Focus not Hustle: How to Get Shit Done As A Creator

Ever feel like you're spinning your wheels, constantly busy but not making real progress? In this episode of Creator Toolbox, Colin and Jacob cut through the "hustle culture" noise to share practical, actionable strategies for true productivity as a content creator.

What You'll Learn

Discover how to:

• Implement effective time blocking and deep work techniques
• Prioritize tasks and manage your energy, not just your time
• Create a productive work environment that suits your style
• Handle distractions and maintain focus in a world of constant notifications
• Use "cycles" for better long-term planning and goal-setting

Key Takeaways

1. Time Blocking and Deep Work

Colin and Jacob stress the importance of dedicating specific blocks of time to focused work:

• Schedule your week in advance, allocating time for different types of tasks (e.g., writing, meetings, admin)
• Use time blocking to create a structure that ensures you tackle priority tasks
• Implement "deep work" sessions by turning off notifications and focusing solely on important tasks

2. Creating the Right Work Environment

Your workspace can significantly impact your productivity:

• Find an environment that helps you focus - this might be a dedicated home office, a co-working space, or even a coffee shop
• Separate your work area from relaxation spaces to maintain a healthy work-life balance
• Experiment to find what works best for you - some people thrive on the energy of others working nearby

3. Managing Distractions

In our hyper-connected world, managing distractions is crucial:

• Be intentional about when you check emails and messages
• Use "Do Not Disturb" modes on your devices during focused work periods
• Communicate clearly with your team about your availability and focus times

4. Prioritization and Cycles

Effective prioritization ensures you're working on what matters most:

• Use tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks by importance and urgency
• Work in "cycles" (e.g., 2-month periods) to set and review goals
• Break larger projects into smaller, achievable tasks to maintain motivation

5. Task Management Systems

Having a reliable system for managing tasks is essential:

• Use a task management tool that allows you to assign dates to tasks and categorize them
• Implement an "inbox" system for new tasks to be triaged and organized later
• Regularly review and update your task list to ensure it remains relevant and actionable

Try This Workflow: Weekly Planning

1. Set aside time every Monday morning for weekly planning
2. Review your goals for the current "cycle" (e.g., 2-month period)
3. Block out time in your calendar for priority tasks and deep work sessions
4. Schedule in breaks and buffer time for unexpected tasks
5. Review and organize your task list, assigning dates and priorities
6. End the week by journaling about your progress and setting intentions for the following week

Resources Mentioned

• Asana - Project management and task tracking tool
• Todoist - Popular to-do list and task manager
• The Podcast Host - Colin's podcast resource website
• Alitu - Podcast creation tool (Try the 7-day free trial!)
• "Shape Up" by Basecamp - Book on project management cycles
• "Getting Things Done" by David Allen - Productivity methodology book