There is a huge focus on productivity in today’s society. There are many different ways to be productive, but I’ve put together seven pillars of productivity that have worked for me.
We shouldn’t mistake busyness for productivity. Busyness can lead to mental overload and rob us of joy. *(Read more below). These seven pillars of productivity will remove that load and lead to greater happiness.
As mothers, it is particularly easy to be distracted and too busy. I’ve designed these seven pillars of productivity specifically with mothers in mind to help combat the stress and overwhelm of modern motherhood.
Seven Pillars Of Productivity
These seven pillars of productivity are:
1. Planning
2. Setting small goals
3. Prioritising
4. Staying focused
5. Taking breaks
6. Tracking progress
7. Celebrating successes
If you can master these seven pillars of productivity, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals.
1. Plan
The first step to being productive is to have a plan. You need to know what you want to achieve and how you are going to achieve it. For some it means getting kids to activities on time, for others it could be being a calmer mother.
This means setting goals and creating a schedule. Creating a schedule will help you to stay on track and ensure that you are using your time wisely. This helps day-to-day activities and tasks feel far less overwhelming
Make sure to include time for breaks and leisure activities, as these can also help you to relax and recharge.
When setting goals, it is important to be realistic. If your goals are too ambitious, you are likely to become discouraged. Start small and build up gradually. Remember that it is better to make progress slowly than not at all.
If you find yourself struggling to stick to your plan, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are many resources available that can assist you in reaching your goals. Seek out advice from friends, family, or professionals if you need assistance getting started or staying on track.
2. Set Small Goals
Setting small goals is one of the most important things you can do to become productive. This is a great way to include some personal self-care activities into your schedule (much needed by most mothers).
When you have a large goal, it can be overwhelming and difficult to know where to start. By breaking your goal down into smaller goals, you can make progress little by little and avoid getting overwhelmed.
If your goal is to write a book, your first small goal might be to write 500 words per day. Or if your goal is to get in shape, your first small goal might be to walk for 30 minutes every day.
Whatever your goal may be, remember to set small goals and take things one step at a time. This is the best way to achieve big things.
3. Prioritise
We often tell ourselves we don’t have time for certain tasks. In reality, that task just isn’t a priority for us.
When it comes to personal productivity, one of the most important things you can do is to learn how to prioritise. This means understanding what tasks are the most important and need to be completed first, and which ones can wait.
One way to help you prioritise is to make a list of all the tasks you need to complete, and then rank them in order of importance. Another helpful tip is to set deadlines for yourself – this will ensure that you complete the most important tasks first, and don’t get sidetracked by less important ones.
Learning how to prioritise is a key skill that will help you boost your productivity and get more done in less time. So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list, take a deep breath and remember to focus on the most important tasks first.
4. Stay Focused
It can be incredibly difficult for mothers to stay focused. With so many demands on our time we easily lose sight of what we should be doing. However, there are a few things that you can do to help yourself stay focused.
First, make sure that you have a clear goal in mind for what you want to achieve. It can be helpful to write this down or tell someone else about it so that you have something to refer back to if you start to wander off track.
Second, break the task down into smaller goals or steps so that it doesn’t feel so daunting. Once you’ve completed one step, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and be more motivated to keep going.
Third, set a time limit for yourself and work for a set period of time before taking a break. This will help you to avoid getting too bogged down in the task and will give you something to look forward to.
Finally, try to find something about the task that you enjoy or that is personally meaningful to you. This will make it easier to stay focused and motivated.
5. Take Breaks
How often do you finish a cup of coffee while it’s still hot?
It is important to take breaks throughout the day in order to stay productive. By taking breaks, you are able to recharge and refocus your energy.
I prioritise coffee breaks. For every hour or two of work I take 10-15 minutes to sit quietly and finish a cup of coffee.
It is important to find a balance between work and breaks in order to maintain mental health.
6. Say No
No is a powerful word. Saying no is one of the best lessons I have learned.
It can stop you from doing things that you don’t want to do, or that aren’t good for you. It can protect your time and energy, so that you can focus on the things that are most important to you.
Saying no doesn’t mean that you’re a bad person, or that you’re not helpful. It just means that you’re prioritizing your own needs, and that’s okay. In fact, it’s more than okay – it’s essential for your productivity.
7. Don’t Multi-Task
In today’s society, women are expected to multi-task. Multi-tasking is a productivity killer. When you try to do too many things at once, your brain becomes overloaded and you can’t focus on any one task. This leads to mistakes and poor-quality work.
Instead of multi-tasking, focus on one task at a time and give it your full attention. You’ll be surprised at how much more productive you’ll be!
Tools For Greater Productivity
My planner is my lifeline!
As a wife, mother, homeschooler, and business owner, I struggled to find the right tools to help me achieve these pillars of productivity. I tried journals and planners but could never find one that suited my needs. So I designed one!
It became my mission to inspire busy moms to stay organised and embrace creativity at the same time.
The beauty of this lifestyle is that you don’t need to wait until a new year to get a planner and start. You can start at any time!
These seven pillars of productivity are habits that you can develop in order to be more productive. Greater productivity will lead to more free time to look after yourself and spend with your family.
Happy planning!
Want to start implementing these tips yourself? Get yourself a planner at https://beautifully-planned.com/product-category/planners/
