How to Be Productive During Chaotic Times

Today, I want to share some of the strategies I’ve been using to stay productive, especially during times that feel unpredictable and chaotic. With so many of us working from home, it's easy to feel like you're juggling a million things at once—work responsibilities, teaching kids, and finding some balance amidst all the change. Trust me, I've been there too, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. If you’re struggling to figure out how to do everything while trying to maintain some structure, this post is for you.

You would think that after being trained as a teacher, having a routine would come easily. But honestly, some days have been tough. There have been so many moments where I’ve asked myself, “Why didn’t I have a better plan in place before this?” After all, I know how to structure routines for preschoolers and elementary school kids. I know the strategies for balancing academic tasks. But putting it all into practice, especially with the added pressure of a shifting landscape and the needs of my own children, has been a challenge. And that’s okay.

I want to share a simple truth with you: It’s not easy for any of us, but we can rise to the challenge. This is an opportunity for us to expand our capacity not just to survive tough times, but to thrive in them. In moments like these, we have a chance to build resilience—personally, as a community, and in our professional lives.

So how have I been making it through?

My Daily Structure: What Works for Me

1. Start Early, But Don’t Expect Perfection
   For me, starting the day early has been a game changer. I aim to wake up between 5 and 6 a.m. before the house fully wakes up. This quiet time is when I focus on the most critical work—emails, planning tasks, and anything that needs mental clarity. It’s not always perfect, but it helps me get a head start. And for those of you with children at home, finding pockets of quiet time is key.

2. Flexible Scheduling
   I had to accept that my work week and weekend blend together. Some tasks spill over into the weekend, and that’s okay. For those of us balancing work and childcare, flexibility is essential. I’ve had to adapt and shift my mindset around what a "workday" looks like. The goal is progress, not perfection.

3. Embrace Chill Time
   One of the best decisions I made was incorporating “chill time” into our daily routine. It doesn’t need to be a strict nap time, but a quiet, independent time for my kids. This is when I focus on deep work—whether it’s recording podcasts, having meetings, or planning lessons. If your kids are little, this time is golden.

4. Task Prioritization
   To manage my workload, I adopted a method I learned from productivity experts: the Ivy Lee Method. This involves listing three priorities that need to get done the next day. By narrowing my focus to just three things, I avoid overwhelming myself with an endless list. And I ensure that I’m staying on track, one task at a time.

5. Leverage Technology
   There are so many tools available to help stay on track. From to-do lists to task managers, finding the right tools that work for you is essential. I've found that using simple tools like Google Calendar and productivity apps like Todoist help me stay organized and on task throughout the day.

I won’t lie—it hasn’t been easy. There are days when I feel overwhelmed, and that’s okay. The key is giving ourselves grace and accepting that this is a learning process. We are building new habits and routines on the fly, and it’s okay if things don’t go perfectly every day.

The takeaway from all this? Stay flexible, prioritize what really matters, and give yourself grace. No one has all the answers, but together, we can rise to the challenge and thrive through these times.

Now, hit that play button and dive deeper into these productivity tips. I hope you find these strategies as helpful as they’ve been for me. And if you have your own tips, feel free to share them—let’s learn and grow together!

LINKS:

IOMOS Priority List
Clarity Workshop
TVI Symposium