People ask me all the time: “How the hell do you grow CRACKYL while being a full-time firefighter, husband, and dad?”
Short answer: I don’t.
At least not perfectly. And definitely not without chaos.
But what I do have is this: intentionality — and a low tolerance for my own excuses.
Like you, I don’t have unlimited time. I don’t wake up at 4 a.m. to meditate under a waterfall and journal in a leather-bound book. I have days where I feel like I’m crushing it … and days where just opening my inbox feels like a hostage situation.
But here’s what I’ve figured out: the hardest part of almost anything is just getting started. The actual work? It usually isn’t that bad. It’s the mental gymnastics before you begin that kills you.
So Here’s My Not-So-Revolutionary System
1. The Pomodoro Technique
You’ve probably heard of this. Work for 25 minutes, break for 5. It’s stupidly simple, but it works — especially when your brain is fogged up and you’re about to scroll yourself into a coma. It lowers the bar just enough to get moving.
2. Trello
If my brain tried to track everything I’m juggling — articles, events, firehouse stuff, family — it would short-circuit. Trello is my external brain. I use it like a visual dumping ground to keep track of everything. It’s not sexy, but it keeps me sane.
3. A Stopwatch
Yup. A literal stopwatch. I set it for 90 minutes and go dark — no email, no phone, no distractions. Just work. It creates a kind of pressure bubble that forces me to stay with one thing, and it’s weirdly effective.
But here’s the deal: none of this crap works if you don’t actually start.
Overthinking: The Real Productivity Killer
Firefighters are wired to plan before we act. That’s great on a fireground. It’s less great when you’re staring at a blank page or a to-do list and convincing yourself that now’s just not the right time.
Truth is, overthinking is the most professional-looking way to waste your life. It feels smart, but it’s just fear wearing a tie.
Start Ugly. Start Anyway.
Want to know the best “productivity hack” I’ve ever found?
Start.
Don’t wait to feel ready. Don’t wait until you’ve mapped every outcome. Don’t wait until your energy is just right or the mood strikes. Because spoiler alert: it usually won’t.
Start small. Start messy. Start when it’s inconvenient. Because forward motion beats flawless planning every time.
Whether you’re starting a side gig, trying to get in shape, or dragging yourself through burnout — just move. Even half-assed action teaches you more than perfect inaction ever will.
