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How I Get Things Done—Even When I Have Too Much to Do and Not Enough Time

 

I’m Not a Productivity Expert—But I Know How to Get Things Done

I don’t claim to be a productivity expert.

I’m not someone who has studied every system, read every book, or follows a perfect routine every single day.

But I do know this—

I know how to get things done.

Not because I learned it in theory… but because I’ve had to live it.

Where It Started: Doing the Impossible (But Not Calling It That)

When I was in law school, my life didn’t slow down—it sped up.

At the time, I was:

  • Working as a Research Assistant for a Professor
  • Interning at the Department of Commerce
  • Externing with a Federal Judge
  • Working an average of 30 hours a week

And I had two small children.

I don’t say this to brag—but to give context. I didn’t just get through law school, I excelled.

  • I graded onto Law Review
  • I received the Dean’s Award
  • I was Order of the Curia
  • At one point, I was ranked second in my class

And by the grace of God, I graduated Magna Cum Laude.

Looking back, it sounds like a lot.

At the time, it was just life.

After Law School… It Didn’t Get Easier

In many ways, that was just the beginning.

My boys are four years apart, which meant:

  • One had practice Monday & Wednesday
  • The other had practice Tuesday & Thursday
  • Games were on the weekends

And I never missed anything.

Not practices. Not games.

All while:

  • Working full-time
  • Building a side career as an arbitration apprentice
  • Sometimes putting in an additional 20 hours a week

And I did that for 20 years.

Now? It Just Looks Different

Today, I’m still juggling multiple responsibilities:

  • Immigration attorney
  • Contract work
  • Managing my stock portfolio
  • Building additional income streams
  • Running a household

But one thing hasn’t changed—

I still find a way to get things done.

So What Actually Works for Me

It’s not about being perfect.

It’s not about having more time.

For me, productivity comes down to a few simple things that I’ve used consistently over the years:

1. I Don’t Overcomplicate It—I Simplify It

If something feels complicated, I simplify it.

For example:

  • I break things down into smaller issues
  • I focus on one task at a time
  • I don’t try to tackle everything at once

Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I ask:

 What is the next step?

And I start there.

2. I Capture My Thoughts (So Nothing Stays in My Head)

One of the most helpful things I do is write things down.

Because when everything is in your head:

  • It feels overwhelming
  • You forget things
  • You lose focus

When it’s written down:

  • It becomes clear
  • It feels manageable
  • You can take action

I prefer a planner that gives me enough space to write things out, while still letting me see my week and month at a glance.

3. I Use a Timer for Almost Everything

This is one of the most effective tools I use.

I use a timer for:

  • Work
  • Tasks
  • Even exercise

And I’ve noticed something about myself—

·       If I don’t set a timer, I usually don’t do it.

But when I set a timer:

  • I start
  • I stay focused
  • I follow through

I like using a simple digital timer so I don’t have to rely on my phone and get distracted.

4. I Make Life Easier Where I Can

Productivity isn’t just about work—it’s about your whole life.

For example:

  • I make easy home-cooked meals
  • I use things like dump-and-bake recipes or crockpot meals
  • I simplify anything that doesn’t need to be complicated

Because the more I simplify my life,
👉 the more energy I have for what actually matters.

5. I Remove the Choice

This is something I learned about myself a long time ago.

If something is an obligation—I do it.

No questions asked.
No overthinking.
No “do I feel like it?”

But when I see something as optional…
👉 I might not do it.

So I changed that.

I stopped treating certain things as optional.

I don’t ask myself if I feel like doing them anymore.

👉 I just do them.

That one shift alone has made a huge difference in my consistency.

The Simple System That Works for Me Right Now

Over the years, I’ve tried different things.

But right now, the most effective system for me is very simple:

👉 A journal
👉 A timer

That’s it.

A journal helps me:

  • Get everything out of my head
  • Stay clear on what matters
  • Reduce overwhelm

A timer helps me:

  • Start when I don’t feel like it
  • Stay focused
  • Follow through

You don’t need something complicated.

You need something that works—and that you’ll actually use.

If You Want to Get Started, Start Here

If you’re trying to be more productive, don’t overthink it.

Start simple—this is exactly what I would use:

👉 A planner with space to write and both weekly and monthly views:
https://amzn.to/47AgJmm

👉 A simple digital timer for focus and consistency:
https://amzn.to/4dJpJth

These are small tools—but when used consistently, they can make a big difference.

Affiliate Disclosure

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend tools that align with what I personally find helpful and effective.

Final Thought

I’m not a productivity expert.

But I am someone who has:

  • Balanced law school, work, and family
  • Managed multiple responsibilities for decades
  • And found ways to keep moving forward

And if there’s one thing I know, it’s this:

👉 You don’t need to do everything
👉 You just need to take the next step—and keep going

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