I’ve been a solopreneur for over 15 years now. My first business was a digital marketing agency, and while I had a team of freelancers here and there, I was still the one holding everything together, making the decisions, and driving the ship. For the last 5 years, I’ve truly run my consulting business solo—and let me tell you, it’s a lot. A lot of freedom, yes. But also, a lot of decisions, a lot of tabs open (physically and mentally), and a lot of “wait… did I eat lunch?”
One of the most common questions I get asked is: “How do you stay on track?” I don’t always. But I’ve got a few go-to productivity strategies that help me manage everything without totally losing my mind. In fact, I’m using three of them right now as I write this blog.
So let’s dive in! Here are my top 4 productivity tips as a long-time solopreneur. These are the tools and strategies that keep me sane, focused, and moving forward—even on the days when it feels like there’s way too much on my plate.
#1. The Pomodoro Method
The Pomodoro Method is one of those productivity hacks that’s been around forever—and for good reason. It’s simple, effective, and doesn’t require any fancy apps or tools.
Here’s how it works: Set a timer and work in 25-minute intervals, called “pomodoros.” After each interval, take a 5-minute break. After 4 pomodoros, take a longer break (15–30 minutes). That’s it.
What I love about this method is that it helps break huge, overwhelming tasks into manageable chunks. Instead of “write a blog post,” my brain can just focus on “write for 25 minutes.” That feels doable. That feels like something I can win at.
True story: My timer actually went off while writing this, and I just tapped it to restart and mentally challenged myself to finish this blog in the next 25 minutes. (21:45 to go…)
Fun fact: The technique was developed by Francesco Cirillo in the 1980s when he was in college. He even wrote a book on it—“The Pomodoro Technique: The Life-Changing Time-Management System.” I haven’t read it. (Sorry, Francesco.) But honestly, you don’t need to read it to make this work. It’s intuitive. Set a timer. Work. Take a break. Repeat.
This method has been a total productivity game changer for me—and I’ve heard from other neurodivergent folks that it works wonders for them too. The built-in breaks and structure are really helpful when your brain wants to go in 18 different directions at once.
#2. A Timer (Yes, Literally Just a Timer)
This might sound redundant after #1, but hear me out—this one’s broader.
You don’t have to follow the full Pomodoro system to benefit from using a timer. Just the act of timing yourself can totally change the way you work.
Let’s say you have to write a newsletter. You could sit down and say “I’m going to write a newsletter,” and then three hours later you’re still editing the first paragraph and somehow ended up on Instagram. (We’ve all been there.)
Or, you could say “I’m going to spend 45 minutes writing this newsletter” and set a timer. Suddenly, there’s structure. There’s an end point. You’re more focused because you know the clock is ticking.
I personally love this trick. It’s less about perfection and more about progress. I set timers all the time—for writing, admin tasks, brainstorming, even answering emails. If I say, “I’m going to spend 30 minutes in my inbox,” and I stick to it, I walk away feeling accomplished—even if I didn’t answer every single email.
Also, having a physical or visual timer can be super motivating. I’ve got a cute little desk timer that makes the whole process a little more fun. (Yes, timers can be fun. Don’t knock it until you try it.) You can also use an hourglass if you’re into the analog vibes. Or just Google “25 minute timer”—easy peasy.
Bottom line: A timer keeps you focused, keeps you honest, and gives you a reason to take breaks, which are essential when you work solo.
#3. Pretty Simple
Okay, I know I’m talking about my own app here—but it’s for a reason. Pretty Simple lives in one of my permanent tabs, right next to my calendar and Asana. It’s part of my everyday workflow, and it’s become a central hub for staying on track, especially when it comes to sales and prospecting.
One of the hardest parts of being a solopreneur is client acquisition. That whole “where’s the next paycheck coming from?” feeling? Yeah, that never fully goes away. Having Pretty Simple open with my “money-on-the-table” tab right in my face helps keep me focused on the stuff that actually moves the needle.
Because let’s be real—when you don’t have that reminder, it’s so easy to do every single task except sales. You’ll reorganize your Dropbox folders. You’ll color-code your sticky notes. You’ll update your Instagram bio. But will you reach out to potential clients? Not unless you’ve got a little nudge.
Pretty Simple gives me that nudge. It keeps me accountable. It reminds me where the revenue is. And it’s… well, pretty simple.
#4. A Project Management System (Like Asana)
I can’t emphasize this enough: You need a project management system. Whether you’re running a solo business or working with a small team, it’s way too easy for things to fall through the cracks if you’re not organizing everything in one place.
I personally use Asana—and yes, I’m on the free plan.
Here’s how I’ve set it up:
- I have a separate “project” for each area of my business: Client Work, Pretty Simple Dev, Pretty Simple Marketing, Personal stuff, Geeks&& (my dev meetup), and a few others.
- Each project is color-coded (because duh).
- Inside each project are boards or lists with tasks, ideas, reminders, and links.
- Here’s the key: You have to assign yourself due dates. If you don’t, the whole thing falls apart. Trust me.
I start each day by opening Asana and looking at my “My Tasks” view. That gives me a beautifully organized list of what needs to happen today—and if it doesn’t all get done, I can easily reschedule or reprioritize.
This system gives me clarity and structure, which I desperately need when I’m juggling five different areas of work (and probably eight different browsers). And did I mention it’s free? Because it is.
If you want more info on how I organize Asana or want a little tutorial, feel free to reach out—@prettysimpleapp on IG or email me anytime. I love geeking out about this stuff.
So that’s it—my top 4 productivity tips. Two are totally free, one is a system, and one is my own app that I literally couldn’t run my business without.
Also, I did finish this article with 1:21 to spare on my Pomodoro timer. Victory!
