Hey, fellow dads!
Let’s be real—our days are packed. Between work, family, and everything in between, it’s easy to feel like there’s never enough time. And if you’re like me, the word productivity might make you cringe a little. It brings to mind endless to-do lists, crammed schedules, and the pressure to get more done. But what if productivity wasn’t about doing more? What if it was about doing better—freeing up time so you can be present with your family, take care of yourself, and still handle business?
That’s what I want to talk about today.
As dads, we juggle a lot. We’re managing careers, showing up for our kids, supporting our partners as best we can. It’s not easy. But here’s the thing: being efficient with our time can actually reduces stress. The key is finding what works for you—whether that’s a simple system to keep track of tasks or a routine that helps you start the day on the right foot.
Simple Ways to Take Control of Your Time
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to productivity, but there are some solid strategies to help you make the most of your day. Here are a few I’ve found helpful:
- Time Hacking – Ever feel like you don’t have time to read? Try audiobooks during your commute or workout. Want to fit in personal development? Listen to a podcast while cooking dinner. Small changes add up.
- The Pomodoro Technique – Set a timer for 25-minute focus sessions with 5-minute breaks in between. This method keeps you from burning out and makes big tasks feel manageable.
- Automate What You Can – Tools like IFTTT (If This, Then That) can automate repetitive tasks, from backing up family photos to reminding you about important dates.
My Go-To Tool: Airtable
A few years ago, I discovered Airtable in Chris Dancy’s book Don’t Unplug, and it completely changed the way I organize my life. At first, I used it for business, but then I realized it could track everything—ideas, schedules, even family plans. I’ve used it to organize content for Club Good Dad, but also to manage daily tasks, personal projects, and big-picture goals.
And if Airtable isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other options: Trello, Notion, Todoist, Evernote—even the default apps on your phone can do wonders if used right. The trick is picking one and actually using it.
Start Small, Make It Work for You
If you’re thinking, “That all sounds great, but where do I even start?”—I hear you. The last thing we need as dads is more stress attempting to be less stressed. So start small. Pick one thing to track—maybe just a daily to-do list or an evening routine—and build from there.
And remember: this isn’t about getting everything done. It’s about making space for what matters most. The more we take control of our time, the more time we have for the moments that count.
Let’s keep the conversation going—what productivity hacks have worked for you? Drop a comment in our Good Dads Club Facebook group, and let’s learn from each other.
🍻 Cheers to being a more productive dad!
