I’ve been running my business full-time since January of 2013, and during that time, I’ve made a lot of mistakes as well as done a lot right! One thing I’ve always worked on is how can I work in a more productive way?

Most of you know that family life can keep a person busy, especially when you are a mom. Moms tend to get a lot thrown onto their plates. When I was married and running my business, we had 3 kids (my son and two stepdaughters), and it seems there was always a place to take a kid or something they needed for school. My husband at the time often worked in sales, so he would often have extra work obligations which left me tending to the kids alone.

Then fast-forward to getting divorced, I then only had one kid to care for full-time (my son), BUT I had him 24/7 with no family near. I now had less time to work (because now by default I had to do everything) and needed to make more money. My ex was out of the picture totally, both physically and financially.

This brings me to my topic, productivity!

I’m sure you’ve heard many different ideas on how to increase productivity. And I like to keep it simple. Today I want to share with you my top 5 apps I use daily to get more done aka increase productivity.

And quickly before I jump in, those of you that think you are expert multitaskers, you are actually cutting down your productivity. You may not realize it, but you are. Trying to do more than one thing at once depletes your mental energy quicker AND causes you to not focus on one thing as well because your attention is split multiple ways.

So, no, I do NOT multitask. Unless you consider washing a load of laundry while working multitasking. Then I always have to remember I’m doing it and to dry it, LOL. One day I did laundry and left 2 shirts in the washer to hang to dry. I then forgot, added the dirty load, and washed them again. Thank goodness I didn’t ruin them! It’s likely I was trying to do more than one thing then. See, you shouldn’t multitask. 🙂

Here are my top 5 apps for productivity:

App #1 – Wunderlist (free): This is a list app. I have lists for groceries, errands, appts to make. I keep my lists grouped by topic. I have maybe 8 lists total; I don’t go crazy. Then as I go about my day, if I think of the milk we ran out of, I just quickly add it to my list. No more random notes, trying to remember what you needed. Now it’s all in one place!

App #2 – Voxer (free): If you are like me, you really don’t need MORE emails. I have started using Voxer with my students in my VA training and mentoring so they can ask me questions and get quick feedback. I use it with my mentor, too, along with others in the business. It is SO much faster to record quick audio rather than type a long email.

App #3 – Slack (free): Over time, I’ve had clients communicate via email, texting, FB messenger, Skype and more. Trying to keep up with messages in ALL the places is confusing and draining. I now have ALL clients use Slack along with our project management tool. And I tell them all task/project-related communication takes place in the tool we use for that, but quick questions, check-ins, random messages, etc., are all to be sent via Slack. And it’s great! If I have to run an unplanned errand and a client or team member has a quick question, I can reply.

App #4 – Amazon (free): I can hear some of you thinking, wait, how does Amazon increase productivity? Well, nowadays, you can pretty much order ANYTHING from Amazon. And I am a Prime member and get free shipping. Oftentimes during the week, I think of an item I need, and I will pull up the app, place my order, and 5 min later, done. No more taking up mental space or time thinking about that thing I need or when I have time to go get it. Just this morning, I remembered a ring light I needed to order and Pill Pockets for my dog. I hopped on, and now it’ll all be here in 2 days! Basically, I use Amazon for those items I need quickly but can’t get here locally where I live or can get them fast enough and save me from a trip driving somewhere.

App #5 – MyFitnessPal (free): If you are not making your health a priority, you should be. And I am one to talk. In my toxic marriage, I gained about 40 lbs in the last few years. I was NOT taking care of myself. I am happy to say I am well on my way to becoming that healthy version of myself that I want to be. And using this app is a time-saver! I can scan barcodes on my food so I can make sure I am on track for my calorie or goals. Then I have a Fitbit and have it synced with this, and it imports my steps and activity. You can also add friends, read inspiring articles, find recipes, and so much more. For those of you thinking that using the MyFitnessPal app takes more time, it does take a little. BUT when you feel better and have more energy, this is shown in your productivity.

Bonus tip: turn off social media notifications on your phone. It’s amazing how this changes things when you don’t have those pesky numbers showing you how many FB messages you have or how many people are waiting for you to take your turn on Yahtzee (maybe that’s just me, LOL)!

What apps do you use? Send me an email and let me know what you find useful. I’d love to share them on social media so others can maybe discover a new one that might really help them! And if you start using any I suggest, I’d love to hear your thoughts and how it’s helped you become more productive in life and business. 🙂

Helpful Links

I have some helpful information if you have enjoyed this article and want more. If you are a mom wanting to work from home but have no idea how to get started, grab my free getting started guide, “10 Easy Steps to Get Started as a Virtual Assistant.” And if you are lacking confidence and wondering if you really can do it, If I can do it, living in a small rural town in Missouri with no formal business education or entrepreneurial background, so can you!

Go here to grab the free guide!

You’ll also be added to my email list, where I’ll send tips about working as a Virtual Assistant and more time-saving tips for busy moms.

And feel free to comment here with a tip of your own. The more we support each other, the better!

“The only thing that is constant is change.” Heraclitus

Isn’t that the truth! Whether it’s a change in seasons, changes in schedules, big life-altering changes, or just changing your socks, something is always changing.

I am asked quite often what to do about time! For me, it’s more about a focus on the time I have.

Here are five things I do to keep me focused daily and make sure I get done what is needed:

#1 – Every Friday, I look at my week ahead. I check what meetings are scheduled, I look at daily tasks to see if I can do what is planned or if I need to rearrange them. I normally only plan for 3 tasks per day per client and for my business. Of course, I take into consideration how complex those tasks are.

#2 – I have a daily morning routine. This involves drinking a glass of water when I wake up. I do a bit of meditation and journaling about what I desire in life and business. Most days, I take a walk and do some stretching. Then I eat some breakfast. This routine sometimes varies a bit, but it starts me off feeling good and focused on what I want most. Since doing this, it has made a huge impact on my focus.

#3 – On my Google calendar, I have time blocked off for my business stuff and time blocked off for client stuff. I make sure to be realistic about how much time I have to work and this makes planning much easier! It also keeps me focused by having it scheduled on my calendar so I know what I need to do rather than just winging it as the day goes on.

#4 – I have set meeting days and I stick to them. I have two days a week for meetings, and it’s rare I have a meeting that isn’t on those two days. This is so I never have to worry about scheduling conflicts if we have a doctor appt to set or other errands. If we want to do something fun, I always know what days are open. This also helps with focus, so on my non-meeting days, I can do work where I need to focus rather than trying to do intense work between meetings.

#5 – I get an average of 8 hours of sleep a night. Sleep is so important and something everyone needs to make a habit. Go to bed earlier if needed. Don’t drink caffeine after noon. Get a bit of exercise daily. Don’t eat a big meal before bed. Many of us put our health last and healthy habits support you in sleeping better. If you rely on caffeine to keep you going, it’s going to be hard to focus and give the energy required to your business. Health is a whole other topic I could go on and on about. But for now, I will just say get your rest 🙂

Here’s a look at what is happening behind the scenes last week…

Last week flew by so quickly, I can barely remember what I did Monday. But here’s a look at what was happening.

Potential clients seem to be pouring in but this doesn’t mean I say yes to them all! I can only take on so many business management clients so I am having to decide if I want more clients right now. I also face decisions like whether I want to change up the services I provide, or if I need to say no. I find that when something starts suddenly happening in business, like having several people contact me within days, wanting to possibly work with me, I need to pay attention! It doesn’t mean I say yes, but when there is a shift I take notice and decide if my business needs to shift.

We recently moved and I’m still getting settled into a new routine, a new scene. I have more family nearby, so happily, there are more distractions. My clients understand the disruption of moving, but they still deserve my attention and need me to be focused. I’ve had to stay open minded, while still keeping myself grounded and learning about my new normal. I’m getting into a great new routine. It’s hard to have a lot of changes and get into a new routine, but sometimes you just have to buckle-down and do it.

If you need more tips, I love posting about different tips and resources that I find helpful. Come over and like my Facebook page! I try to post something helpful multiple times a week, and other times, we just have fun. And I think everyone needs a little fun sprinkled into their lives!

Helpful Links

I have some helpful information if you have enjoyed this article and want more. If you are a mom wanting to work from home but have no idea how to get started, grab my free getting started guide, “10 Easy Steps to Get Started as a Virtual Assistant.” And if you are lacking confidence and wondering if you really can do it, If I can do it, living in a small rural town in Missouri with no formal business education or entrepreneurial background, so can you!

Go here to grab the free guide!

You’ll also be added to my email list, where I’ll send tips about working as a Virtual Assistant and more time-saving tips for busy moms.

And feel free to comment here with a tip of your own. The more we support each other, the better!

As a full-time single mom, I’m always looking for ways to improve my productivity and one way I have done this is by using apps for focus. I have an iPhone, but anyone can find these. I’ve tried out many more than these, but this list is my favorite apps for focus.

Before we jump into the specific apps, I’d love to explain the benefit of using apps for focus. The goal is to improve your productivity and concentration. And in today’s fast-paced world, I think we can all agree we could use more focus! These apps are designed to help you stay on task and avoid distractions by providing various tools and techniques to help you manage time and stay focused.

For example, some apps offer features such as time tracking, goal setting, and reminders, which can help busy moms stay accountable and motivated to complete tasks. Additionally, some apps offer features such as white noise or meditation exercises, which can help you reduce distractions and improve your ability to concentrate. Anyone working from home with kids can totally relate to all the distractions! By utilizing these tools, phone apps for focus can help you to boost productivity and achieve your goals more efficiently and effectively.

Here are the four awesome apps I recommend:

Forest: Focus for Productivity – Forest is a popular app that helps you focus by planting a virtual tree. The idea is that you set a timer for a certain amount of time (e.g., 25 minutes), and you cannot use your phone for anything else during that time. You “grow” a virtual tree if you successfully complete the time. If you don’t, the tree dies. The app gamifies the process of focusing, making it more engaging and rewarding.

Brain.fm: Focus Music – Brain.fm is an app that uses AI-generated music to help you focus, relax, or sleep. The app uses scientific research on the effects of music on the brain to create playlists that can help you enter a state of focus or relaxation. The music is designed to be non-distracting and repetitive so that it fades into the background and helps you concentrate on your work.

Focus@Will: Control your ADD – Focus@Will is another app that uses music to help you focus. It also has a quiz that tells you your brain type, so you can go to the channel that will help you most without guessing. The app features a variety of different music genres and playlists, each of which is designed to enhance focus and productivity. The app also includes a timer feature that allows you to set a specific amount of time for your focus session and a productivity tracker that helps you monitor your progress.

CommitTo3: Focus and Accountability – CommitTo3 is a productivity app designed to help individuals and teams stay accountable and focused on their goals. The app encourages users to set three daily tasks or goals and commit to completing them within 24 hours. Users can invite friends or colleagues to form a group and share their progress with each other, providing motivation and support along the way. The app also includes features such as a timer and notifications to help users stay on track and prioritize their tasks effectively.

Action Step To Implement

Pick one of the four apps for focus to use, or find one of your own. Commit to using it for the next week. And after seven days, if it’s working great, continue with it. You can even consider upgrading to the paid version (if there is one) since they often offer more features. And if it’s not working, pick another to try. The idea is to start simple with a mindset routine and then build up as time passes.

Action Step To Implement

Pick one of the four apps for focus to use, or find one of your own. Commit to using it for the next week. And after seven days, if it’s working great, continue with it. You can even consider upgrading to the paid version (if there is one) since they often offer more features. And if it’s not working, pick another to try. The idea is to start simple with a mindset routine and then build up as time passes.

Helpful Links

I have some helpful information if you have enjoyed this article and want more. If you are a mom wanting to work from home but have no idea how to get started, grab my free getting started guide, “10 Easy Steps to Get Started as a Virtual Assistant.” And if you are lacking confidence and wondering if you really can do it, If I can do it, living in a small rural town in Missouri with no formal business education or entrepreneurial background, so can you!

Go here to grab the free guide! 

You’ll also be added to my email list, where I’ll send tips about working as a Virtual Assistant and more time-saving tips for busy moms.

And feel free to comment here with an app you use for focus. The more we support each other, the better!

As a busy mom working from home, you may find it challenging to balance your work responsibilities and family obligations. I get it; I’ve been in your shoes for over ten years. Working from home alone can be challenging, then add in also dealing with kids. It can be quite a challenge. It can be tough to stay on top of everything, but with a few simple, time-saving tips, you can make the most of your day and find more time for the things you love.

Here are five time-saving tips for moms like you to save time when working from home:

Create a Schedule

One of the best ways to save time when working from home is to create a schedule and stick to it. Set aside specific blocks of time for work tasks, household chores, and family time. Make sure to build in breaks and time for self-care, too. When you have a schedule to follow, you’ll be more productive and better able to manage your time effectively.

Minimize Distractions

Distractions can derail your productivity and eat up valuable time. To minimize distractions, create a dedicated workspace that’s free from interruptions. Let family members know when you’re working and when you’re not, and use tools like noise-canceling headphones or focus apps to stay on task. By minimizing distractions, you’ll be able to focus on your work and get more done in less time.

Outsource Where You Can

Outsourcing household tasks like cleaning, laundry, or grocery shopping can free up more time for work and family time. Consider hiring a cleaning service or using a meal delivery service to simplify your life and save time. Outsourcing tasks that take up a lot of time and energy can help you be more productive at work and have more quality time with your family.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

Technology can be a time-saver when used strategically. Use tools like calendar apps, project management software, and automation tools to streamline your workflow and stay organized. Set up autoresponders for emails, use templates for frequently used documents, and automate social media posts to save time and increase efficiency. Using technology to your advantage allows you to work more efficiently and get more done in less time.

Practice Self-Care

Taking care of yourself is crucial when working from home. Make time for exercise, healthy meals, and relaxation to help reduce stress and improve productivity. When you feel good, you’ll be better equipped to handle work and family responsibilities with ease. Remember, taking care of yourself is not a luxury – it’s essential to your overall well-being and productivity.

As we wrap this up, working from home as a busy mom can be challenging, but with a few simple, time-saving tips, you can make the most of your day and find more time for the things you love. By creating a schedule, minimizing distractions, outsourcing where you can, using technology to your advantage, and practicing self-care, you can be more productive, less stressed, and enjoy more quality time with your family.

Action Step To Implement

Pick one of the time-saving tips and use it for seven days to see how it feels. If it’s working great, continue with it. If not, pick another to try. The idea is always to start simple and build up as time passes.

Helpful Links

I have some helpful information if you have enjoyed this article and want more. If you are a mom wanting to work from home but have no idea how to get started, grab my free getting started guide, “10 Easy Steps to Get Started as a Virtual Assistant.” And if you are lacking confidence and wondering if you really can do it, If I can do it, living in a small rural town in Missouri with no formal business education or entrepreneurial background, so can you!

Go here to grab the free guide!

You’ll also be added to my email list, where I’ll send tips about working as a Virtual Assistant and more time-saving tips for busy moms.

And feel free to comment here with a tip of your own. The more we support each other, the better!