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Dream Girl Guide: How to Stay Productive

I saw this post on Twitter that said, "you're not overwhelmed, you're lazy and unmotivated." and to a certain extent, I agree. I definitely used to be a lazy, unmotivated person until I started working on my time management and organization skills. Here's how I did it:

Time Management

Get a planner

Everyone needs a planner; they are not just limited to students.

Find a planning system that is functional for you

I like to use a physical and digital planner:

A huge key to being consistently productive and organized is to make your task, especially reoccurring, as enjoyable and engaging as possible, which is why I like to use a physical planner; it allows me to be creative.

I like to keep it simple and just use stickers and washi tape; you want to make it enjoyable, but you don't want to take the focus away from the task at hand (planning)

The first photo is mine, but the other two are spreads by study_withashley that I've been using as inspo.

I use my digital planner for the "always on hand" convenience and the minimalistic layout. I use the apps Actions and Timepage; they are both a subscription ($2 a month), but it's super worth it!

Timepage is a calendar app with a monthly, weekly, and daily view; and Actions is for planning tasks (week view) and making lists.

You can change the background color and color-code your calendar and list. They have a 1-month free trial if you're interested!

How to efficiently plan

Monthly

♡ In your monthly and weekly view, write in any important dates that are set in stone (appointments, work and class schedule, due dates for assignments, tests/exams, birthdays, etc)

♡ Now that you have an idea of what your month will look like, on a notes section or sticky note, write down your own personal goals/action step, habits you want to practice or break, and unscheduled things you need to do. Don't overwhelm yourself - try to limit yourself to 5 in each category.

Daily

♡ Plan your days the night before - that way you have an idea of what your day is going to look like when you wake up and you can act accordingly. Don't plan days ahead; life is unpredictable.

♡ Schedule and prioritize 3 things every day; whether it's studying or having a self-care day.

Getting things done

♡ Set the tone - wake up early (at least by 9 am), fix your bed, and change out of your PJs.

♡ If you are going out, give yourself 1-2 hours to get ready. Avoid having to rush as much as possible.

♡ If you are staying home, have a designated space for getting work done - Some ideal spaces are at a desk, the library, Starbucks, and dining rooms. Do not work on a couch or bed.

♡ In addition, keep your space clean, and surround yourself with positivity and progressive things. Your environment affects your mood and productivity.

♡ If possible, stay ahead of your assignments to prevent stress and cramming.

♡ Like I said before, make your task as enjoyable as possible - Example: I don't like cleaning, so while I am, I watch vlogs of people being productive. It's motivating me while also distracting my brain from the fact that I'm cleaning. However, when it comes to more serious tasks, make them enjoyable, but not distracting.

♡ Use the Pomodoro technique to avoid burnout (no phone breaks!)

♡ Create routines - you don't literally have to follow a routine every day, but routines are good for days that you feel like you need some structure in your life.

♡ Stay emotionally aware and prioritize self-care - don't neglect yourself trying to get things done because, in the end, it will backfire. Every day take at least 5 minutes to do something that makes you feel good.

Thanks for reading

xoxo