If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I’m a bit of a productivity junkie. It started innocently enough — reading Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy back in the day, trying to figure out how to get more done in less time so I could spend my evenings guilt-free, curled up with a good book or binge-watching my favorite TV shows.
But things got serious when I became a Virtual Assistant and started helping clients run their (very!) successful businesses. Suddenly, productivity wasn’t just a hobby — it was survival.
Over the years, I’ve tested everything — and today, I want to share the hacks that have actually worked for me… even on my worst days.
Let’s dive in:
1. Turn Off Your Emails and Notifications (Seriously)
Here’s the hard truth: the constant ding of notifications is killing your productivity.
Studies show it takes an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to get back on task after being interrupted1 — and most of us are getting interrupted dozens of times a day!
If you want real focus, schedule specific times to check your email — once or twice a day, depending on how heavy your inbox usually gets.
And better yet, set up rules and filters to automatically file away non-urgent emails, so you only have to deal with what actually matters right now.
Give your brain the uninterrupted space it needs — you’ll thank yourself later.
2. Schedule Deep Work Time (Protect It Like Your Life Depends On It)
Cal Newport’s book Deep Work changed the game for me.
The idea is simple: if you want to build something incredible — whether that’s a business, a creative project, or a career breakthrough — you need uninterrupted blocks of time dedicated to “deep work.”
I started carving out a specific window each day for value-creating activities: thinking, planning, writing, strategizing.
Even when I don’t feel 100%, I protect that time like gold.
Because here’s the thing: as the founder or leader of anything, you are the chief idea generator. No one else can do this part for you.
Prioritize deep work first. Email and admin can wait.
3. Create Your Ideal Week (and Adjust When Life Happens)
This was a concept I picked up from Ali Abdaal (inspired by the Trident Time Management method):
If life were perfect — no emergencies, no interruptions — what would your ideal week look like?
Mapping this out has been a game-changer for me.
It gives me a clear picture of what matters most and where my time should be going.
Even when unexpected things pop up (because they will), I know exactly what needs to be shuffled around and what my true priorities are.
There’s no guessing — just adapting.
4. Think in 12-Week Years, Not 12-Month Years
Adopting the 12 Week Year method by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington was truly transformational.
Here’s the core idea:
Instead of thinking of a “year” as 12 months, treat every 12 weeks as a year in itself.
This shortens your execution window, sharpens your focus, and forces you to move with urgency.
One of the most powerful mindset shifts I learned from the book?
In the 12 Week Year system, losing one day isn’t a small thing — it’s like losing an entire week on a traditional calendar.
After reading that, I never looked at my days the same way again.
It became way harder to justify “blowing off” a day… because now, every single day counts.
5. Track Your Distractions With a Log
I once heard a photographer share a simple (but brilliant) technique:
Every time you get distracted, write it down.
When I started keeping a distraction log, it was eye-opening (and a little humbling, not gonna lie).
Patterns emerged: I’d pick up my phone when a task got a little boring. I’d check emails because I was avoiding a harder piece of work.
Once you see your distraction triggers clearly, you can consciously shift your attention.
It’s not about being perfect — it’s about being aware and making small shifts that add up to huge progress over time.
6. Bonus Tip: End Your Day By Counting Your Wins
Before you log off or wind down, take 5 minutes to review your day:
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What did you accomplish?
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Where did you struggle?
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What can you improve tomorrow?
This tiny habit builds momentum like nothing else.
Even on tough days, you’ll start to see that you’re still making progress — and that feeling will carry you forward.
Productivity isn’t about doing more.
It’s about doing what matters most — consistently, intentionally, and with grace (especially on the days when life feels like a lot).
Try a few of these hacks for yourself — and watch how much smoother your days can become.;
Which one are you going to implement first?
Drop a comment and let’s geek out about productivity together.
Need help clearing the busy work off your plate?
I help entrepreneurs free up their time so they can stay in their zone of genius — focusing on deep work, strategy, and growth instead of getting buried in admin tasks.
Let’s chat about how I can support you!
