small feat, but it is possible with the right strategies and tools. By embracing intentionality, busting procrastination, achieving focus, eliminating the unnecessary, and building strong systems and routines, you can create a life that not only meets your responsibilities but also fulfills your deepest aspirations.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your productivity journey, I encourage you to explore the tools and resources available at ModAmbition. Start with our ModAmbition Goal Planner to help you plan and track your goals with intention. And if you’re serious about maximizing your efficiency, our 12 Week Year Notion Template is a must-have for organizing your workflow.
Remember, you don’t have to do it all alone. With the right support and systems in place, you can achieve your goals and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.
Ready to dive deeper? Watch my latest video, where I share more insights and practical tips on how to juggle it all without burning out. You’ve got this!
