My Everyday Productivity Tricks

When I launched Simple Scrapper in 2008, I envisioned a site for scrapbookers that was a cross between Simple Mom (now The Art of Simple) and Zen Habits.

(Some of you know that I had actually never heard of Simple Scrapbooks magazine when I bought the domain.)

I wanted to help busy gals like myself find ways to make a traditionally fussy hobby easier and more enjoyable. And as we near our 7th anniversary, I am even more committed to providing the best tools and support for simple memory keeping.

I’m in this for the long haul – and am excited to announce that I’m teaching at the new Big Picture Classes in addition to serving you here.

In today’s post I want to share some of the most fundamental things I do every day to get things done with joy and ease. To me, simple productivity is about intentional living with a relentless focus on what matters most.

It’s not about doing more, but about doing the right things to enjoy your life – and your scrapbooking.

Time Management for Memory Keepers

Before you continue reading I want to adjust your expectations.

I’m not going to share any revolutionary apps or a silver bullet for your time-crunched life. Managing your time well and getting things done is far more about what you choose to remove than what you can add.

That said, here are 6 things I do as often as possible to stay forward-moving:

Get up earlier. Notice I didn’t say “early”? Even if it’s just 15 minutes of extra time, my days seem to run smoother if I am the first one out of bed.

Know your focus. Once my personal hygiene and my family is taken care of, my first question is “what’s important today?” By acknowledging the one or two things I most want or need to do today, I can better organize my day.

Use a planner. I’d be lost if I kept everything in my head. I can identify my focus easily because I plan everything. I use Asana to organize and run my business, while my appointments, personal notes, and scrapbooking lists live in an A5 paper planner.

Stay mindful. All day long I check in with myself. I get off track or distracted like anyone else, but I am able to reign myself in and use my lists to know what I should be spending time on.

Always be tidying. I am not a neat-freak, but I do maintain a continual awareness of the stuff of life. By always asking what can be thrown away or recycled and always trying to move items back to their homes, fewer spaces become overwhelming.

Embrace gentleness. At the end of the day, not everything will be done. You did your best (or even just your best for that day). Be OK with what is and rest each night knowing that tomorrow is another day.

Time Management Class + Free Wallpaper

If you would like to learn more about everyday productivity, I’d like to invite you to check out Time Management at Big Picture Classes.

The class contains all-new lessons, images (including more watercolor quotes like you see below), and as you always see here, a printable course workbook.

Download free desktop wallpaper.

If you’re not yet a member at Big Picture Classes you can sign up for a free one-month trial with the code BPCJENNIFER.

Free month trial promotion ends August 22nd, 2015 at 11:59 pm EST. First month free offer valid only on new memberships and is not valid for current or previous members. Click the “Start Your Free Trial” button and follow the steps to begin your free trial. Enter promo code in promo box and continue checkout process. Not valid on previous purchases. Must enter promo code at checkout. Refunds will not be issued for misused or non-entered codes.