Let's be honest we're not short on productivity advice.

There are millions of time management tips out there. Colour-coded calendars. Time-blocking. Deep work. Pomodoros. Eat the frog. Don't eat the frog. Batching. Breaking things down into teeny tiny micro-tasks that somehow still don't get done

It's a lot.

And if you're anything like me (and my clients), you've probably tried a lot of it. Because you do care. You are motivated. And you're not sitting around eating biscuits all day hoping the business builds itself.

But here's the thing most productivity advice misses:

You are not a robot. You're a real human, with real-life demands, emotions, cycles, and needs.

And building a sustainable, scalable business isn't just about doing more - it's about doing the right things in the time you've actually got.

So if you've been feeling like you're behind, flailing, or just plain tired, here are 12 refreshingly real (and actually effective) ways to get more done - without sacrificing your sanity, your sleep, or your family in the process.

1. Stop pretending you've got unlimited hours

Your time is finite. It always has been. And yet, how often do we write a to-do list like we've got 27 hours and a team of 5?

Here's your permission slip to stop trying to do everything - and start focusing on what actually moves the needle. Be brutal. Be kind. Say no to more. You can't do it all. And you were never meant to.

2. Create a space that works for you

I'm not going to pretend I always work from a calm, Pinterest-worthy office - sometimes it's the kitchen table, sometimes it's the car parked outside after school drop-off.

But when you can, create a space that feels good. A place that signals "work happens here." It doesn't need to be perfect. It just needs to help you switch into your CEO mindset - even if you're also the lunch-packing, laundry-folding, Zoom-juggling parent in the house.

3. Get comfy - your body will thank you

There's nothing strategic about a sore back or numb bum.

Invest in a decent chair. Check your desk height. Make sure your screen isn't giving you a crick in the neck. I resisted upgrading my setup for ages - until I realised I was working from a chair that was literally older than my eldest child.

4. Move your body (without overcomplicating it)

You don't need to join a gym or train for a marathon - but you do need to move. Regularly.

Stretch. Walk. Shake it out. Dance to one song between client calls. Do a lap of the garden barefoot if that's your thing. The goal here isn't athletic excellence - it's circulation, clarity, and keeping your nervous system out of burnout mode.

5. Sleep like your success depends on it (because it does)

Productivity isn't about staying up till midnight finishing your funnel.

If your brain is fried, your decision-making will be too. You'll procrastinate, overthink, and start rewriting the same Instagram caption twelve times instead of just hitting post. Trust me. I've been there.

6. Feed yourself properly

This one sounds basic, but how often do we skip lunch, grab biscuits between calls, or live on caffeine and adrenaline?

I'm not here to tell you what to eat - I'm not a nutritionist. But I am a strategist who's seen what happens when women try to build empires on an empty tank. You need fuel. Real fuel. And no, three cups of tea and the crust off the kids' toast doesn't count.

7. Simplify your digital world

Clutter isn't just physical. That desktop with 427 files? The 19 tabs open "for later". The random notes app with that amazing idea you had at 2am last Thursday?

It's all taking up space - in your brain and on your drive.

Pick one place for tasks, one place for notes, and one place for content. (And if you're not sure what that looks like, hello, this is exactly what we cover inside Simple, Scalable Systems.)

8. Have a backup plan for when tech breaks (because it will)

I've lost work to unexpected shutdowns, dodgy internet, and rogue software updates more times than I care to admit.

Back things up. Save as you go. Keep login details somewhere secure but accessible. It's boring - until it saves your bacon.

9. Plan your week with your life in mind

Don't cram in a webinar recording the same day as a dentist appointment, school play, and your period's day one. (Ask me how I know.)

Look ahead. Build in margin. Your calendar isn't just a to-do list, it's a tool for creating the kind of life and business you actually want.

10. Set boundaries - and stick to them

You don't need to answer DMs at 10pm. You're allowed to close the laptop after 3 hours of focused work. You can say, "I don't work weekends," even if it's just you in the business.

Your boundaries teach your brain (and your clients) how your business operates. And the clearer they are, the more efficient you become.

11. Write it down (and prioritise)

Your brain is not a filing cabinet.

Get those swirling thoughts, half-formed ideas, and nagging tasks out of your head and onto paper (or into your ClickUp or planner). Then ruthlessly prioritise.

What's urgent? What's important? What's actually necessary?

12. Know where to focus - and why

This is the big one.

It's not just about doing the tasks. It's about doing the right ones - the ones that lead to sales, clients, and growth.

And if you're not sure what those are for you? That's a strategy issue. Not a productivity one.

Because no amount of colour-coded planning will fix misaligned offers, unclear messaging, or a funnel that's more leaky than a toddler's water bottle.

Let's make this simple:

✔️ Your time is precious.
✔️ Your energy is finite.
✔️ And your business can feel lighter - when you focus on what matters.

If you're ready to stop spinning your wheels and start making real progress, the first step isn't to work harder - it's to get clear on what actually works for you.

That's exactly what we do inside Simple, Scalable Business School - my signature program for women who are building real, life-friendly businesses with strategy, structure and support that actually fits.

We cover the full business ecosystem - from foundations and mindset to offers, messaging, systems, and scalable income - so you can finally build momentum that lasts.

✨ Curious if it's right for you? Book a free Clarity Call and let's talk through where you're at, what's keeping you stuck, and whether SSBS is the support you've been missing.

👉 Click here to book your call.

You don't need to do more. You need to do the right things - in a way that makes sense for your business, your season, and your actual life.

You've got this, lovely. 💛

Just for You:

If you’re looking to create more time in your business, grab my free AUTOMATE, DELEGATE, DITCH playbook to streamline your business. Designed to help you reclaim your time and focus on what truly matters, implementing these strategies, can help you create a business that supports your lifestyle and allows you to thrive.