We talk about productivity all the time, especially as young entrepreneurs. Be more organised. Wake up earlier. Do more. Stay consistent. Push harder.

But if I'm honest, that kind of advice can feel overwhelming fast. It makes you feel behind before you've even started your day. So in this episode, I wanted to share what productivity actually looks like for me while balancing business, online school, content creation, and still having a life.

For me, productivity isn't about doing more. It's about doing what matters.

What Productivity Really Means to Me

It's Not About Being Busy

I've had days where I've ticked off ten tiny tasks and still felt like I achieved nothing important. That's when I realised being busy and being productive are not the same thing.

Now, I focus on progress. Instead of cramming my day with small, random tasks, I ask myself, "What will actually move me forward?" Sometimes that's one solid piece of content. Sometimes it's studying properly for a subject. Sometimes it's sending the emails I've been putting off.

When I focus on meaningful progress instead of perfection, I feel calmer and more confident.

Planning Gives Me Clarity

One of my biggest productivity tools is using a planner. I love mapping out my year, then breaking it down into months, weeks, and daily actions. When my goals are just floating around in my head, they feel huge and overwhelming. When I write them down and break them into steps, they feel doable.

Planning helps me see the bigger picture without panicking about it. It turns "I want to grow my business" into actual daily actions I can take.

My Three Big To-Dos Rule

I Only Focus on Three Priorities

Instead of writing a massive to-do list and stressing about all of it, I choose three big tasks each day. These are the ones that truly matter. The ones that will move my schoolwork or business forward.

I might still brain-dump everything I need to do, but then I highlight the top three. Once I complete those, I know I've had a productive day. Everything else is a bonus.

That shift alone has reduced so much overwhelm for me.

I Break Big Tasks Down

Even "big tasks" can feel intimidating if they're too vague. So I break them down further. If one of my priorities is studying, that might mean: rewatching a lecture, writing notes, revising them, and preparing questions.

If it's creating content, I'll break that into scripting, filming, editing, and captions.

When I know the exact next step, I stop procrastinating and just start.

I Give Myself Flexibility

Not every day goes perfectly, and I've learnt that's okay. Running my own business has taught me to adjust instead of quitting. If I don't get all three done, I look at why and reset for the next day. Productivity for me is about consistency, not punishment.

Time Blocking My Week

I Schedule What Matters

Time blocking has changed everything for me. Instead of hoping I'll "fit things in," I assign time to them. School gets its own blocks. Business gets its own blocks. Even personal routines and looking after my guinea pigs are scheduled.

When I know there's a specific time for something, I don't spend the whole day stressing about when I'll do it. It's already decided.

That structure makes my week feel lighter, not heavier.

I Adjust Without Scrapping the Plan

Things pop up. That's normal. But instead of abandoning my whole schedule, I move the block. Having a framework makes it easier to stay on track even when life happens.

How I Use the Pomodoro Technique

Focused Work in Short Bursts

I love using the Pomodoro technique, which is 25 minutes of focused work followed by a five-minute break. After four rounds, I take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.

During those 25 minutes, I protect my focus. No scrolling. No quick message replies. I'll often put on a musical soundtrack because the consistent sound helps me stay in the zone. When the music pauses, that's my signal to switch into break mode.

Those short bursts help me tackle my three big tasks without feeling overwhelmed.

Breaks That Actually Help

I used to use my breaks to scroll, but that doesn't really refresh me. Now I try to make them proper breaks. I'll walk around the house, step outside, refill my water bottle, grab a snack, read a few pages of a book, or hang out with my guinea pigs.

After four rounds, I take a proper, longer break to reset. That rhythm of focus and rest keeps me energised instead of burnt out.

Why I Batch My Content

Batching content has been a huge productivity win for me. Instead of filming one video today and another tomorrow, I'll block out an hour or two and record multiple pieces at once. I plan my ideas, switch outfits or accessories between videos, and keep everything ready so I can move quickly.

I also record extra B-roll while I'm already set up because I know I'll need it later. Future me is always grateful for that. Grouping similar tasks helps me stay in the creative mindset instead of constantly switching gears.

Scheduling So I Can Stay Consistent

I also use a content scheduler to upload posts in advance. I'll dedicate a focused block to setting everything up, choosing the best times, writing captions, and then I let the system do the rest.

That way, my content goes live while I'm studying, resting, or working on something else. Consistency is important to me, but I don't want it to take over my whole day. Systems make consistency realistic.

What I've Learnt About Productivity

Motivation comes and goes. I don't wake up every day feeling inspired and ready to work. What keeps me moving is structure. When I plan my priorities, block my time, focus in short bursts, batch similar tasks, and schedule ahead, I don't have to rely on willpower. I've created an environment where progress is easier.

Productivity for me isn't about hustling 24/7. It's about protecting my energy and focusing on what actually matters.

My Challenge to You

This week, pick one strategy and try it properly. Maybe it's choosing three big priorities each day. Maybe it's trying the Pomodoro technique. Maybe it's batching one type of task instead of spreading it out.

Commit to it for seven days and see what changes. Small systems create big results over time.

And if this episode helped you rethink productivity, share it with another young entrepreneur who's ready to work smarter, not just harder. Let's build businesses that fit our lives, not take them over.

Enjoyed this episode? If this episode helped you rethink productivity, share it with another young entrepreneur who's ready to work smarter, not harder.

Highlights

• 00:34 Planner and Daily Goals

• 01:30 Three Big To-Dos

• 02:22 Break Tasks Down

• 03:11 Time Blocking Routine

• 03:56 Pomodoro Basics

• 05:01 Break Ideas and Focus

• 06:36 Long Breaks and Timer Apps

• 07:58 Batching Tasks and Content

• 09:53 B-Roll and Candid Clips

• 11:25 Scheduling and Wrap-Up

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

• Youngpreneur Society Planner https://www.enevergroup.com.au/product/2026-youngpreneurs-society-planner/

• Canva Pro to bulk create social posts http://snip.ly/canva30pro