When we're setting up the systems, offers, processes, content blah blah blah, it becomes an overwhelming mess when we don't step back frequently enough.
Glad it was timely and relatable, too! In this world where everyone’s looking to be more and more productive, it’s so easy to try to pile on more work.
So writing this was also a good reminder for me to chill the hell out sometimes! Doing everything isn’t going to get me there faster! 😅
Creating structures and systems helps curtail that wild beast that likes to ping-pong us around and around. One I'd like to add to tip #2 is that a change of location now and then helps tremendously. Sometimes I'll pop over to our gorgeous, state-of-the-art library with floor-to-ceiling windows to write. It helps me not feel chained to a desk. And it reminds me that I can get things done, even when I'm enjoying nature through these windows. I take only my laptop and a notebook - which helps me stay focused.
Ohhhhhhhh, lucky you having such a wonderful, beautiful library nearby. Sounds amazing!
Yes, I so agree. Having that environmental change can be such a quick productivity hack. Coffee shops are my thing, and being in that space can activate my focus in a deeper way, even with other people around.
That's a great add to only have your laptop and notebook. I have a Remarkable (digital etablet) for when I need some focused writing time as my laptop can be a source of distractions, too.
That's awesome that you've found what works for you!! Thanks for sharing and glad you enjoyed this post, too!
Kat, all i would say is that "you were talking to me in every sentence". Thanks for writing this. Makes me feel better and with some tips now to apply. Cheers
Great tips, Kat! You are definitely not alone in your feelings with the to do list! I swing from extremes. I either do this long to do list or none at all. Seeking a happy medium is the way to go instead of the extremes because it's not all or nothing. Thank you for sharing your balanced approach!
Lol, I can swing from the extremes, too, which includes setting up a clear structure then blow it up to start over. Hahaha. I think that's just I how learn and figure things out⏤through continual trial and error. 😅
Yah, that's why I'm been working on finding a good medium that prevents me from swinging between the extremes.
Ohhh, great tip to "unschedule" yourself. I do that at times to create more space for me to focus on a bigger project, too, or just create space for myself to just process and plan things.
Glad yours is also fun, too. You got me curious now... What you're working on, Rebecca? I wanna hear more about it!
Writing all your tasks in one place is key. Otherwise, there are too many lists. I have an old-fashioned page a day diary and I use that to list my tasks. Ticking them off feels great! Plus, every now and again I go back and check to make sure that I haven't missed any.
Ohhh, that's a good one, Wendy. Glad you found what works for you.
I had a phase of writing daily in my planner, but searching for ideas or insightful notes got a little challenging, so that's why I went digital... for that super handy search function.
I hear that from others that "ticking" tasks off feels great for them. Somehow that doesn't give me the same kind of elated joy. Haha.
Thanks for sharing! It's always great hearing others' experiences and learn what they do that works for them.
Awww, that's adorable, Wendy... thanks for sharing that. Ok, now thinking about it, sometimes I DO do that, too. 🤣
For me, it's about tracking what I've done so I can look back and remind myself "look at all the stuff I've done!" when that my overachieving side criticizes me for "not doing enough."
My writing times are blocked out on my calendar. It looks like a kaleidoscope with all the different colors. In my To Do, those tasks that are priority are done first.
That was the part I was wondering whether I should share or not in the post, as there are so many out there. I've tried a bunch and settled on one that I personally enjoyed the most, and works for my brain and preferences.
So so timely and relatable Kat!
When we're setting up the systems, offers, processes, content blah blah blah, it becomes an overwhelming mess when we don't step back frequently enough.
Handy tips here, as always x
Glad it was timely and relatable, too! In this world where everyone’s looking to be more and more productive, it’s so easy to try to pile on more work.
So writing this was also a good reminder for me to chill the hell out sometimes! Doing everything isn’t going to get me there faster! 😅
Yeah even if we know it, we don't realise we're doing it when we're in it!
I can relate to this 100%. Who couldn't?
Creating structures and systems helps curtail that wild beast that likes to ping-pong us around and around. One I'd like to add to tip #2 is that a change of location now and then helps tremendously. Sometimes I'll pop over to our gorgeous, state-of-the-art library with floor-to-ceiling windows to write. It helps me not feel chained to a desk. And it reminds me that I can get things done, even when I'm enjoying nature through these windows. I take only my laptop and a notebook - which helps me stay focused.
Great article with a plethora of useful tips.
Ohhhhhhhh, lucky you having such a wonderful, beautiful library nearby. Sounds amazing!
Yes, I so agree. Having that environmental change can be such a quick productivity hack. Coffee shops are my thing, and being in that space can activate my focus in a deeper way, even with other people around.
That's a great add to only have your laptop and notebook. I have a Remarkable (digital etablet) for when I need some focused writing time as my laptop can be a source of distractions, too.
That's awesome that you've found what works for you!! Thanks for sharing and glad you enjoyed this post, too!
Something to add to your To-Do-List:
Go to Taiwan
Enjoy family time
<wink>
Thanks for the nudge, Maria! 😉
Kat, all i would say is that "you were talking to me in every sentence". Thanks for writing this. Makes me feel better and with some tips now to apply. Cheers
Awww, thanks, Tariq! What a compliment, and so glad this was helpful to you, too. Yes, apply the tips and let me know which ones worked well for you!
Great tips, Kat! You are definitely not alone in your feelings with the to do list! I swing from extremes. I either do this long to do list or none at all. Seeking a happy medium is the way to go instead of the extremes because it's not all or nothing. Thank you for sharing your balanced approach!
Lol, I can swing from the extremes, too, which includes setting up a clear structure then blow it up to start over. Hahaha. I think that's just I how learn and figure things out⏤through continual trial and error. 😅
Yah, that's why I'm been working on finding a good medium that prevents me from swinging between the extremes.
What has worked for you, Lotus Empress?
Favourite quote 🦋
"“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail. ” ⎯ Benjamin Franklin."
Ohhh! Glad I highlighted one of your favorite quotes, Janet. When I first heard it, it hit hard! So much truth in those well phrased words...
I have consciously 'unscheduled' myself for the past two weeks knowing I was flat out on an extra but fun work project.
It felt good to make the decision in advance and avoid the overwhelm.
Ohhh, great tip to "unschedule" yourself. I do that at times to create more space for me to focus on a bigger project, too, or just create space for myself to just process and plan things.
Glad yours is also fun, too. You got me curious now... What you're working on, Rebecca? I wanna hear more about it!
Writing all your tasks in one place is key. Otherwise, there are too many lists. I have an old-fashioned page a day diary and I use that to list my tasks. Ticking them off feels great! Plus, every now and again I go back and check to make sure that I haven't missed any.
Ohhh, that's a good one, Wendy. Glad you found what works for you.
I had a phase of writing daily in my planner, but searching for ideas or insightful notes got a little challenging, so that's why I went digital... for that super handy search function.
I hear that from others that "ticking" tasks off feels great for them. Somehow that doesn't give me the same kind of elated joy. Haha.
Thanks for sharing! It's always great hearing others' experiences and learn what they do that works for them.
I like ticking things off. Even if I do extra tasks that aren't on the list I put them on and tick them off!
Awww, that's adorable, Wendy... thanks for sharing that. Ok, now thinking about it, sometimes I DO do that, too. 🤣
For me, it's about tracking what I've done so I can look back and remind myself "look at all the stuff I've done!" when that my overachieving side criticizes me for "not doing enough."
Busted!
🫣 You got me…
I have two methods for keeping myself sane - My Google calendar and Microsoft To Do. I'm in a much better situation than I used to be.
Good stuff, Pam! Glad you found a process what works for you. How are you using those two to keep you organized?
My writing times are blocked out on my calendar. It looks like a kaleidoscope with all the different colors. In my To Do, those tasks that are priority are done first.
Love the time tracking app idea. What do you use?
That was the part I was wondering whether I should share or not in the post, as there are so many out there. I've tried a bunch and settled on one that I personally enjoyed the most, and works for my brain and preferences.
Well, since you asked, Jeanette, I use Sunsama: https://sunsama.com/share?refId=642dc5cbfbd3b600017f36a8 If you try it, let me know what you think about it.