I won’t lie to you and say I am wildly productive all the time. In fact, the opposite. I often feel like I struggle to get my work done and have been living for years with that pit in my stomach that there is always more to do.
If you didn’t know already, my family and I moved to the Sacramento-area 2 years ago. I quit my day job and had the opportunity to pursue BGD full-time. Awesome, right? I was stoked. What I didn’t anticipate was the adjustment period. The adjustment to working from home with two little ones. The adjustment to a new home. The adjustment to feeling pressure to make it all work.
The adjustment has been rough, to put it mildly.
I can’t pretend that I have it all figured out now but what I can remind myself is: nothing is permanent. Below are a few tweaks I’ve made in my day to day to help me be physically productive and mentally at peace.
Create a done list
At the end of the day, write down every single thing you accomplished. You will end your day on a high note even if the list has one item on it: Kept my kids alive. Check!
A change of scenery
When I get to a point where I feel like I’m going to erupt because it’s one distraction after another or I’m having a hard time staying focused, I go elsewhere. Outside for a walk. To the park with my kids. Upstairs to mindessly fold laundry (lies, my laundry stays piled on the bedroom floor, but maybe laundry is your jam!). By stepping away, I am more productive longterm as I can return to work with a clear head and laser focus.
Find a physical outlet
This has been key for me–I run. It’s something that brings me joy, stress relief, adult interaction and alone time. I know myself well enough that if I force myself to work 100% of the time, I will accomplish less than if I fuel myself with something I love. You know that old saying “you can’t pour from an empty glass?” Totally true.
Prioritize
What are the 3 most important things you have to do? Write them down. Check them off. The rest can wait.
My hope is that you can learn from all the time I’ve spent losing my mind and learning lessons the hard way. 😉 Here’s to making your Monday wildly productive!
What are your tips for staying productive with your biz?
