How to Organize Your Work Life and Stay Productive
It’s a beautiful thing when a hustle becomes a full fledge business capable of sustaining your lifestyle. For so many years we’re just trying to make it in life that we never stop to think: what happens when we actually do make it? All you knew was the hustle and the dream. Now you’re 10 years in making 5-6 figures per year. What’s next? Now it’s time to come face to face with the inevitable question: do you have what it takes to remain successful and productive?
It’s an uphill battle trying to become a success but can you maintain it? This is where most entrepreneurs lose it all. Most don’t have the self discipline to keep learning and stay productive. They believe that what got them where they are will take them to the next level. Once you reach a certain level of success it’s time to be even more mindful of where you focus your energy. You need to be in the best shape possible mentally, physically and spiritually. It’s important to create a schedule that you can stick to every day.
“Once you reach a certain level of success it’s time to be even more mindful of where you focus your energy. “
Self Awareness
Self awareness is key. You can start by asking yourself a series of questions: What are your priorities? When is your energy at its peak? What time does going to the gym feel best? Do you prefer to eat breakfast or skip it? Are you really a morning person or a night owl? When are the times I am most productive? What are the best hours for you to take meetings or calls? How long can you spend working on your business before you need a break? When do you feel most energized to learn and educate yourself?
Give yourself a full week to gradually implement new habits into your daily life and notice when you spontaneously decide to do them. Some habits you’ll need to develop the discipline to do regardless of how you feel and some will just come naturally to you. You’ll want to do them at a certain time every day.
Time Blocking
Another tip you could do is section your day. Let’s say you want to sleep at least 8 hours per day. That means there’s 16 hours that you’re awake. What you can do is separate those 16 hours into 4 hour segments. If you work 9-5pm, you still have a few hours before you go to work and a few hours after you come home from work. Time blocking gives you a clear picture of how much time you have to utilize on a daily basis. Now write down 3-5 tasks to complete within those timeframes. Get specific about your goals for each task if applicable.
Observe Your Triggers
It also helps to observe your triggers. For example, I know that when I watch inspiring YouTube videos before I begin to work, I tend to be more motivated and will work for a full two hours before I start to lose focus. They also remind me of why I work so hard in the first place. Or after I eat breakfast I like to do yoga because it keeps me from immediately laying down in bed. As the day goes on I know my energy is depleting so I like to do activities that require the least amount of effort such as going to a meeting, taking a call with a client or prepping for the next day.
It’s all about what works best for you! As long as you stay consistent with the activities that give you the highest return on your investment every day you’ll always be productive and stay on track with your life and business.