Sticky Notes for Entrepreneurs: Tame Chaos & Boost Productivity

Taming the Chaos: How Sticky Notes Can Save Your Sanity (and Your Business!)

Ever feel like you're juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle, all while trying to remember the school bake sale ingredients & that crucial client deadline? Yep, that’s the beautiful chaos of motherhood & entrepreneurship – a life I know intimately. We're building empires, raising humans, & somehow, trying to find time to, you know, actually brush our hair in the mornings (some days, one eyeliner has to suffice – you know the drill!).

But what if I told you a simple, almost ridiculously low-tech tool could bring a little order to this magnificent mayhem? I'm talking about the humble sticky note. Seriously. Before you roll your eyes & think, "Carlene, I'm running a business, not a primary school art class," hear me out. Because strategic communication, even in its simplest forms, is a superpower. It's the secret sauce that can empower you to reclaim your time, energy, & yes, your sanity. I often reflect on how, in my ongoing PhD research into Black female entrepreneurship, these small, seemingly insignificant tools can become powerful allies in the quest for work-life integration.

From Chaos to Calm: The Unexpected Power of the Sticky Note

I get it. The world of project management software can feel overwhelming. Complex dashboards, Gantt charts, Kanban boards – it's enough to make your head spin (especially after a night punctuated by toddler wake-up calls!). You might think: "I barely have time to check my emails, let alone learn a whole new software system." Honestly, between juggling four kids, two energetic Miniature Pinschers (Cappuccino, the older one, is a total sweetheart, but Espresso, the puppy… let's just say she’s a force of nature!), my PhD research, and running Femmeprenista, I’ve definitely felt that overwhelm myself. This is for you if you're a Foundation Builder struggling to manage your workload... & life.

But here’s the thing: you don't need complicated software to start bringing order to your world. Sometimes, the smallest, simplest tools can have the biggest impact. The beauty of the sticky note lies in its simplicity & versatility. It’s a visual reminder, a quick communication tool, & a surprisingly effective way to bring a little structure to your day, both in business & at home. Studies suggest that visual aids can boost memory & task completion. It might seem small, but those little wins add up, right?

Sticky Note Strategies for the Entrepreneurial Juggler

So, how can you actually use these colourful little squares to tame the chaos? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

The "Brain Dump" Declutter:

Feeling overwhelmed? I'll be honest, when I first tried this, I ended up with sticky notes everywhere and felt even more overwhelmed! It wasn't until I started categorizing and prioritizing ruthlessly that it finally clicked.

• Grab a stack of sticky notes.

• Write down every single task, big or small, swirling around in your head. Get it all out.

• Then, categorize them – business, personal, urgent, later.

This visual "brain dump" creates space in your mind & allows you to prioritize what truly matters. I recently did this myself when trying to plan a new program launch while simultaneously dealing with the absolute bedlam of trying to get four kids (ranging from toddler to teenager – talk about a spectrum!) ready for a family wedding. Between forgotten shoes, last-minute outfit changes ("Mum, this makes me look like a baby!" – the drama!), & the puppy deciding to redecorate the living room with a strategically placed "accident," it was pure mayhem. Seeing everything laid out, even on little sticky notes, helped me breathe & tackle things one step at a time. It was a total game-changer.

The Family Communication Hub:

• Create a designated "communication hub" – a wall, a whiteboard, or even the fridge.

• Family members can leave notes. Reminders about school events, grocery lists, or even just a quick "I love you, Mum" can make a huge difference in reducing the mental load & fostering connection.

My teenage daughter isn't the most communicative (classic teen!), but a simple sticky note system has actually improved our communication. Who knew? It's a bit like leaving little love bombs around the house!

The Daily Task Triage:

• Write down your top 3 business tasks for the day on sticky notes.

• Place them where you'll see them.

This keeps you focused & prevents you from getting bogged down in less important tasks. Once a task is complete, the satisfying rip of that sticky note is a little victory in itself! It's the simple things, right?

The Client Project Visualizer:

• Use sticky notes to map out client projects.

• Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps.

This helps you visualize the process, track progress, & ensure nothing falls through the cracks. It's a simple, low-tech alternative to complex project management software, and it works wonders. I often use different colours for different stages – green for "done," orange for "in progress," pink for "urgent" – you get the idea. It’s surprisingly satisfying & keeps everything clear, even amidst the inevitable daily distractions of family life. Sometimes, I'm literally peeling off sticky notes with "Make Reels" written on them while my toddler daughter is using my leg as a climbing frame! Anyone else?

From Sticky Notes to Streamlined Systems

These small, sticky note strategies are more than just organizational hacks; they're the first steps towards building efficient systems that can truly transform your business & your life. They’re the gateway to reclaiming your time, your energy, & your sanity. Creating momentum in your business is essential, & these simple systems are the foundation for building that momentum. For example, that "Brain Dump" exercise? It's not just about clearing your head; it's about creating a visual representation of your workload that allows you to prioritize strategically. Think of it as a mini-audit of your mental to-do list. From there, you can start to see patterns – are you spending too much time on low-impact tasks? Are you neglecting crucial client work because you're bogged down in admin? These insights are gold, especially for busy female entrepreneurs. You begin to identify areas ripe for automation, delegation, or even elimination.

Once you start seeing the power of simple systems, you might be ready to explore more advanced tools & strategies. For those wanting to scale their business sustainably, our Momentum Coaching program provides tailored support to help you build robust, AI-enhanced systems, attract premium clients, and achieve consistent growth without burnout. You can find out more about how Momentum can help you streamline your operations and achieve financial freedom here: Momentum Coaching Page

Reclaim Your Sanity, One Sticky Note at a Time

So, ditch the overwhelm, embrace the sticky note, & start small. You don’t need complex solutions to create big changes. One sticky note, one task, one step at a time – that's how you start reclaiming your sanity & building the business (& the life!) you truly desire.

Carlene Nisbett

Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)

Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift

P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!

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