Plan

1. Get Up Early

Rise and shine. You can’t have a productive day until you actually start your day. You need to have time in the day to get tasks done. For me personally, I try to get up at around 7-7:30 but I know this is not doable for everyone so find the time that works best for you. When you do get up however simply waking up is not the key. Waking up and watching tik tok for 2-3 hours will not lead to the outcome you’re looking for so… get that body moving. For people that just can’t seem to leave their bed, set your phone across the room at night so that when your alarm goes off you have no choice but to GET UP and turn it off. Another great thing to do right when you wake up is chug a glass of water. I always keep my water bottle next to my bed so that I can immediately drink it when I wake up. This keeps you hydrated as well as helps wake you up. My favorite ways to start a productive morning includes stretching, a quick workout, journaling, and/or reading all of these allow you to focus on one thing which will set you up for success later on. Being productive starts with how you approach the day.

2. Make a To Do List

Next we have to make a To Do List. This is a pretty straight forward concept but if you don’t know what you need to get done and how to organize it in the most optimal way you’re going to end up either frantically trying to do everything or losing motivation very quickly. You can make your to do list on your phone or a piece of paper. I prefer paper because the satisfaction of crossing something off my list just does something for me. I understand that having your list on your phone allows you to take it on the go and edit it more freely than paper does. Start your list by, in your head, figuring our the tasks that are most important to get done. For example if you have and essay due at 11:59 that day, it should probably out rank vacuuming the carpet. Once you have done this order your list by what you want to get done first. Using the same example I would put the essay assignment at the top of my list and then vacuuming the carpet/cleaning, then follow it with maybe running errands; going to the bank, getting groceries, etc. This allows you to simply follow the list top to bottom. Of course there is nothing saying you can’t go out of order, I just find it easier to focus when my day is already planned out for me and all I need to do is look at the next task on my list.

3. Keep Yourself in Check

If you’re reading this it’s probably because you want to be more productive with your time. Obviously right. You’ve already accomplished the first step. Motivation. You are motivated to do better and keeping hustling. However reading this post will only get you so far. I can give you some tips but it is ultimately up to you to implement them and get it done. Grab that To Do list, which is probably pretty lengthy and just start. You’ve already made it this far why not just keep going. Be aware that mindset is everything! Just because you woke up later than you wanted or realize that your To Do list is way longer then you initially realized, should not discourage you from still having a productive day. You are stronger than you think and if you want something it can happen. Set yourself up for success. Once you accomplish all your tasks you set out for, you’re going to feel so much better and hopefully proud because you just did that. Boom! This will allow you to keep going and continue to hustle. However take this with a grain of salt. Not everyday should be productive and intensely filled with things you need to get done. It is equally beneficial to take time off, to do absolutely nothing for the day. It is really easy to get stressed out and feel overwhelmed so make sure you’re taking time to relax and take care of yourself. In order to have productive days there has to be calm unproductive days.

Therein lies the 3 keys to having a successful day. I hope this helped you in some shape or form to get productive and keep hustling. I could spend all day writing about productive days but I think I’d rather let you get to it.

-Nikki Smith

5 ways to start the new year right!

As we venture into the New Year we are all inspired to better ourselves. Let us take all the valuable things with us into the upcoming year; all that we learned and grew from in 2022. But as I say this I want to leave all those negatives that we have also accumulated. This post is all about setting yourself up to have the best possible year and get you in the right mindset to accomplish your goals. Starting with …

1. Set up your Google Calendar or Planner

Use your calendar as a tracker. Write down all life events even if it’s just hanging out with friends this way you can track long term goals. For example if one of your 2023 goals was to spend more time outside you would log in your calendar if you spent significant time outside that day.

Tips I suggest when you set up your calendar or planner would be to color coordinate. You can do this anyway that works best for you but I suggest breaking each category down and giving it a color. You want your calendar to represent yourself and become a space you enjoy. Your planner should be something you want to look at each day so make sure to take the time to really customize it. (Don’t forget to update any events or appointments that you made previously).

2. Declutter!

The New Year is the perfect time to get rid of all the unnecessary items you no longer need and have been putting off getting rid of. Let’s be honest you’re never going to wear that one t-shirt you have “just in case” you need it one day. Donate or sell the clothes you don’t wear anymore. While you’re at it the junk drawer you’ve been hoarding can probably use a clean out. There may be other places in your home that you’ve been thinking needs to be cleared out for a while. Now is the time to do it! The motivation you feel right now with the new year reset will fade so use it while you can to do those extra things you’ve been putting off all of 2022.

3. Clean Your Space

Going hand in hand with number two. Now that you have decluttered it’s time to wipe down all the mirrors, vacuum, and dust. Cleaning your space after decluttering and getting rid of all the unnecessary items you’ve been hoarding feels so rewarding. If you want to reset yourself and your mindset it starts with your space. Having a clean and clear space will transfer over to you. So make sure to dust the corners in your house, clean out the shower, and wipe down all the mirrors. The feeling of being refreshed is such a productive way to start your year in the right mindset.

4. Create Your Goals for 2023

Everyone is setting goals for themselves. Thinking of new ways to be better and feel accomplished. If you haven’t already, sit down and write at least 10 reasonable goals on a piece of paper. Yes a PIECE of PAPER. This could be a sticky note on your mirror or the front of your notebook anywhere that you will be able to see it every day. I recommend making a vision board to represent each of your goals. I personally use Canva and find that it’s very easy to create a collage of items that represent my goals. This is helpful just so you can have a visual representation of what you want to accomplish. Again set this as your phone or laptop backscreen so you can see it everyday. In addition to setting goals, make a plan on how to achieve each of those goals. For example if you want to save a specific amount of money this year set up a plan to set aside an amount each month. If you have health goals, make a plan to meal prep every Sunday so you will have readily available meals. Apply this method to each of your goals!

5. Treat Yourself to Help Accomplish Your Goals

Having a reward system in place will allow you to keep pursuing your goals. Getting excited to use new things that bring you joy will inspire you to keep working. Let’s say you wanted to drink more water in 2023, splurge on a water bottle that you’ll love. If you want to plan more, invest in a great planner that will work best for you. It’s all about personal preference and tailoring these items to yourself. Take the time to understand what you need in order to be successful and then purchase an item that fits those categories. It’s easier to accomplish goals when they don’t feel like a task but rather something you actually enjoy.

I hope these points helped you in some shape or form to get ready for the upcoming year. Apply these points and I bet you will be increasingly more productive and able to start the year with a clear, concise mind. I wish you the best of luck in accomplishing your goals however big or small they may be.

-Nikki Smith

Positively Nikki

How To Start A Productive Day