Still Experimenting: My Journey with Productivity Tools and Habits

Productivity is a deeply personal and ever-evolving journey. No matter how many tools or systems you try, there’s always something new to learn—or unlearn. For me, productivity has become a focus not because I’ve mastered it, but because I’m constantly juggling different roles: being a parent, studying psychology, managing businesses, and trying to carve out time for personal growth.

Why I Started Experimenting with Productivity Tools

I began exploring productivity tools when I realized how overwhelmed I felt managing so many responsibilities. There were days when I’d start a dozen things but finish none, leaving me frustrated and questioning whether I was using my time wisely. I needed structure—not to do more, but to create a sense of order in my chaotic schedule.

The pressure of balancing parenthood, a full-time job, studies, and side hustles meant I needed systems that could help me focus and prioritize without adding complexity.

The Tools I’ve Tried (and Am Still Using)

Over time, I’ve experimented with several tools to find what fits my workflow. Here are a few that have stuck around:

1. Notion

I use Notion as a central hub for everything—from tracking projects to organizing notes and brainstorming ideas. What I love about it is the flexibility; I can create custom dashboards for different aspects of my life, like studies, work, and personal goals. However, I’ve learned that it’s easy to get caught up in over-customizing, which can eat into productive time.

2. Google Calendar

For time-blocking and managing appointments, Google Calendar has been invaluable. It helps me visually map out my day, ensuring I allocate time for focused work, meetings, and breaks. The challenge, though, is staying flexible when things don’t go as planned.

3. Tick tick

For smaller, actionable tasks, Tick tick has been a reliable companion. It’s simple and keeps me on track with daily to-dos without feeling overwhelming.

4. Pomodoro Timers

When I need to focus, especially on studying or deep work, Pomodoro timers help me break tasks into manageable chunks. It’s a small trick, but it keeps me motivated during longer sessions.

What I’ve Learned: Using too many tools at once can be counterproductive. At one point, I found myself switching between apps so often that it felt like a task in itself. Simplifying and sticking to a few key tools has made a big difference.

Habits I’m Experimenting With

Tools are only part of the equation. I’ve also been experimenting with habits to create a more sustainable workflow:

1. Time Blocking

Allocating specific times for tasks has been helpful, but I’ve learned to keep it flexible. Parenting often throws surprises my way, so I’m learning to adapt without feeling like I’ve failed.

2. Morning Routines

I’m still trying to establish a consistent morning routine. Small rituals, like reviewing my calendar or simply enjoying a quiet moment with coffee, set the tone for the day. It doesn’t always happen, but when it does, it feels grounding.

3. Reflecting on Priorities

At the end of the day, I try to look back and ask myself: What felt meaningful today? This simple practice helps me identify what’s working and what isn’t, though I don’t always remember to do it.

What I’ve Learned: Some habits are easier to maintain than others, and that’s okay. I’m learning to celebrate the ones that stick and revisit the ones that don’t.

The Challenges I’m Facing

Balancing productivity with life’s unpredictability is far from easy. Here are some challenges I’m still navigating:

• Consistency: It’s hard to stay consistent when parenting moments or work emergencies pop up unexpectedly.
• Guilt: I sometimes feel guilty when I’m not as productive as I think I should be or when I take breaks.
• Overreliance on Tools: I’ve had to remind myself that tools can support productivity, but they can’t fix deeper issues like overcommitting or unrealistic expectations.

Small Wins and Lessons So Far

Despite the challenges, there have been small wins worth celebrating. Completing a project on time, finding better ways to manage meetings, or simply carving out an hour for focused work feels like progress.

Lessons I’ve Learned:

• Productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most.
• Simplifying tools and habits reduces overwhelm.
• Taking breaks isn’t just okay; it’s necessary for long-term well-being.

Conclusion

I’m still figuring out what works for me, and I imagine that will continue to change as my responsibilities evolve. For now, I’m focusing on small steps, experimenting with what feels right, and learning as I go.

If you’ve found tools or habits that work for you, I’d love to hear about them. Let’s keep this conversation going—I’m always looking for new ideas to try.