Productivity, who needs it? (oh wait, WE ALL DO!)

(December 2013) This is obviously me being very productive before finals. Sadly I was actually asleep.

For any of you on a university schedule, you know that midterms are quickly approaching (actually I mine are this week!) and life tends to get a little crazy around this time. Since it is my 9^th + final semester of college, I think I finally have time management figured out. I have realized that, while much of the small information I learn is essentially useless (sorry GVSU professors), there are a few major things that college teaches you. Self-motivation/determination + time management are the two big ones in my book. (Although there are many other life lessons!)

 Oftentimes college is the first time people are completely in charge of what they are eating, what physical activity they do, who they hang out with, how much sleep they get, etc. While we all have our “not so great” college decisions, along the way we find out who we are + what works for us. I have definitely gotten more productive as I age + I figured I would share a few tips about productivity with you today!

 I know its hard to stay motivated when the weather starts to get cold (+ lets not even say that four letter s-word yet..hopefully that stays away until December!)

• Make a list (then don’t lose it!)
  1. This may be excessive, but I make to-do lists daily on my notes in my iPhone. Yes, I also use a planner, but my iphone is easily accessible + I can just delete each item as I go. I find this very helpful, but especially on those days when I have 56798 errands to run!
• Work in time increments
  1. If I sit still for more than an hour or so, there is about a 99% chance I am sleeping or someone is making me sit there. I am not one of those people that can go to the library for 8 hours + study. I divide my time up into more manageable chunks. For example: today I studied for 20 min, then folded some laundry, studied for 30 min, then made dinner, etc. That way I am actually getting more done in those 20 or 30 min than I would in an hour.
• Work in a clean workspace
  1. I can very rarely accomplish any homework, blogging, etc if the room I am working in is messy. I always take that extra 5 or 10 minutes to pick up before I begin working.
• SNACKS
  1. (healthy) snacks are a must for me. If I am hungry that is pretty much all I can think about. I can also get a bit scary when I’m hangry, so munchies are a necessity
• Exercise/Working Out
  1. The more I do/have to do, the more productive I am. On those lazy days when nothing HAS to happen, oftentimes nothing DOES happen. Especially related to working out. The days I exercise (which is usually 6-7 days a week) are the days I get the most done. Exercising boosts my energy levels + makes me a happier + less stressed person.

There you have it, my 5 tips for productivity! What are things/tricks that make you more productive?

-M

PS. These productivity tips apply to WAY more than just college. They are useful in everyday life, in starting a new business or project + even on vacation! By the way, a friend just mentioned a company called Kabbage to me the other day, they provide small business loans. (Kind of random) But, if you’re looking to start a new business or product you should check out Kabbage!

PPS. I’m semi embarrassed I shared that photo of me sleeping..oh well!