How I Stay Productive as a Teacher Mom and Creative

Whether you have an ADHD brain or you are a super busy teacher mom that struggles to get things done, I have some simple strategies that I use that actually help me accomplish things.

Now, if I remember to use them, that’s another story! But when I do implement these strategies, I do get more done in my business, in my classroom, and in my home life. I have found that motivation isn’t really the issue. It’s more about the way I structure things. And when I use these strategies, I find that I’m actually able to accomplish tasks. These strategies help me finish things.

1. The Pomodoro Method

Hands down, the best strategy for an ADHD brain is the Pomodoro method. That is when you set a timer for 25 minutes and you commit to one task, and then you take a 5 minute break.

You can start another Pomodoro session after that, but usually just committing to one with a five minute break is enough. You will usually continue with more, but I think when you go in thinking that you’re going to do more, it can make you overwhelmed to even want to start.

So use the Pomodoro method. Commit to one 25 minute sprint, and more often than not, you will achieve a lot of your goals faster.

2. Batching Content

This is one of my favorite methods, and I find it to be the most important method that I use for YouTube creation, and that is batching content.

I’ve noticed that if I film one video weekly, I really dread filming them. But if I plan out one filming day for all four of my videos for the month, then it’s much easier for me to create consistently.

Some creators will batch filming one day, then batch editing another day, and then do product titles, descriptions, and captions on another day. For me, if I batch the filming, that’s enough. If I end up batching the content for each video separately, it scatters my brain a little bit and it’s really hard for me to complete things.

So I’ve found that filming on one day is great. Then I prefer to take one video and edit it, add the caption, description, title, and thumbnail on the same day. That just makes it easier for me to finish things.

3. Themed Days

Themed days are very helpful. If you automate your business tasks to have a theme for each day, it’s much easier for you to know what’s coming and what you’re supposed to do that day. It makes it less stressful and easier to automate the tasks that you have.

For me, I like to film on Saturdays or Sundays, depending on what day I have available. I like to edit and post one video on Sunday and turn that video into a blog post.

I’m still figuring out my product creation and posting days, but themed days are very helpful if you want to get consistent with the things that you’re doing and actually finish tasks.

4. Task Breakdowns

Another thing that I like to do is look at all the steps that I need to complete for a certain task in my business.

For example, creating a YouTube video would be:

• Outline the video
• Film the video
• Edit the video
• Create a description
• Create a thumbnail
• Create a title

It’s easier for me to automate the tasks for a certain process so that I’m not overwhelmed by all the steps. I just have them written down so I can look at the list and figure out what I need to do next.

The same goes for creating a product. I’ll draw an illustration, scan it, vectorize it, put it into a product, create the product description, create the thumbnail, and upload it into my shop.

Task breakdowns are really important.

5. Create Visual Progress

I like to create visual progress. I know that if things are not in front of me and I don’t see them, they just don’t exist.

So I use calendars. I print out to-do lists. I use sticky notes. If I’m able to see it, I’m able to finish it.

6. Work With Your Energy

The sixth thing that’s really helpful for someone with an overwhelmed brain who wants to get things done is using different times of the day for what your energy is available for.

For me, I really like creating art in the mornings and drawing. It just comes easier to me. I’m not able to really do blog posts or writing in the mornings. I just can’t think straight.

Evenings are best for writing blog posts, editing, and doing menial tasks that I can do while sitting in front of the TV, because I like to relax at night and watch TV. If I can do mindless tasks during that time, it’s a lot easier for me.

In Closing

For ADHD productivity, it’s really important to automate tasks and create strategies that work with your brain. Creating structure will support your creativity. And consistency over perfection is probably the most important thing that you can do for your business.

If you want more tips for making and saving money, time, and energy creatively, I am here weekly with a new video. Thank you for being here, and I will see you next time.