Do you ever feel like you’re constantly running on a hamster wheel, juggling countless tasks and responsibilities, yet never quite reaching a sense of accomplishment? If so, you’re definitely not alone. Many high-achieving women struggle with burnout, overwhelm, and the pressure to do it all.

But what if I told you there’s a better way? A way to ditch the overwhelm and design a life of intention, purpose, and yes, even productivity?

In this blog post, we’re diving deep into a conversation I had with Productivity and Time Management Coach Chelsey Newmyer on The Live By Design Podcast. Chelsey is passionate about helping women like you escape the overwhelm and create a personalized productivity system that actually works.

So grab your favorite beverage, get comfy, and let’s uncover some powerful strategies to help you take control of your time and achieve your goals with more ease and joy.

Redefining Productivity: It’s Personal

Often, when we hear the word “productivity,” we think of checking off a million tasks on our to-do list or pushing ourselves to the limit to achieve more and more. But Chelsey encourages us to redefine productivity in a way that aligns with our unique goals and values.  

Instead of measuring productivity solely by output, let’s shift our focus to working on the right thing at the right time to support us in reaching our goals.  

This means:

• Identifying the tasks that truly matter. What activities will move the needle forward in your life and help you achieve your goals?  
• Creating an environment that supports your focus. Where do you work best? What time of day are you most energized?  
• Aligning your actions with your goals. Are your daily tasks contributing to your bigger picture goals?  

By redefining productivity in this way, we can create a more sustainable and fulfilling approach to achieving our goals without sacrificing our well-being.

Procrastination and Perfectionism: The Productivity Roadblocks

Procrastination and perfectionism are two major culprits that can sabotage our productivity and leave us feeling stuck and overwhelmed. But Chelsey reminds us that procrastination is not the same as laziness.  

Procrastination often stems from:

• Perfectionism: The fear of not doing something perfectly can prevent us from taking action at all.  
• Unclear Goals: If our goals are too big or too vague, it can be difficult to know where to start.  
• Fear of Failure: The fear of not succeeding can hold us back from even trying.  

To overcome procrastination, Chelsey suggests:

• Breaking down large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. Instead of writing “start a podcast” on your to-do list, break it down into smaller steps like “research podcasting equipment” or “brainstorm podcast topics.”  
• Making tasks more enjoyable. Pair a task you’re dreading with something you enjoy, like listening to your favorite music or podcast.  
• Identifying the root cause of your procrastination. Are you unclear about your goals? Do you need to break down a task into smaller steps? Or are you struggling with perfectionism or fear of failure?  

Prioritization and Focus: Staying on Track

As high-achieving women, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of daily tasks and lose sight of the bigger picture. That’s why prioritization and focus are essential for staying on track and making consistent progress toward our goals.

Here are a few strategies to help you prioritize and focus:

• Identify your top priorities. What are the most important tasks that will move you closer to your goals?  
• Time block your schedule. Allocate specific times for focused work on your most important tasks.
• Minimize distractions. Turn off notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and create a dedicated workspace.
• Practice mindfulness. When you feel your mind wandering, gently bring it back to the present moment.
• Take breaks. Regular breaks can help you stay refreshed and focused throughout the day.

Goal Tracking: Measuring Your Progress

Tracking your progress is essential for staying motivated and on track. It allows you to see how far you’ve come, celebrate your wins, and make adjustments as needed.

Chelsey recommends integrating goal-tracking tools into your daily or weekly routine.  

Here are a few ideas:

• Use a planner or journal. Write down your goals, track your progress, and reflect on your journey.
• Utilize a digital tool. Apps like Trello, Asana, or Google Tasks can help you stay organized and track your progress.
• Create a vision board. Visualizing your goals can help you stay motivated and focused.
• Find an accountability partner. Sharing your goals with someone else can help you stay on track.

A Word of Encouragement

Change can be scary, especially when it comes to redefining our relationship with productivity and time management. But Chelsey encourages us to be patient with ourselves, experiment with different strategies, and find what works best for us.  

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to productivity. What works for one person may not work for another. So be curious, experiment, and give yourself grace along the way.

Key Takeaways

• Redefine productivity in a way that aligns with your goals and values.  
• Break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones.  
• Make tasks more enjoyable by pairing them with something you love.  
• Identify the root cause of your procrastination.  
• Prioritize your tasks and focus on what truly matters.  
• Track your progress to stay motivated and on track.  
• Be patient with yourself and find what works best for you.  

I hope this blog post has inspired you to ditch the overwhelm and design a more productive and fulfilling life! Remember, you are capable of achieving amazing things. So take control of your time, prioritize your well-being, and create a life you love. Sources and related content

Connect with Chelsey: @chelseyncoaching | From Overwhelmed to Under Control Podcast