Hey girls! I’ve been on this wild journey lately, trying to figure out how to get more done without losing my mind. And let me tell you, it’s been a rollercoaster of trial and error. But I’ve discovered some seriously amazing productivity plus tools and techniques that I just have to share with you all!
First off, let’s talk about the power of a good old-fashioned to-do list. I used to think to-do lists were for the super organized types who had their lives together way more than I did. But boy, was I wrong! When I started actually writing down everything I needed to get done, it was like a weight lifted off my shoulders. I could see clearly what tasks were staring me in the face and prioritize them accordingly.
For example, I used to have all these little errands and work tasks floating around in my head. I’d remember one thing while I was doing another and then forget about it again. It was a mess. But now, I have this cute little notebook (yes, I’m a sucker for pretty stationery) where I jot down each task as it pops into my head. And the best part? Crossing things off that list gives me such a sense of accomplishment. It’s like a mini celebration every time I draw a line through an item.
Another game-changer for me has been time blocking. I know, it sounds a bit intimidating at first, like you’re scheduling every minute of your day down to the second. But it’s actually not that bad. I started by looking at my week and figuring out what big chunks of time I had available for different types of tasks. So, I might block out a couple of hours on a Monday morning for focused work on a project that requires my full attention. Then, in the afternoon, I’ll set aside some time for answering emails and doing those little admin tasks that always seem to pile up.
On Tuesdays, I might reserve a big chunk of the day for running errands and getting things done outside of the house. And I’ll even break that down further. I’ll give myself an hour to go to the grocery store, half an hour to drop off packages at the post office, and so on. By doing this, I’m not only being more efficient with my time, but I’m also less likely to waste hours just aimlessly wandering around or getting distracted by other things.
Now, let’s talk about the digital tools that have been a huge help. There are so many apps out there, but I’ve found a few that I absolutely swear by. One of them is a task management app that lets me create different lists for different areas of my life. So, I have a list for work tasks, one for personal errands, and another for my hobbies and side projects. I can set due dates, add reminders, and even attach files or notes to each task. It’s like having my own personal assistant right in my pocket.
Another app that I love is a focus timer. You know how it is when you sit down to work on something and then suddenly you find yourself scrolling through social media or getting caught up in some other distraction? Well, this focus timer app helps me stay on track. I can set it for a specific amount of time, say 25 minutes, and during that time, I’m committed to only working on the task at hand. And when the timer goes off, I take a short break, stretch, grab a drink, and then start another focused session. It’s amazing how much more I can get done when I’m using these short bursts of focused time.
But it’s not all about apps and to-do lists. Self-care is also a huge part of productivity. I used to think that I had to push myself to the limit and work non-stop to get things done. But I quickly realized that if I didn’t take care of myself, I’d burn out and end up getting even less done. So, now I make sure to schedule in time for exercise, whether it’s a quick yoga session in the morning or a walk around the neighborhood in the afternoon. I also take breaks throughout the day to just relax and do something I enjoy, like reading a few pages of a book or listening to my favorite music.
And sleep! Oh my goodness, sleep is so important. I used to stay up late, thinking I was being productive by getting more work done at night. But the truth is, I was just tired and cranky the next day, and my work suffered as a result. Now, I make sure to get a good 7-8 hours of sleep every night, and I can’t tell you how much of a difference it’s made in my energy levels and my ability to focus.
Another thing that has really helped me is creating a dedicated workspace. I used to work from my couch or my bed, and let me tell you, it was not conducive to productivity. I’d get too comfortable and end up falling asleep or getting distracted by the TV or my phone. But now, I’ve set up a little corner in my room with a desk, a comfortable chair, and all the things I need to work. It’s like my own little productivity haven. When I sit down at that desk, my brain automatically switches into work mode, and I’m able to focus much better.
In conclusion, getting more done isn’t about working yourself to the bone or being super strict with yourself all the time. It’s about finding the right tools and techniques that work for you, taking care of yourself, and creating an environment that supports your productivity. So, give these things a try, girls! I promise you’ll be amazed at how much more you can get done and still have time to enjoy life. 💖