When I launched Simple Scrapper in 2008, I envisioned a site with productivity tricks for scrapbookers that was a cross between Simple Mom (now The Art of Simple) and Zen Habits.
(Some of you know that I had actually never heard of Simple Scrapbooks magazine when I bought the domain.)
I wanted to help busy women like myself find ways to make a traditionally fussy hobby easier and more enjoyable. And with each year in business, I grow even more committed to providing the best tools and support for simple memory keeping.
In this post I want to share some of the most fundamental productivity tricks I use every day to get things done with joy and ease. To me, simple productivity is about intentional living with a relentless focus on what matters most.
It’s not about doing more, but about doing the right things to enjoy your life – and your scrapbooking.
Productivity Tricks for Memory Keepers
Before you continue reading I want to adjust your expectations about the “productivity tricks” I’m promising.
I’m not going to share any revolutionary apps or a silver bullet for your time-crunched life. Managing your time well and getting things done is far more about what you choose to remove than what you can add.
That said, here are 6 things I do as often as possible to stay forward-moving:
Get up earlier. Notice I didn’t say “early”? Even if it’s just 15 minutes of extra time, my days seem to run smoother if I am the first one out of bed.
Know your focus. Once my personal hygiene and my family is taken care of, my first question is “what’s important today?” By acknowledging the one or two things I most want or need to do today, I can better organize my day.
Use a planner. I’d be lost if I kept everything in my head. I can identify my focus easily because I plan everything. I use ClickUp to organize and run my business (affiliate link) while my weekly plans live in a B5 bullet journal.
Stay mindful. All day long I check in with myself. I get off track or distracted like anyone else, but I am able to reign myself in and use my lists to know what I should be spending time on.
Always be tidying. I am not a neat-freak, but I do maintain a continual awareness of the stuff of life. By always asking what can be thrown away or recycled and always trying to move items back to their homes, fewer spaces become overwhelming.
Embrace gentleness. At the end of the day, not everything will be done. You did your best (or even just your best for that day). Be OK with what is and rest each night knowing that tomorrow is another day.
Time Management Class + Free Wallpaper
If you would like to learn more about my favorite productivity tricks, I’d like to invite you to check out Time Management at Big Picture Classes. The class, released in 2015, contains exclusive lessons, images (including more watercolor quotes like you see below), and as you always see here, a printable course workbook.
Download free desktop wallpaper.
This post was originally written in 2015 and updated in 2024.
Such simple things but so true! I will definitely start to implement these in my life. I need a kick in the pants to get organized and be more productive.
So insightful, and so right. Jennifer’s blog posts almost always help me feel lighter and more focused. A little 3-minute boost to help me enjoy my day.
Really enjoy your site. Things you said I know and put into practice, but need reminding on occasion to get back on track, or to just remember that I am doing my best and to take a breath. Thank you.
Great post – and I’m looking forward to checking out your new class!
I am right in the middle of your class at BPC. I am LOVING it. Thank you for bringing simplicity into scrapbooking!
Thank you Becki!
Sometimes the simplest tips are the best.
Setting priorities (know your focus) is a huge one for me. If I don’t specifically decide what I’m trying to get done, I can waste a whole day without actually accomplishing anything.
Awesome post! Keep up the great work!