There are about a million tricks out there you can employ for better focus and productivity. I’ve tried at least half of them! For me, getting through the day’s tasks (and this really goes for freelancers, bloggers, and students even!) is alllll about getting out of my own head. If I can actually organize all that’s on my mind, I’ve freed up the mental space to focus on work. So the idea behind this post are the four major things you should get out of your head and organize, either in a notebook or on a calendar or an app–whatever organization tool works for you–so you can focus on the task at hand. Let me know if these work for you!
Deadlines & Timelines
A couple weeks ago I ended up with the most insane to-do list I’ve ever had and 48 hours to complete it. I’ve used my regular planner, the Planner Plus app, Google calendars (I have many), and more, and you should do what works for you. Strangely enough, post-its of all things are what helped. I literally wrote out 30 post its in different colors with the task, any notes (see below), and deadline, organized them by date, and then stuck them across my wall. I only took it off when the task was 100% complete. My space looked crazy but then I didn’t have to think about all the moving parts, just do the work! Thinking of all those different requirements and deadlines were tripping me up.
Assignment/Project Requirements
If you do many different things throughout your day it helps to record exactly what’s required of you for each project. For example, scheduling social media is required for some of my articles, completely writing the copy is only for some, and some just require editing or formatting. Then there are some projects I take photos for, etc. Find a way to list out any specifics of projects – it’s another thing that builds up mentally, and you might not even notice how these details that you’re trying to constantly remember are clouding your mind, adding stress, and decreasing productivity.
Follow ups & Check Points
Often times I have to be really on top of email. When your inbox is super full, it’s so easy to let stuff fall through the cracks. I have to fight the urge to really stress over emails because I need to follow up and check in with people several times a week to make sure I have all the info I need. A much better solution is to set reminders or add notes/check ins to your calendar to remind you to follow up or respond (I’ll write notes to self in Google when necessary).
Writers & Bloggers – Draft Early
Most of these tips can be used for any line of work, but for bloggers specifically, doing some of the leg work from the get-go really frees up your mind to focus on other things. Create a system if it’s easier – this is just mine as a writer – but I start the week by creating Word docs for upcoming posts. That way when I have an idea/inspiration, I can just add it. If something comes to mind or I have an asset ready (like the graphics), I can start putting it together. Then when it comes time to actually write it all out, I’m not intimidated that it’s going to take three hours to gather everything. Unless you update your blog daily or run multiple blogs you probably don’t need to do this, but I really recommend finding a way to outline or start your work right when you think of it (or it’s assigned) so that you aren’t making mental notes throughout the week that you might forget anyway.
All of these tips are really about clearing mental space. When your mind isn’t clear – or at least fairly clear – it’s tough to do things like blogging, social media, design, or really any task!
Gemma says
Really, really handy tips! I am too guilty of being all up in my head and letting that get in my way of actually starting tasks, let alone completing my lists. I’m going to be giving your advice a right whirl!!
Gemma
http://www.fadedwindmills.com
Jessica says
Such a brilliant post! I’m super happy to have found the blog market – what a great resource!
Lisa says
I’ve had such a problem with deadlines even in my school years and it’s still a problem in my business today. Ain’t that sad? 😂 Anyway, I’m going to give myself stricter timelines this time around to make sure I get things done even earlier than usual. (I’m not saying I ever turn things in late to clients! I’m too much of a stickler for the opposite, actually.) Thank you for this post and the much-needed insight, Angela!