Productivity Expert in Action: Meet Levo League Leader Caitlin Sellers

No one knows how you work best - except for you. You live it everyday. You are your own productivity expert in action. And you figured some things out along the way that you're willing to share with the world.

In celebration of our January 27 Google Hangout with Levo League to talk about about managing your time, attention, and productivity, we're recognizing the moderator of that upcoming conversation, Caitlin Sellers, and her personal productivity style as a Visualizer.

In this profile of a Productivity Expert in Action, Caitlin, who is not only Charlotte's local Levo League Founder/Leader, but also Chief of Staff and Sales at Mouse and Man Digital Marketing, shares her strategies, secrets, and aha! moments.

What is the driving force behind your personal commitment towards productivity and efficiency?

My driving force is my energy. I have a lot of it, and I have a hard time staying still. I need to channel this energy into organization and "doing", and I rely on the mentors I surround myself with to help point me in the right direction.

Describe your go-to organizational tools and strategies.

I live by my Google calendar. I used to have to write everything down into a calendar and my notebook, but what sealed the deal about going digital with my calendar, is the reminders and notifications. I am able to schedule everything down to taking a walk around the block and doing yoga.

What has changed for you personally and professionally as a result of you implementing these tools and strategies?

Scheduling in time and reminders to follow-up with people.

What are the things, processes, or strategies you need to do for your perfect day. How did you discover that each of these impacted your productivity?

I am most productive on days where I have a prioritized to-do list. I pick 3-5 key items I need to accomplish in the day and then everything else comes second. This helps me stay focused and less distracted.

Do you have any specific, daily rituals or habits? If so, what are they? Why these rituals or habits? Or what did you try and you discovered quickly that it didn’t work for you?

I would say keeping up with my FitBit and being aware of getting my steps in. The geek in me loves the personal analytics, but it also requires me to stay active even if it is simply walking my dog. I measure my success on a weekly basis. Some days it is difficult for me to reach 10,000 steps.

Describe how you structure your work day. For example, you mentioned blocking your calendar to get your work done, managing your attention, scheduling 30 minute meetings

I structure it typically around 60-90 minute meetings. If I can get one in 30, I am ahead of schedule and move on to my next task. Giving myself buffer time to recharge and give my priorities full attention.

I also live and die by to-do lists. I love my dry erase board and visuals such as sticky notes. Crossing something off of my list makes my heart smile and adding a little color to my life never hurt...

How do you stay true to your unique work flow strategies when we live and work in a culture that lauds face time, long hours and constant connectivity?

I use airplane mode A LOT and away messages to set realistic expectations for people in my response time.

What is the first thing that you tell other people on how to start the process of improving their productivity?

Set goals for yourself by actually writing them down and putting them in a place where you see them often. Then, take action steps to accomplish those goals.

How do you work simply and live fully?

Career-wise, recognizing when to delegate work and then following through with it. Big picture, I believe paying attention to how you invest your time and energy is just as important as the specific task at hand.

Some Next Action Steps:

• According to my Productivity Assessment, Caitlin is a Visualizer. What's YOUR productivity style? Find out here; please use Activation Code: WorkSimply15
• You're invited! RSVP now to the Levo League Google Hangout on January 27 from 7pm-8pmEST; RSVP here.
• I'm a strong supporter of the powerful women (like Caitlin!) who drive Levo League's mission. Learn more about Levo here.
• You are your own productivity expert in action. Reclaim your life, productivity, and career, and order Work Simply.
• Still want to learn more? Register for my free book club webinar to talk about Work Simply. Details here.

Carson Tate is the founder and principal of Working Simply, a management consultancy. Our mission is to bring productivity with passion back to the workplace. We do this by providing tailored solutions that help people to work smarter, not harder.

Her new book, Work Simply, was published on January 2, 2015.