Let’s be honest: most of us don’t need more productivity tools, we just need to pick one and stick with it long enough to feel the difference.
That’s why for National Simplify Your Week (August 4–8), I’m inviting you to stop chasing hacks and start building a habit. As the author of Practical Productivity: A Guide to Surviving Life’s Juggling Act, I’ve tested dozens of tactics, and I always come back to the few simple, powerful methods that work best for me. This week, I challenge you to pick just one of the five strategies below and commit to practicing it daily. Let’s get started.
The Two-Minute Rule
If a task takes two minutes or less, do it immediately. No delays, no lists, no overthinking. Small tasks create mental clutter. Clearing them quickly builds momentum and frees up brain space for deeper work
Try it for:
- Replying to short emails
- Sending a quick text or update
- Tidying your workspace
The Pomodoro Technique
Set a timer and do focused work for 20-25 minutes, then take a 5-10-minute break. After a few rounds, take a longer 15-30 minute break. Short sprints reduce mental fatigue and help you stay locked in without burning out.
Try it for:
- Writing, coding, or admin work
- Studying or strategic thinking
- Cleaning or organizing
Eat the Frog
Tackle your hardest, highest-value task first thing in the morning. You build momentum, reduce anxiety, and set the tone for the rest of your day.
Try it for:
- A work project you’ve been dreading
- A phone call you’ve been putting off
- That one thing you always push to “tomorrow”
Daily Top Three
Every morning (or the night before), identify the three most important tasks to accomplish that day. Choosing just three priorities forces you to make thoughtful decisions about your time.
Try it for:
- To focus on moving key goals forward
- To stop wasting time on non-urgent distractions
- A mix of personal and professional priorities
Time Blocking
Divide your day into blocks of time dedicated to specific tasks or types of work to help you stick to them. It protects your most productive hours and keeps reactive work from swallowing your day.
Try it for:
- Avoiding wasted time in-between meetings
- Scheduling time for your top three priorities
- Leaving space for overflow and flexibility
Your Challenge: Pick One and Practice It All Week
This is your moment to simplify. Instead of trying all five, choose one of these strategies and commit to using it every day during National Simplify Your Week (Aug 4–8).
Track how it feels. What changes? What gets easier? What no longer feels as overwhelming?
Want a deeper dive into how to build these habits sustainably? Grab a copy of Practical Productivity which includes 59 tools to help you do less, focus more, and make space for what really matters.
