I tracked my screen time and discovered where my productivity was disappearing – hours lost to news sites and mobile games without me realizing it. Using tracking tools helped me set boundaries and reclaim my focus.
Why I Love The Happy Download Planner
I have found a completely customizable planner at Happy Downloads. In this article I talk about why I use it and show you how it works.
How I Plan My Week (iPad Version)
I’m sharing my journey from daily to weekly planning and how I use my iPad with tools like GoodNotes, Trello, and Google Calendar to create an effective, flexible system. This digital approach helps me stay organized while avoiding the limitations of paper planners.
Is It Really A Solution?
I discuss why we should be skeptical of simple solutions to complex problems. Drawing from examples like the chocolate weight loss study, I explore how many “solutions” are actually sales pitches, while acknowledging that real change comes through dedication and hard work.
Simplify By Viewing Purchases As Subscriptions
I explain how breaking down purchases into subscriptions helps me make smarter buying decisions. By calculating cost per use/day/month, I avoid impulse purchases, reduce clutter, and ensure my spending aligns with my values. This simple mental shift has transformed my approach to consumption.
The 10 Tenets of My Personal Productivity
I’ve developed 10 core productivity tenets that guide my work and life organization. These principles help me maintain a streamlined system where everything has its place, processes are automated when possible, and all my information is easily accessible across devices while keeping things beautifully simple.
Resolve To Make No More Resolutions…and Do This Instead
I believe that making multiple resolutions at once sets us up for failure. Instead, I suggest focusing on one goal per month, starting small and building sustainable habits through consistent tracking and realistic expectations.
Recovering From Hard Times
When I get overwhelmed and fall behind, I use a simple 4-step process to get back on track. First, I move everything to a separate list. Then I purge unnecessary tasks, tackle quick wins, and slowly integrate the backlog into my daily routine. This approach helps me recovering from hard times without guilt.
The Importance of Completely Finishing Projects
I learned to define “done” more clearly in my personal projects after discovering many unfinished tasks. By checking if a project is truly complete before starting the next one, I avoid accumulating almost-finished work and reduce mental clutter.
How To Get Kids To Pick Up: The Hostage Box
I implemented a “hostage box” system in my home to encourage tidiness. By placing forgotten items in the box and requiring chores for retrieval, my daughter and I developed better habits. This simple method transformed our living space and instilled lasting organizational skills.