Conquering My To-Do List One Productivity Hack at a Time

Recently I've taken a long hard look at how productive I am at my job, in my side hustle and life in general. I found myself frustrated because there's not enough time to do everything that I desire on a daily basis... grow the Chamber, write, organize my house, play with my kids...

Armed with a nice leather notebook, my favorite pen and a series of brightly colored post-it notes, I've implemented some productivity hacks that have been working for me. I feel ready to take on the day, the week and the world! Here's what I've been doing:

1. Shut off the TV. With the exception of an hour or two a week (so Adam and I can spend some time together watching a movie) I have given up TV. I use the time after the kids go to bed to write, read, learn and build my business. (I will make an exception when This is Us returns!)
2. Listen to podcasts and books on Audible. I have learned so much over the past couple of months while going for a walk at lunch, driving in the car, cleaning the house and even laying in bed. I keep my notebook handy and write down quotes, useful tidbits and other snackable pieces of content that I can implement. I created several Google Docs to save this information so I can go back and reference it.
3. Invest in Online Courses. I am a big fan of learning from the pros. It's a total timesaver and prevents me from having to reinvent the wheel. I have watched courses for my business and courses for work. In both instances I can take this knowledge and apply it to everything I am doing. I always feel inspired and excited after taking an online course.
4. I look at tasks with the Do - Delegate - Dump lens on. When developing my to-do list (see #5) I ask myself: Will this help move the Chamber, my business, me or my family forward? Is it something I have to do personally, or can it be handed off to someone else to complete?

• Do: If I feel strongly that this is something I have to do, I put it on my task list. Some things are more authentic if they come from the source (for instance, I would never have someone write this article on my behalf).
• Delegate: If someone can do the task, even if it's not exactly how I would do it, I pass it along. Sometimes you just have to say, please and thank you, and put it in someone else's hands.
• Dump: Get rid of emails that you don't have to answer, cross off projects that you realistically can't get to (even if they sound great) and simply let go.

5. Write down my top three tasks each and every day. In my notebook, I write down the date at the top of the page, followed by anything notable happening that day (birthdays, ribbon cuttings, events), a list of three work tasks, three business tasks and anything I have to do personally (schedule a doctor's appointment, pay a bill). I check off each item as it's completed (and that feels sooo good).

In that same notebook, I listed the Chamber's Annual Key Initiatives that we are focusing on. I reference this list when creating my daily work tasks. All tasks must help push our Key Initiatives forward. For the things that aren't an immediate daily task, or don't fit directly within the Key Initiatives, I write them down on a post-it note so they can travel from page-to-page with me until they are complete (or dumped).

These productivity hacks have allowed me to learn A LOT, stay excited about building my business at night and cross off tasks that are helping me personally and professionally. I look forward to continuing to hack my way through, with my notebook in hand, each and every step of the way!

>>> I would love to hear from you! Please comment below with what your biggest obstacle is when it comes staying focused and productive on a daily basis. Let's learn together! >>>

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About Danielle: I’m the proud President and CEO of the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce located in Lowell, Massachusetts for the past 7 years (and counting)! The Chamber represents 600 businesses so I get to talk marketing on a daily basis – which I love!

When I'm not at the Chamber (i.e. nights and weekends) I work with organizations to effectively (and creatively) market their business on a shoestring budget. And by shoestring, that could mean no budget (as in zero dollars). I love helping organizations solve their marketing woes, once and for all. Lack of time, knowledge and resources is no match against the right tools, some outside of the box thinking and a work smarter, not harder mentality.

For more information please head to my website and download the FREE 5 Step Weekly Facebook Posting Plan. You can also connect with me on Twitter or Instagram at @DMcFaddenLowell.