Let’s be honest, getting started is often the hardest part. Whether you're staring at a blank screen or ignoring your overflowing inbox, procrastination creeps in fast and derails your day before it even begins.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
If you’re ready to take back control of your time, these four simple (but effective) strategies will help you move from stuck to sorted.
Time block your calendar
Time blocking works because it gives your brain boundaries. Instead of trying to squeeze in work around distractions, you’re making dedicated time to focus.
Here’s how to start:
Block out chunks of time in your calendar for specific tasks or themes.
Be realistic about how long things actually take.
Leave room for breaks and interruptions.
And if you don’t finish something? Don’t panic. Just move it to another time slot - progress beats perfection every time.
Keep a running to-do list that works for you
You don’t need the perfect app. You just need something you’ll actually use.
Whether you’re a pen-and-paper person or app-obsessed, the key is to:
Keep it visible.
Break tasks into smaller, actionable items.
Tick things off as you go (because that sense of momentum is powerful).
Tools we love: To-doist, Trello, Asana, and Teamwork.
Don’t go it alone - build in accountability
If no one’s watching, it’s easier to let things slide. Having someone who checks in with you (even briefly) can make all the difference.
That might be:
A business coach
A mentor
A team member
Or even your VA
Share your goals, give them permission to follow up, and watch how much faster you take action.
Break big tasks into smaller wins
Overwhelm is procrastination’s best friend. If something feels too big, your brain will keep avoiding it.
The fix? Make it smaller.
Write the email draft - don’t “launch the campaign.”
Find the photos - don’t “redesign the website.”
When you start small, you build momentum. And that momentum gets you to the finish line faster.
Procrastination happens, but it doesn’t have to run your day.
These four tweaks are simple to action, but the results compound fast. Want more tips like these? Check out Episode 9 of the Get Savvy podcast for more productivity hacks that actually work.
And if you’re thinking “this would all be easier with support” - you’re right! Book a discovery call and let’s talk about how a Virtual Assistant could help you clear your backlog and finally stay ahead.
