The Lazy Method to Maximum Productivity
A realistic approach to your to-do list so you can keep it up in the long run.
CONTEXT
I can procrastinate forever. Just the other day, I put off fixing my closet door for an entire week—even though the actual task took barely a minute.
Or when my iPhone tells me (yet again) that my storage is full, do I buy more cloud space or clean it up? Nope. I just can’t be bothered. Sounds familiar?
The antidote: Being realistic.
Sure, you could cram as much as possible into your day—wake up with determination, go to bed with satisfaction. I operated that way for a long time, and still fall into that trap if I’m being honest. But really… Where's the fun in that?
So if you are looking for a realistic approach to your to-do list, consistency, keep moving forward, maintain momentum in whatever it is you are focusing on, while not exhausting yourself - I hope you find your fix here.
METHOD
I use the Productivity Method Notion template so I can access it from anywhere on all of my devices. This is out of pure convenience and for the lazies amongst us who want something simple and ready-to-use.
Of course, you could apply these techniques without a template, but if you are interested, it is linked below (not an ad!).
Daily Tasks
Time required: 5–10 minutes
What do you do? Stay focused and avoid overwhelmingly long to-do lists.
Principle: Identify 3 non-negotiable key priorities (your "rocks") and 3 quick five-minute tasks to keep things realistic.
Where in the template? Daily Planning
Weekly Goals
Time required: 1–1.5 hours
What do you do? Recap the past week and define clear goals for the coming week.
Principle: 3 rocks again; no more than 3 priorities in your personal and professional life.
Where in the template? Weekly Goals
Trailing Projects
Time required: Varies
What do you do? Break down big projects into smaller, manageable tasks with clear milestone deadlines.
Principle: Focus on steady progress to prevent feeling overwhelmed.
Where in the template? Project Management
In this Notion template, you also have a habit tracker, task manager, vision board, monthly & yearly goals, meeting notes, document management… If you’re not lazy like me, you might want to organize your life even more.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
I think obsessive planning is the opposite of productive, so this approach really works for me.
Let me know if these tips were helpful to you!
By the way: The Productivity Method was founded by Grace Beverley. She is the queen of organization and productivity while still living the good life, a Forbes 30 under 30 entrepreneur, podcast host, author of “Working Hard, Hardly Working” and so much more.
If you’re interested in reading more, her book challenges hustle culture, advocating for a balanced approach to work and life by combining efficiency with self-care. This book was gifted to me by a dear friend (perhaps concerned by my own hustle) and I very much welcomed this philosophy.
Resource Shoutout:
The Productivity Method: https://productivitymethod.com/pages/digital-planner