Productivity: Less Hustle, More Flow

I used to think being productive meant tackling long to-do lists and running around all day, checking off task after task. But here’s the truth: Productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing the right things at the right time.

As a mom of four, I’ve had seasons where just keeping everyone alive and managing to take a shower felt like a major accomplishment. Productivity looked VERY different back then.

Now? I’ve learned that the key to getting things done without burning out is twofold:
✔ Work with your natural energy sweet spots instead of forcing productivity at the wrong times.
✔ Prioritize the ONE most important thing each day, instead of drowning in endless to-do lists.

Let’s dive into how you can make productivity work for YOU, the Aloha way. 🌺

🏝️ Identifying My Sweet Spots

Have you ever noticed that in some parts of the day, you’re on fire—knocking out tasks, making decisions, getting stuff done—while other times, you’re just staring at your screen, struggling to form a complete thought?

That’s because we all have natural energy peaks and slumps.

For me:
✔ Mid-morning is my power zone. This is when I tackle my most important, mentally demanding work.
✔ Afternoons? Forget it. That’s when most people hit a slump, so I save lighter, more creative tasks, housework, or movement-based activities for that time.
✔ Evenings? My second wind. I get a surge of energy after dinner, which works perfectly since my kids and husband are at sports practice.

Once I figured out my sweet spots, I stopped fighting my energy and started working with it.

🔹 Try This:

Pay attention to when you naturally feel most focused and alert. That’s when you should schedule your most important work. Save the low-energy times for easier, routine tasks.

🎯 Choosing the One Thing

Back in the day, I would write out these super ambitious to-do lists, only to feel defeated at the end of the day because I barely made a dent.

Now, instead of cramming a million things into my day, I focus on ONE priority.

Each morning, I ask myself:
💡 “What’s the ONE thing that, if I complete it today, will make me feel accomplished?”

✔ Some days, it’s a big work project.
✔ Other days, it’s finally tackling that pile of laundry staring at me from across the room.
✔ Sometimes, the most productive thing I can do is read with my kids for 30 minutes.

Productivity isn’t just about work—it’s about making time for what truly matters, whether that’s your career, your home, or your family.

🔹 Try This:

Each morning, pick your ONE thing. If you get that done, consider the day a success—everything else is a bonus!

🌊 Small Wins Matter—Give Yourself Grace

Some seasons of life? They’re just about survival.

I’ve had days (heck, YEARS) where if the best I could do was feed my kids, keep them safe, and take a shower, I counted that as a win.

💡 Here’s what I’ve learned:
✔ Lowering expectations doesn’t mean you’re failing.
✔ Small wins are still wins.
✔ Some days, the ONE thing might just be resting—and that’s okay.

Letting go of the idea that I have to do it all, every single day, has been a game-changer.

🔹 Try This:

At the end of the day, instead of focusing on what you didn’t do, celebrate what you DID do. Those small wins? They add up.

✨ Final Thoughts: Productivity

Productivity doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s not about working harder, it’s about working smarter, in alignment with your energy, and focusing on what matters.

Your challenge:

Tomorrow, try these three things:
✔ Identify your energy sweet spot.
✔ Choose ONE thing to focus on.
✔ At the end of the day, celebrate your small wins.

• Designing Your Dream Year: Goal Setting and Planning Tips

📌 Want more tips? Listen to Episode 12 of The Aloha Life!

🎧 Show Notes: Episode 12 – Productivity

Episode Summary:

This week on The Aloha Life, we’re talking Aloha-style productivity—how to work with your natural energy sweet spots and focus on the ONE most impactful thing each day. Less stress, more flow.

What You’ll Learn:

✔ How to identify your best productivity windows (your sweet spots)
✔ Why focusing on ONE priority daily is more effective than long to-do lists
✔ How to adjust your productivity based on your energy levels
✔ Why small wins matter and how to give yourself grace

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• The ONE Thing by Gary Keller (Book on focusing on your most impactful task) [Insert Link]
• Aloha Life Community – Join us for more productivity & time management tips! [Insert Link]

📌 Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alohalifepodcast/podcasts
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3j7uoSRw9s35tkVMG5kFEj
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-aloha-life-podcast/id1788201953