Have you ever felt like your to-do list was longer than the Great Wall of China? Or that the day flies by faster than your teenager emptying the fridge? Trust me, you’re not alone. As busy moms, especially single working moms like me, life can feel like a constant juggling act. You shouldn’t dread doing something because you don’t believe you would have time to complete your task. But don’t worry! I’ve cracked the code to squeezing the most out of every day—and you can, too.
So grab a cup of coffee (or tea, or that leftover sip of water from your kid’s cup—no judgment here), and let’s talk about how to stay motivated, focused, and, yes, even have some fun while checking off that list.
1. Start with Motivation
Motivation is the fuel that keeps your productivity engine running. Without it, even the simplest tasks feel like climbing Mount Everest. The good news? Motivation isn’t something you have to wait for; you can create it!
Find Your “Why”
Why do you want to get more done? Is it so you can spend more time with your kids? Finally tackle that home project? Or maybe just feel like the superhero you secretly are? Write down your “why” and keep it somewhere visible—like your fridge or bathroom mirror. Seeing it will remind you what you’re working toward.
Start Small
Motivation loves momentum. Knock out a tiny, easy task first thing in the morning. It’s like giving your brain a high-five. Suddenly, bigger tasks don’t seem so intimidating.
Reward Yourself
Promise yourself a treat for completing tasks. Maybe it’s a 10-minute break to scroll social media, a fancy coffee, or some guilt-free Netflix time. Rewards make the work feel worth it!
2. Plan Like a Pro
Without a clear plan, it’s easy to get lost in the chaos of the day. You wouldn’t go grocery shopping without a list (unless you enjoy forgetting the milk), so don’t dive into your day without a plan.
Use the Power of Three
Each morning, write down three top priorities. Not twenty. Not ten. Just three. These should be the tasks that, if completed, would make you feel like you’ve won the day.
Time Block Your Day
Break your day into chunks of time and assign tasks to each block. For example:
- 8:00–9:00 AM: Morning routine and breakfast
- 9:00–11:00 AM: Focused work time
- 11:00–12:00 PM: Emails and quick errands By giving every task its own slot, you’re less likely to waste time wondering what to do next.
Use Tools and Apps
I’m a fan of good old-fashioned paper planners, but digital tools like Google Calendar, Trello, and Todoist are lifesavers for keeping everything organized. By having this visual breakdown of your day, it’ll help minimize procrastination and make better use of your time.
3. Prioritize Like a Boss
Not all tasks are created equal. Some deserve your undivided attention, while others are better off delegated or even… gasp… ignored. By protecting your time, you can make sure that you have the time to focus on what’s truly important.
The Eisenhower Matrix
This tool divides tasks into four categories:
- Urgent and Important: Do these now.
- Important but Not Urgent: Schedule these.
- Urgent but Not Important: Delegate these.
- Neither Urgent nor Important: Bye, Felicia!
Learn to Say No
One of the biggest productivity killers is taking on too much. “No” is a complete sentence. Use it. Protect your time like the precious resource it is.
4. Focus, Focus, Focus
The ability to concentrate is a superpower in today’s distraction-filled world. But even the best of us get sidetracked (hello, Instagram reels).Focus on one task at a time. Contrary to popular belief, multitasking doesn’t make you more productive. In fact, it often leads to mistakes and reduces the quality of your work.
Eliminate Distractions
Turn off notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and set your phone to Do Not Disturb. If your kids are home, let them know you’re “off-limits” for the next 30 minutes (bribes may be required). If you notice your mind wandering, gently bring your focus back to the task at hand. Over time, this can improve your concentration and help you stay focused for longer periods.
The Pomodoro Technique
Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Repeat four times, then take a longer break. This method keeps your brain fresh and focused.
Create a Dedicated Workspace
If possible, set up a spot in your home where you do nothing but work. It trains your brain to associate that space with productivity.
5. Set Goals and Crush Them
Goals give you a sense of purpose and direction. Without them, you’re just spinning your wheels. Difting through the day without making any progress at all.
Make SMART Goals
SMART stands for:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time-bound For example, instead of saying, “I want to get fit,” say, “I will walk 10,000 steps daily for the next month.”
Break It Down
Big goals can be overwhelming. Break them into smaller, actionable steps. If your goal is to declutter the house, start with one drawer or one room.
6. Stay Positive and Have Fun
It’s not all about grinding. A positive mindset and a little fun go a long way.
Celebrate Small Wins
Did you finish your top three tasks for the day? Celebrate! Whether it’s a happy dance in the kitchen or a quick call to a friend, acknowledging your wins keeps you motivated.
Turn Chores into Games
Challenge yourself to beat the clock or see how many tasks you can complete during one song. Get the kids involved, too—who can fold the most laundry in five minutes?
Practice Gratitude
At the end of the day, write down three things you’re grateful for. It shifts your focus from what you didn’t accomplish to the good stuff in your life.
7. Recharge Your Battery
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
Prioritize Sleep
Seven to eight hours of sleep is non-negotiable. If you’re not well-rested, your productivity will suffer.
Move Your Body
Exercise boosts your mood and energy levels. Even a 10-minute walk can do wonders.
Eat for Energy
Fuel your body with nutritious foods. And yes, you can still enjoy that chocolate—balance is key!
8. Stay Positive
Start or end your day by listing three things you’re grateful for. It shifts your focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right.
Know that it’s human to make mistakes and everyone faces setbacks. Instead of seeing failure as a defeat, view it as a learning opportunity. Ask yourself what you can learn from the experience and how you can use that knowledge to improve in the future.
Wrapping It Up
Getting more done in a day isn’t about working harder; it’s about working smarter. With the right motivation, planning, and focus, you’ll be unstoppable. Remember, productivity is a journey, not a destination. Keep adjusting your approach, and over time, you’ll find that you’re able to accomplish more with less effort. So go ahead, tackle that to-do list, and remember to celebrate your victories along the way. You’ve got this, supermom!
What are your favorite tips for staying productive? Share them in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
Always,
Kerri
