Wednesday 18 May 2016

#FreelanceLife - 5 Tips That'll Get You Ticking-Off Those To-Dos!


The to-do list.

There's lots of reasons why we do them and lots of ways they've come about - even Benjamin Franklin banged on about 'to-do' lists back in the day and you know what I LOVE A LIST. There is something so satisfying about ticking off your jobs, your tasks - whatever it is.

And yes, I am the kind of person that'll write something I've already done on my list - just so I can tick it off. I feel like its a way of give yourself a pat on the back - recognition you've achieved something whether it's putting out the washing or completing a massive social media audit.

Since I've been freelancing I've lost count of the amount of times I've 'Googled' productivity, organisation, how to stay sane etc and I've come up with 5 tips that are making me more productive, more efficient and getting me more ticks!

1. Shop, sharp, successful bursts!

I picked up this tip from the incredible business journal I have my head stuck in at the moment. From the people that created the Daily Greatness Journal comes the Daily Greatness Business Planner. These guys recommend setting your daily actions into 90 minute chunks with a 10 minute break every 40 minutes. This method has worked wonders for me. Instead of getting distracted I discipline myself to 40 minutes of solid work then treat myself with 10 minutes of listening to a podcast, answering emails or calling a friend.

2. Music to your headphones

I LOVE listening to music while I work. But it has to be something totally chilled and something that doesn't carry emotions or memories - no girl's night out songs here! I recommend the Work playlists from Spotify - this one 'Music for Concentration' is my current favourite. A mix of minimalism, electronic and modern classic. It really gets me in the zone.

3. BREAKFAST

Brain food. I used to be terrible at eating breakfast - in fact I never used to eat breakfast. But now I've gotten into the habit of starting everyday with a glass of water and a slice of fresh lemon and either eggs and smoked salmon, a green smoothie backed with banana, spinach and pineapple or porridge with apples and sultana. Whatever I eat I make sure it's healthy and big enough to fill me up till lunch. Sugar snacking makes me lethargic and tired - easily losing concentration!

4. Let's go Outside

As I write this I've just got back from a lovely walk on the beach with my pooch. I find a mid-afternoon walk really strengthens my productivity for the rest of the afternoon. It gives me something to work towards, it gives me time to step away and it gives me time to re-align my actions and how I will achieve them on a daily basis. The fresh air does wonders for the mind!

5. Tidy desk, really does mean tidy mind

Some days I don't work from my office but on the days when I do I always start the day by tidying my workspace. Rejigging my motivational quotes, organising which notebook I'm using for the day and filing any paper I don't need for the day ahead. I'll always light a candle and open up the window for some fresh air too. I love my workspace - its calm. Working in a space you can walk away from is also hugely important!

What productivity tips do you have?

D
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2 comments

  1. I'm now lusting after than planner. I'm trying to settle into routines that will work for me, I'm working part time in a day job and then 2 days a wee on my own business. I find it hard to keep switching. Great tips. Have you tried the pomodoro technique - it's a similar way to manage your time. I use the tomato timer to help me focus.

    Honestly Aine

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you lovely! Ooh no I haven't heard of the Pomodoro technique or the Tomato timer? I will take a look :) xxx

    ReplyDelete

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