Anyone else feel as though time is flying by? Sometimes I literally don’t know where the days have gone. In July I transitioned from working in a corporate office to working from home. And while I have loved the convenience of working from home, I’ve noticed my schedule is actually busier than ever! {who would have guessed?} I went from working a 9 AM- 6 PM/5 day a week job to working and traveling pretty much 24 hours a day/7 days a week. And over the past few months I’ve figured out a few tricks on how to be more productive and how to stay on a schedule- regardless of where I am working from.
How to Stay on a Schedule
- Google Calendar :: When working in the corporate world I lived by my Google Calendar. It syncs up seamlessly with Apple calendars and I love how easy it is to color code various types of meetings. Between my phone and my laptop {don’t you love my new cases?}, I have my schedule by my side regardless of where I am at!
- Day Planner :: While I love Google Calendars, there is something classic about writing out your daily to-do list with physical pen and paper. I love being able to actually check off or cross out items on my to-do list!
How to be more Productive
- Choose 3 daily goals & make them a priority :: You can have a full to-do list, but be sure to prioritize the 3 most important items on that list.
- Check emails later :: Yes, emails are important. But if possible, simply glance at emails in the morning for anything time sensitive. Work on anything important first thing in the morning and get to emails in the afternoon. Sometimes I’ll designate days as email days to catch up and schedule upcoming meetings.
- Take breaks :: Go for a walk, get outside, do something stimulating. Your productivity levels will rise from the break!
- Follow the 80/20 Rule :: Supposedly, 20% of what you do produces 80% of your results. Focus on that 20%.
- Stop multi-tasking :: Many of us think we are good at multitasking, but the truth is- no one is able to give 100% if they are multitasking.
- Plan your day the night before :: At the end of each day I like to look at my to-do list for the next day. I then prioritize my day and finalize my schedule down to the hour. I plan my break times, workout times, and more.
Other Tips
- Create a clean work space :: Despite these images, I normally work from my desk {although sometimes I do work from my bed or a local coffee shop}. Regardless of where I am working from, I try to keep my space as clutter-free as possible. Minimal decorations help clear distractions.
- Use products you love :: I recently custom designed my laptop case and phone case with Case App and love how they turned out! While my old cases were cute, they didn’t match my branding or my style any longer. I used Case App’s basic marble design, added a gold banner at the base and added my logo. And voila! I love how it turned out! And if you don’t want to custom design your cases, they have a plethora of predesigned matching options that will fit anyone’s style. And my readers get 20% off their purchase with the code BEYONDBLESSED20. I also love my Day Designer planner! It has an hourly breakdown, goals list, and everything you might need in a perfect planner.
top old Vince, similar here :: leggings Loft :: tank :: pointer finger ring c/o Tippy Taste
computer case c/o Case App :: phone case c/o Case App
Get 20% off your Case App order with the code BEYONDBLESSED20
Planner c/o The Day Designer, also love this one :: mug
bedding old Pottery Barn :: Mirror Tray old, similar
Love the comment on multi tasking. So true, it simply slows you down. Focus on one project at a time.
Those Case App Cases are so cute! I’ll have to check them out! Great tips for being productive.
Great tips! I definitely like old fashioned writing things down… and a clean workspace. I need to finish redecorating my office! and get a case app case!
These are some awesome tips! it is so easy to get distracted and there is excuse after excuse these days. but some of your suggestions really help to get people organized at focused on the task at hand
Oh gosh…this post came at the perfect time! I always make a list to keep me on track through out the day. I love crossing things off haha. Thank you for your suggestions!
I live and breathe by my digital and paper planners, I feel lost without them. I love that computer case- it looks like a work space when shut, and it’s an actual work case when opened!
Some many great tips on how to stay productive and motivated, I will definitely be using some of them next week! And those phone cases and lap top covers are adorable!
What a great blog post. Your computer case and phone case is gorgeous. I have my calendars set up. As matter of fact, I use trello now for a lot so that people can share. I have tried the physical planner but I keep forgetting to write in it.
Ohh just love the marble design on the phone case and computer! i love my paper planner, too! :D thanks for sharing these super cool products
First off, love the photos! I also love all of this advice, and I agree there is no replacement for writing t all out
Great tips & beautiful photos! They make me want to reorganize my entire workspace. I am obsessed with personal branding & I love the phone and laptop cases you customized!
ohhhhh this was much needed info to me as I travel a lot and always feeling rushed with everything. thank you so much for sharing! <3
Oh, I really needed to read this! Thank you for the wonderful advice on staying productive while working from home. The tips were incredibly helpful.
Okay this blog truly did encourage me. I have such a short window of time that i can actually get work done, with the kids and all. And these tips were so helpful. Especially the keep space clean!! Makes such a difference!
Such great tips! As a work at home mom I LIVE by my planners/calendars/ and planning the night before. I also LOVE your custom phone and computer cases.
These are a lot of great pointers! I love off of my smart phone planner apps…I dont know what I’d do without them!
All these tips are so helpful, I busted out my notebook to write this all out. I need some helpful planning tips like this. Love your case. Something my sister would order
Thank you for sharing these productivity tips!! The 3 goals a day and focusing on the 20% hit home for me. It’s so easy to get side tracked! But girl, can we talk a minute about these marble cases?! I seriously LOVE THEM! I see a new matching set in my future. (Marble everything!!)
These are excellent tips for staying productive! I know that I am always trying to tell my friends how important breaks are. When you feel recharged, you end up being more productive during your work time! I love some of the other things you mentioned here, too. Like multitasking…it really is just an illusion isn’t it?? It’s SO much easier to focus on finishing one thing at a time. Thank you so much for sharing this!
Oh my goodness a custom case! Have pretty things makes work a bit more fun! I love that idea!
I am always a sucker for some perfect pens, a cute notebook, and a nice warm cup of coffee!
These are great tips! I also really love the phone and computer case with your logo!
Cute cases and products definitely motivate me to be more productive! Love your marble case!
I use gcal as well but there is something about writing the to-do list in a notebook or just a paper, I totally agree on taking breaks and focusing on the 20%.