I Keep A Weekly To-Do List. I make a new to-do list every Sunday night on a large memo pad. This list is for the whole week. I write long-term things I want to get done, short-term, and anything that must get done on or by a certain day, I date. I also box off a little section at the bottom for things I will need to buy that week at the grocery or things I need my parents to send to me. I like it because the long-term things can just roll over to next week's list. (Like make a media kit...that's been on there for months!).
I Listen To Coffitivity. When I need to buckle down and write, say a paper for school or a lengthy blog post, I turn on Coffitivity. It actually really helps! I keep the volume super low, but the quiet murmur of a fake coffee shop is pretty productivity-inducing! Weird, but try it, I guarantee it will get the creative juices flowing!
I Change Up My Location And Scenery. When I feel stuck or just can not focus on my work, I pick up and move. My dorm room desk is not always the best place to work. When I venture out of my room and sit in Kogan Plaza, Ames Hall, Starbucks, even the dining hall downstairs, I can usually focus more and knock out better quality work.
I Utilize Post-Its. I have many pads of Post-It notes. I use them every day. Writing a quick remember to stick somewhere, writings out my workouts for the day (most productive thing ever!), writing my daily memory jar entry. I use them all the time. Little ones, big ones, whatever your fancy, get some! I also keep some in my purse or a small memo pad. I never know when an idea, thought, or spark of creativity will hit and I need a place to write it down.
I Use Google Drive To My Advantage. Google Drive has it all for me. My list of post ideas, my contacts, emails, usernames, work info, sponsored content excel sheet, etc. This drive can be accessed anywhere so I can add and stay up to date with my calendar, add in info, find a contact, even on the go. Make it your best friend...it is very helpful.
I Respond To Emails And Phone Calls ASAP. Why put off an email? If I know my inbox is full, I can't focus on more important tasks. I make sure I answer things as I get them and always go to be with an empty and organized email. I also created numerous folders to keep my correspondence organized. I know where everything is and can always looks back in those folders for reference.
I Make Sure I'm Not Tired And I'm Well Fed. If I'm tired and starving, obviously I can't focus on the task at hand. Before I sit down to write a paper or study, I make sure it isn't at a time when all I want is sleep or when I haven't eaten. Your brain can't work right if your body is tired and has no fuel!
I Take Breaks. I work on my computer, basically all the time, which means there are distractions. However, I allow myself to succumb to these but in an effective way. I finish a paragraph, a few points, edit 2 pictures, or read a certain amount of pages, before I let my self read one blog post or article. Then I repeat. It keeps me focused and breaks things up by giving me a quick mental break.
I Drink Some Coffee. Sometimes all I need is a jolt of caffeine and I can start pounding out ideas and productivity. It is a quick fix, but can usually get me started.
I Don't Procrastinate. The worst thing you can do is delay something until the last minute. That will only give you more stress than you already probably have about it. If I find out I have a paper due in 3 weeks, I start it that weekend. I don't care if no one else is working on their paper until 3 or even one day before. I know me and I know I will feel 100% better getting things done early and out of the way.
I Accept My Work Ethic And Treat Myself With Kindness. I know what I'm capable of, I know how long I can focus and be productive. I know that I could be better and maybe I could do more if I didn't do this or do that. But I know that I am me and this is how I am able to work right now. Weeks, months, years from now that will change. We are always evolving and need different things at different times. I AM getting things down right now so I will be kind to myself and, acknowledge my areas of vulnerability, and allow myself to work within my comfort zone to stay as productive as I can.
So tell me:
+ How are you staying focused, productive, and organized right now?
+ Do you find that different phases of your life call for different productivity measures?
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Elizabeth
Thanks for some great tips. I love the idea of responding to things immediately and setting a to-do list. I do that weekly as well. I also set a timer for myself with certain tasks so I don't get off schedule and feel a little more focused and productive with my time.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks friend! I feel like an actual timer would stress me out more! Seeing the time ticking down....I don't know, but maybe!
robincharmagne
With the holidays fast approaching, these are great tips! I love Coffitivity!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Totally!
And Coffitivity is going to be the next big thing 😉 I can already see it!
Julie
I definitely need to get better at using Post-Its.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They can be so great!
Keisha | The Girl Next Door is Black
I have never heard of coffitivity before. What a cool concept. I am also a big fan of Google Drive! This is a list worth saving!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks girl! And yea! Coffitivity is such an awesome idea! Haha!
Leslie
I like this post. I need to buckle down and get this weeks posts written. I'm having a cup of coffee while I pull myself together. I'm a new follower from SITS & I hope your having a great day!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Leslie!
Kimberlee
Stopping by from Lets Get Real Link up - great post. I agree with the weekly to do list - I was keeping one of these - I called it a Goal list but haven't been for the past month or so - I noticed I am not as focused and need to start doing it again - your post has motivated me. Also, will have to look into Google Drive - thanks for sharing that. Have a good weekend! -Kimberlee
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I love the weekly list! It just creates simple organization for your tasks!
Google Drive will change your online life and real life 😉
chanelle
I like this list so much! There are a lot of great ideas here that I can put into action. I have never heard of coffitivity, that sounds cool! I also like the idea of using more post-its and making a weekly, rather than daily to do list.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Chanelle! I'm glad I could give you some ideas! 🙂
jessica
I am so excited to try that app! All of your tips were great and inspiring! One thing that I try is working different times of the day if I get writers block or start to lack motivation. Somedays I get on a writing roll as soon as I wake up, and other days my brain doesnt function until 9pm. I have been trying to work on not being a procrastinator. I have only been blogging for a few months but I want to succeed so I am giving it my all. I also own a craft store, and am a full time mommy..life gets crazy and you never know what the day will bring. My tip is just to go with the flow and work when you can but keep your priorities straight 🙂 I found your link on The kitchen social and I am so glad I did. 🙂
Have a wonderful day
Jess
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I agree! It does depend sometimes on the time. Sometimes I can pop an entire essay out midday and other times things flow better at night! I totally get that!
Keep up the hard work my friend! Blogging is wonderful, (takes a lot out of you), but is worth it! Be kind to yourself!
Thank you 🙂 XOXO
jessica
Thanks Rebecca 🙂 I am loving every second of it. Its been a long time since I had to write anything but its fun getting back into the swing of things and meeting awesome people along the way!
Kristie
I homeschool so I get interrupted, and sometimes that is a good thing. Sometimes I need to do something else for a while that is not on the computer. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Right! Some times you just have to get up and do something else completely!
kimmythevegan
These are great tips! I was doing so well keeping on top of things until I got bogged down with a cold :/ I'm hoping I can get back on top of things when I'm better.
I like listening to classical music - I find it helpful. I actually do most of your tips, but definitely need to try this one:
"I Change Up My Location And Scenery."
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
O no! Yea, feeling "crappy" and sick does put a damper on productivity!
Changing up locations I think is one of the best things to do! I know it really helps me big time!
Tanisha G.
I love using post-its and any type of note-pad all the time! The coffitivity site looks interesting, I'm going to have to try it out. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! Try it! It's such a cool idea 😉
Jenny
Love Post It's!...typed as I'm sitting here listening to Coffitivity trying to decide what I think about it. I think I probably have enough ambient noise around my house with nine if us, maybe too much sometimes!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahaha! Well if you ever find yourself in need of extra noise, you know where to go 😉
Cassie
These are such good tips, Rebecca. All things I do still to stay focused!!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Right on, girl!
Francesca
Wonderful tips! Well fed= a must here 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, totally 😉
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine
I've never heard of Coffivitiy. Love the idea though! I have to "switch up the scenery" a lot. My fiance has always been baffled at why I am between home, the coffee shop, my office, when I have lots of work to get done. To stay focused on work, I just can't be in 1 place. And I need some social interaction- even just a quick chat with the barista as I'm getting my coffee, or I can't keep going!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yea! Sometimes you just need a new stimulus to keep the gears going!
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie
I am the exact same in all of these! I never realized the power of to-do lists until I got to college. They are my lifesaver! I also love listening to coffee shop music when I study too! It's the only music I can listen to while studying!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's not music, it is the clatter of a coffee shop! I hate music, haha! I can't only listen to music while in the car 😛
Kelly
Great list, Rebecca! I love my to-do lists. And coffee helps me stay on task, oddly enough. You're organized...you can do anything. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Organization is the key to life 😉
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
I love this list! I find that letting emails build up always gets me overwhelmed, although dropping everything to respond right away is stressful too. Having a routine helps me organize myself the best I've found. Coffee when I need to accomplish a lot is also a must.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Sometimes I'll put off an email, but it will always be answers before I go to bed!
Coffee is a beautiful thing 😉
Christy
Never heard of Coffitivity before! Sounds neat. I'm also a big fan of replying back right when I have the chance to e-mails and phone calls.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is totally cool!
Yes! I really just hate procrastinating those things!
Erlene
A "to do" list is definitely a great helper and I like this Coffitivity. Will be trying it out.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Totally!
Justine Y
I had never heard of Coffitivity before today so I clicked on the link... I am in love!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Right!? It is so cool!
semirah
Great tips! I will definitely add post its to my organization routine.
HCBN <3 Semirah http://www.soundofcharm.blogspot.com
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They are the best!
Brittany Carson
Great tips! I am trying to start my day before 6 am in an effort to be more productive. I read that was a key to success for several CEOs so I am trying to see if it works for me.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I know it works for me 😉 6am is already late in the day for me!
Kimberly
This is a great list! I put all my long-term planning and store blog post ideas in Evernote. For my daily to-do list, I use the Wunderlist app. It syncs between my computer and phone, so no matter where I am, I can jot down notes or tasks when I think of them.
I especially needed to read your last point. I need to make that my mantra -- work within my comfort zone, stay productive, and treat myself with kindness. I notice when I start feeling overwhelmed about all I have to do, I'm far less productive. It helps me if I try to only focus on the one task in front of me.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That's right. When you want to be productive, it is not the time to do crazy, you need to feel comfortable so you can focus!
orly
Love this post!! I love organizing!
Xo
Orly
Coffeebeansandhighheels.weebly.com
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Organizing makes like go-round 😉
Natalie
Great tips!! Knowing just how far I can stretch my focus is important. At 8'o clock at night after a long day of classes, productive school work is just not going to happen. Accepting that and giving myself a break to do something more enjoyable keeps me from burning out.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ha, that's why 8 o'clock is lights out and bedtime! 😉
Ali the Skinny GF Chef
Great tips! I needed some inspiration!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yay! Thanks friend 🙂
GiGi Eats
I can focus the best EARLY IN THE AM - so I get up nice and early to get my SHEEZE done. Come 4pm all I want to do is relax and kick it, so I know if I want to accomplish anything, a 5 am wake up call is a MUST!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
4am for me! Early morning is the best and afternoon is so just for relaxing!
Lauren
I definitely needed to read this now, my mind has been everywhere. I never heard for Coffitively, I will be checking that out as well. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Lauren
socialworkmom.com
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Good! I hope it helps! XOXO
Dr. Jennifer Weinberg, MD, MPH, MBE
Thank you for these wise reminders! A change of scenery is my go-to mood reset!
Jennifer
Author of The Whole Cure http://amzn.to/1wqppEV
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Totally is!
Pragati @ Simple Medicine
Hi fellow SPA! Post Its and To Do lists are literally by BFFs. When I was in school changing up my scenery was key. It got me through so many hours of studying.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's so great how just changing up your place of work can make you get so much more done and feel so much more productive!
Pamela Hernandez
My weekly to do list ritual is critical to keeping me on track. I also have a big project in the works that I have broken down into small steps. It makes it seem so much less daunting!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Breaking things into steps is such a good thing! Much more manageable!
Mary
You sound like you're not only very organized, but know what you want in life right now. I don't think that's common in young people today. Good for you! I have to laugh though, because I went into Starbucks recently to write, and had to leave because the music was too loud and there were too many people talking. I was so distracted I couldn't think! Funny how different people work/learn in different ways.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
O gosh, no I am really struggling with what I want it life! Don't be fooled!
I need silence! I can't have music playing or people talking, but when I used Coffitivity the other day when writing a paper, it helped get my ideas started!
Mary
oh, so you're like the rest of us, pretending that you have it all together! Haha. Good! I enjoyed your blog. Very organized---your hard work seems to be paying off!
Farrah
I keep a daily to-do list (I find joy in getting to cross things off, haha) and once a week, I'll do a whole ton of food prep so I'll have food for the entire week. Hooray for Google Drive too! :]
I've never heard of Coffitivity, but that sounds cool! 😀 Will be checking that out!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Crossing things off is the greatest feeling! Haha 😉
Maureen
I have Post Its everywhere in my office! I should really try that app....sometimes I like music, but other times I just need some quiet noise.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I can't stand music! But this little coffee shop noise is perfect when I want just a little sound!
Emily @My Healthyish Life
I do so many of these things...lists, change up my scenery, take a break, make sure I'm nourished and most importantly, I prioritize sleep. If I don't get enough sleep nothing else will get done!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! I've never been so in need of good sleep before. But you can't do anything if you can't keep you eyes open!
Bri
These are great tips! I need to try that Coffivity app.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is so cool! Really calming too 😉
genevieve @ gratitude & greens
This is such a great list! I make a daily to do list just because I find a weekly one too overwhelming, but things that don't get done just get put onto next day's list. I'm pretty good about not procrastinating but usually I just set time aside to accomplish specific things I want done. And you're right, it's so important to take breaks and make sure you're sleeping and eating properly! In college I made one rule for myself: always sleep. (Unless you have to pull an all nighter- then pull an all nighter, haha!) Glad to see that you are so productive and motivated! Go you!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I feel like a daily list is too overwhelming, haha! But yes, sleep is like my number one thing right now. I need it more than I ever have...ever!
Debbie @ Bible Fun For Kids
I have lots and lot and lots of notes! Also, priorities, what need done now, soon, etc. Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The priority things get stared and underlined 😉
Amber
I am SUCH a to do list lover and post it notes! In addition to both, I set alarms as reminders for myself, and calendar events. Pretty much I forget everything if it's not: written down, post it noted, saved as an alarm, as well as an event! Great tips, especially the last one!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That's one thing I don't do, set alarms and notifications for events. It seems like to much work for what it's worth for me! I either always know what I have to do that day or have it jotted down 😉
Sharon @ What The Fork Food Blog
Using google drive for everything is a great idea. Organization does not come easily to me.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I don't know what I did without Google Drive! Haha, I love it!
jill conyers
Most definitely! Life changes so how you organize and stay productive has to change with it. I'm the post it queen LOL
Off to check out Coffitivty.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Totally an evolving living process!
Post-Its = Love!
Coffitivy is SO awesome!
Lindsay
oh yes!! me too! post it's everywhere!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I made sure I came done to college STOKED with Post-Its and memo pads!