A Fresh Take on Productivity
A few new things I’m trying to end the year on a high (productivity) note
It’s somehow already that time of year again! I love the fall and winter, however there is something about it that really just creeps up on you. I think it’s because we have a super late summer here in SF, and we tend to find ourselves out on the beach in early October, basking in the last of the strong sunshine. However the end of the year is fast-approaching, and I want to end this year on a strong note!
Over this past year, I’ve been experimenting with different methods of organizing and planning. I’m not necessarily a natural “planner” per say, however there is something about being in a fast-paced work environment that had me yearning for a bit of structure and planning ahead.
I started with planning my daily tasks - simple things that I needed to get off of my to-do list. This came pretty easy to me, as I love a good list. Admittedly, I’m one to write something down just so I can cross it off…it feels so good! So I thought, what if I incorporated more of that in my daily work life? Would that make me feel a bit more accomplished in the daily grind and rush of the startup hustle?
It definitely helped a bit. However, I do think it takes work to write a real (and productive) list for yourself. My job is constantly changing from day-to-day, and I got into a funk because I wasn’t feeling productive or like I was actually doing anything - I would end my days and be like, "whoa…what exactly did I do today??”
I started writing lists pretty willy nilly at first. They weren’t structured or organized by any type of hierarchy. This is where I started to fall a bit flat - and it felt like the second I would write down the plan for the day - it would rapidly change and my list would become obsolete. I think that tends to be the problem with endless lists, not only are they incredibly daunting, but they require a next step — the task of prioritizing items and ranking them by need. Now this is definitely something that I struggle with.
Insert my new method of hopefully staying on track this quarter. I love the brand STIL Classics. I’ve used a few of their planners in the past, however this go-around I purchased the Get it Done planner. It’s a quarterly planner that allows you to set, track and manage your quarterly goals along with your daily to-do list and personal must-dos. First off, I love the layout. I find that having a hierarchy of important (must dos) in context with your general to-do list SO helpful. I also love that it incorporates work and life - and gives you a separate area to track both.
I love this weekly layout! So helpful to see everything laid out, broken down by morning, day and evening.
This week, it’s a brand new quarter so I’m going to give this a go. I have been craving a sense of ease and grounding - lately I’ve been so all over the place and not been able to formulate a clear thought. I’m really hoping that the acts of writing things down and tracking my progress over time will help. It’s such a downer when you’re in a productivity rut, it tends to feel like you’re in a bit of a fog with no end in sight!
Also, how beautiful is the design? Here’s to a productive (and balanced) final quarter! I love this breakdown of my day. It feels so incredibly clear to break down tasks based on need and hierarchy, and this design makes it super easy. I can’t wait to start practicing more morning rituals as well…this planner has a space to write out morning, day and evening rituals to help keep your productivity on a high note.
