Happy Monday! I’m over here mustering all the positivity I can this morning, ready to tackle a fresh week and kick things off on a productive note. Who’s with me? (everyones hands better be raised behind their screen of choice).
I don’t want to burst anyone’s bubble, but this is the LAST full week of March. I know what you’re thinking, “WHAT?! That’s just not possible.” I wouldn’t joke about something like this.
Last week was a whirlwind and I took some extra time to focus on a few projects and am still working through what’s next for me. I’ve got a busier schedule on deck (not that I’m complaining) than I’ve been used to since the end of February and I’m really looking forward to it. I thrive when I’m on the go and I’m excited to be filling my time with meaningful work.
I figure we could all use a little extra help come Monday morning, so I encourage you to try these quick tips to boost productivity on for size:
- Turn off notifications for social media apps on your phone. Don’t think twice, just do it. I did this a few months ago and it’s amazing how much time you save when you aren’t distracted by those little red circles littering your iPhone screen.
- Create a master to-do list at the beginning of each week. I’m pretty obsessive when it comes to my lists. I keep a running task list in several different areas (my planner, my email drafts, my notebook and don’t even get me started on the single sheets). I ordered one of Meg Biram’s GSD (Get Shit Done) Master List Notepad and I can tell it’s going to be a game changer for getting everything in order.
- Take frequent breaks. Your brain will thank you. Depriving yourself of a mini break here and there doesn’t do much for your sanity or your productivity levels. You could even reward yourself with a social media break since you aren’t going to be checking it as often 😉
- Spruce up your area, wherever that may be. Creating an inviting space to work and create in tops the charts (don’t be fooled that it’s showing up last on this list, these are in no particular order). If I’m uncomfortable in my surroundings, you can bet that I’m not going to get much done. Remember how messy my desk was last week? I’m happy to report that I’ve got that under control and I plan to keep it that way!
In need more motivation this Monday? Check out my gal Nicole’s Work Smarter, Not Harder Column.
WHAT’S ON YOUR AGENDA THIS WEEK?
SHOP MY DESK:
GSD Master List Notepad // Success Is Not Easy Print // Cactus Planter // Palm Leaf Stationery // “Write that down” Pencil
Linking up with Life of Meg
One of the best things I ever did was turn off all notifications on my phone. Seriously it’s so sad how addicted I got to it!
http://Www.theadoredlife.com
I’m totally with you on sprucing up a space! I get so much more done when my work area is nice and organized! And I LOVE Nicole’s column! It’s my Monday go-to!
xo
http://www.fashioncolumntwins.com
Putting my phone away for several hours at a time has been a lifesaver! And so glad I’m not the only one that keeps my bazillion to-do lists in several places 😉
Great tips — I think turning off notifications (or volume) is HUGE is getting productive! Every once in a while when I’m really trying to focus on a project I’ll turn off the internet and get all of the pre-work done! It really helps and I suggest it! 🙂 Happy Monday girlfriend!
Oh, yes! My volume is rarely on either. I’ll have to try turning off my phone completely if I’m really trying to focus on a project 🙂
Take frequent breaks is the best advice! your brain and body deactivates for a little and everything is much better!
Xo, Belen
Please visit my blog!! A Hint of Life
Agreed! Thanks so much for reading!
Good tips! Turning off all social media notifications is the most helpful for me! Have a great week!
Sarah
coffeeandglitter14.blogspot.com
You too, Sarah!
I love these recommendations girl! I don’t have the notifications turned on my phone and love that. Now – I just need to stay off my phone and not look at it too and that would help. Getting my space clean is always a great way to stay focused too! Great list sister!
Oooh, I love this! Lately, I’m all about GSD too!! Thanks for sharing that notepad. (:
Of course! You will have to let me know if you end up getting one of your own 🙂
I definitely need to GSD this week. I’m list making like crazy. Up next is cleaning up my desk.
Elle
I turned off social media notifications on my phone too and it the best decision ever! I hope you have a great week!
xo,
Angela
Same to you, Angela!
Great tips! It always works well for me to take breaks at certain goal points that I set…..I seriously think if I didn’t do that I would never have gotten through med school. Proof it works!
Dresses & Denim
Med school? That’s awesome!
Such a good idea to turn off all notifications! I love Meg’s GSD list! I might have to buy one for myself 😉
xo, Jen
http://www.comfortably-chic.com
You should give it a go – it’s freeing!
Great post, thank you for sharing. I need to apply all of these to my Sunday’s when I’m supposed to go directly home after brunch to tidy up and work on my blog. I ALWAYS get distracted. It’s terrilble.
http://www.stylegonerogue.com (new post)
Of course! You will have to let me know if you try any of these out and if they work for you 🙂
I need to turn the notifications off, that’s such a great idea. I had a productive weekend blogging wise, so this week I need to start prepping for the upcoming weeks.
You will be amazed at what a time suck it was! Productive weekends are the best 🙂
I love this! I try to turn my phone off during the work day so I don’t check it often. I totally agree with sprucing up a bit – it makes such a big difference. I can’t concentrate if my desk is messy.
http://www.elanalyn.com
I need to get on that GSD notepad!
You sure do!
Ordering now and planning on partaking in the next Mingle Monday!
Woo!
Great tips! Love a good to-do list 🙂
~Samantha
http://goldcoastgirlblog.com
When I really need to get things done, I put my phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode. So very helpful to tune out and just focus. I also love my Simplified Planner for keeping me on track. Love these ideas!
Kira
I definitely needed to read this today. I tend to make to-do lists for the day and then get both discouraged when I don’t knock it all out, or I forget to transfer my incomplete tasks to the next day. A master list for the day it is!
I just want to say – your blog is awesome (I am in love with the name of it!)!! I am a new blogger, but a seasoned blog reader. I am just loving finding new blogs to add to my daily list 🙂 Now I am going to keep reading your past posts!!
xo. Chantelle
Thank you so much, Chantelle. You just made my day! If you venture back far enough, you’ll find some realllly hilarious posts, before I realized I should really be adding images to entice people to read 😉
Love the idea of turning off social media notifications – they eat up such a large part of the day, bit by bit! I’m also really glad you’re keeping busy and thriving! x
Girl for Granted
Seriously, give it a try! Thank you, Amy 🙂
Thanks for the shoutout Jess! I feel like you have been doing such a great job! And love the tips. Social media man…gets me every time. Kiss, kiss!
I just couldn’t help myself 🙂 Hope you’re having an amazing week!
Love your blog and writing style! And agreed on the taking breaks – work for too long all at once and you’ll be counterproductive anyways. xo
http://www.fashionablyclearance.com
Thank you so much, that means a lot! Have a great weekend and don’t be a stranger 😉
yikes i may need to turn off notifications… the whole ‘phantom vibrate’ phenomenon has now morphed into ‘phantom notifications” at work. any glint of light hitting the screen and i’m checking haha
Do itttt. I swear, it’s an amazing feeling! Let me know how it goes for ya 😉
I really like that master list! I think I need to turn off notifications as well! I never really use them anyway I mostly find them annoying haha – especially if I have my phone facing up at night and my screen goes bright 😉
I so agree with the turning off notifications!! It was so hard but I love that I did it. I don’t even notice the time that goes by when I dont check my phone because it never lights up 🙂
XoLindsay
Sugar & Something
Isn’t is amazing?! I still check it frequently, but it’s not nearly as often as it was back when I got a notification for each and every “like” or “favorite” 🙂 I hope your week is off to a great start!
hey im new to your blog, and can i just say love your blog name 😉 lol, and i completley agree with turning notifications off for a while! 🙂 x x
http://millieerosee.blogspot.co.uk/
Yay! I’m so glad you’re here, Millie 🙂 Everyone always asks me, “are you still 26 and not counting?” haha. I’m technically 27 and not counting…soon to be 28. I hope to see you around here more often!
Hi Jess! I totally needed this! I keep coming up with excuses to not study or get stuff done because there is something “more important” to check out. Turning my notifications of is definitely something I need to do more!
Liv
http://www.lovealwaysliv.com
I’m so glad! I turned them off for good and haven’t looked back 🙂 You will have to let me know how it goes for you! I hope your Tuesday was great!