The P word: How to get sh#t done without losing it!

As a content creator, editor of Business Builders, and host of a couple of podcasts, there’s many a time I’ve found myself scrambling to meet deadlines as I  juggle multiple projects at once. It’s a constant balancing act. Take your eyes off the ball, and something is bound to drop. But here’s what I’ve learned: investing in productivity strategies makes your life easier. Believe it or not,  it makes the work you’re doing far more impactful, too.

As a business owner, you already know that the buck stops with you. And that means managing countless tasks, from customer service to marketing to sales and everything in between. Small business owners are no strangers to the juggle. When you’re in charge of everything, it can feel like the day slips away without anything to show for it.

This was exactly how I felt in the early days of my career when I managed multiple monthly publications amidst the daily challenges of running a weekly magazine. The sheer number of competing deadlines and demands would leave me feeling burnt out, rather than productive. But then I realised that the key to getting more done, without the overwhelm, lies in intentional productivity.

Just get it done, doesn’t work

One of the first shifts I made was moving away from the “just get everything done” mentality and focusing on what really needed my attention.

Productivity isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing the right things more efficiently. Tools like project management apps and time-blocking techniques can be lifesavers as well as time savers. For me, using productivity tools helps to prioritise the most important tasks. Plus, they also keep my brain from becoming cluttered with the niggling questions, like: “Did I get that high-res head shot?”

And here’s why this should matter to you as a business owner: Embracing the right productivity tools lets you delegate, automate, and focus on what’s important. It frees you up so that you can get out of the weeds and be strategic and make decisions that will help you grow your business.

Plus, if you’re running a small business, you need to prioritise your time and energy to avoid burnout (and let’s face it, so many business owners are suffering from this) but investing in productivity tools can help you step off the hamster wheel.

Supersizing your to-dos

What do I mean? For me, using systems like Asana helps me break down large projects into bite-sized tasks that are easier to manage. I can quickly see what’s due and when, which makes it easier to focus on the here and now instead of what lies ahead. If I have a schedule, it’s easier to keep to deadlines. As someone who works in content, this is crucial, especially when clients or the powers that be have high expectations.

It’s not just about working harder, though. It’s about being deliberate with your actions.

Once I set up a plan and began using apps for task management, and applying frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix (which helps you prioritise and focus on what’s important), my productivity went through the roof. Not only did I get more done, but I also had time for the things that mattered most for the success of my role: my content strategy and my creativity. Better yet, I even scored a little bit of downtime.

Then there is the psychological trigger of feeling accomplished. The feels you get when you see a task that’s been completed and crossed off, or you’re able to delegate successfully, there’s a sense of relief and accomplishment. This boosts motivation and propels you forward, ready to take on the next challenge. Productivity is like the oil that greases the wheel of the circular economy of your day-to-day

Do you still need convincing?

When people think of productivity, they often think of time management. But productivity is about so much more. It’s about building a business that runs efficiently, frees up your mental space, and ultimately drives success. It doesn’t matter whether you’re using digital tools, refining your processes, or Marie Kondo-ing your workspace; taking a mindful approach to your productivity pays off in spades.,

Think beyond the operation of your business. Productivity is a business strategy. When your time is managed well, your business thrives. Productivity isn’t just a buzzword. It’s the key to doing more of what matters, with less stress.

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