7 Real-Life Productivity Hacks That Actually Work
Jun 28, 2024
Let's get back to basics. Whenever I am trying to improve something or learn something new, I always like to learn from example. What are the actual things people are doing to get the end result? As an Enneagram 3 and business strategist for female entrepreneurs, I thrive on lists and organization. This week, we're setting aside unrealistic expectations and diving into real-life productivity hacks that have worked wonders for me and my family. These simple strategies will help you create a schedule that fits your life, not the other way around.
1. Wake Up at the Same Time Every Day
This wasn't a planned habit, but it has become a cornerstone of my routine. I have a consistent nightly routine: no screen time an hour or two before bed and lights out by 10:30 PM. This has led to waking up naturally between 6 and 6:30 AM every day, improving my sleep significantly.
The National Sleep Foundation emphasizes how a regular sleep schedule strengthens your body's natural sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm). This can lead to:
- Easier falling asleep
- Deeper, more restful sleep
- Increased energy levels throughout the day
- Improved mood and cognitive function
Think of it like setting your internal alarm clock. My corporate self celebrates the absence of a blaring alarm, making mornings smoother and more pleasant. Give it a try – you might find that your body will thank you with better sleep and more energy.
2. Plan the Week Every Sunday
We plan our week as a family every Sunday. I’ve mentioned this before here (how to scale your business in 8 hours a week) and here (how to design your CEO day), but what does it actually look like?
I wake up at 6 AM most days, work out or journal, and then, every Sunday morning, I sit down for about 30 minutes to plan the week. I use my own small business planner (grab yours at www.hollymariehaynes.com/planner) and answer the weekly reflection questions:
- What went well?
- What do I need to improve on?
- What can I do to make next week great?
Next, I dive into the journal section which has prompts so I don't have to think about it:
- What results do I want to see this week?
- What is my #1 focus?
- What appointments and meetings do I have?
- What do I want my routine to look like?
This simple process saves me 2-3 hours a week.
Once I have my intentions, here’s how I make it work:
- Weekly Focus on a Whiteboard: I write down my weekly focus and monthly goals in our office so Scott, my husband, can see them, ensuring we’re on the same page.
- Time-block Appointments: I schedule all non-movable appointments and adjust as needed. If there’s a conflict, I resolve it immediately.
- Detailed Monday Planning: I plan Monday down to the hour, ensuring I know what calls I have, what needs to be done, and when.
Family Brain Dump Session
We also have a calendar in our kitchen for the girls' activities. Every Sunday night at dinner, we review the calendar together, which I call our "family brain dump session."
- How it works: Set aside 15-20 minutes at a designated time (like Sunday evenings). Everyone in the family contributes upcoming events, appointments, deadlines, or errands to a shared calendar or list. This can be done verbally or visually (whiteboard, family planner).
- Benefits: Reduced scheduling conflicts, increased transparency, promotes family teamwork in managing the calendar.
3. Midweek Grocery Shopping
This has nothing to do with business. but we do our grocery shopping on Wednesdays or Thursdays. This avoids weekend crowds and forces me to make the grocery list midweek, preventing Sunday from becoming overwhelming with chores.
I lightly meal plan, ensuring we have dinner options for each night and “lunch options” for variety. My all-time favorite resource for this is Fed and Fit. (We could do a whole case study on her email newsletter and how she merged her networking marketing career with her cookbooks, i.e. multiple income streams), but for now, I love that she sends weekly shopping lists and dinner plans (on Thursday) and I use them every week.
We usually cook 3-4 times per week and the rest is leftovers. If you are still with me, our entire week is planned including meals now in less than 45 minutes. (And on different days, so Sunday isn't filled with chores).
4. Monthly Financial Meetings
At the end of every month, Scott and I hold a financial meeting. We review both business and personal finances, setting our goals and aligning on what we want to achieve as a family. What do we want to do? What do we want our schedule to be like? What do the next few months look like for us? This sounds simple, but it allows us to be on the same page for what is coming and to take a look at our habits. How many Amazon purchases was that? Kidding. Sort of. But when you are clear on what you want, it makes planning your week (#1) a lot easier. You have a focus. This clarity helps us focus and plan our week effectively.
For example, understanding our financial goals makes it easier to prioritize activities that support these objectives. It's like steering a ship – knowing your destination makes navigation more straightforward and ensures everyone is on board with the journey.
5. Go to Bed with a Plan
Every night before shutting down my computer, I review the next day’s schedule. This helps prevent morning stress and ensures a smoother start. When I worked full-time, I called this my "transition time" – a brief period to plan and mentally prepare for the next day. Setting up a "transition time" each day can help you end the day calmly and start the next day with a clear plan.
6. Embrace Theme Days
Dedicated theme days streamline activities and reduce decision fatigue. For instance:
- Monday: Meal Prep Day
- Tuesday: Errands Day
- Wednesday: Homework Help Night
This concept, which I explore more in our CEO Week framework (a free 5-day challenge at www.hollymariehaynes.com/ceoweek), saves time and allows for smoother transitions between activities.
7. Clear the Clutter
Incorporate a nightly routine to clear clutter. For example, because the girls have 800 papers that come home, we use "Wait Bins" for non-urgent tasks like permission slips and school flyers. Have it in a central location (like a basket by the door) for things that need attention but aren't urgent. Review these items during a designated "Family Planning Night" to ensure nothing gets overlooked.
These productivity hacks have not only improved our family's daily routine but also fueled our business growth. By mastering the basics, we’ve created a foundation that supports our goals and enhances our overall well-being.
Do you practice any of these strategies? What has helped you the most? Share your thoughts and experiences with us – we'd love to hear from you!
Looking for more tips? Check out our Crush the Rush Club!
About the author
Holly Haynes is a business strategist who loves a good plan and flow chart. She is crazy passionate about teaching women like you how to build your dream job and scale to 6-figures without sacrificing your weekends or priorities.
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