The Next Chapter: Focusing on Productivity
Over the last month, life has taken me on a whirlwind of new challenges and exciting opportunities. Amidst the chaos of adapting to a new job I recently landed, I found myself temporarily sidetracked from two of my greatest passions—podcasting and writing. The adjustment period has been a wild ride, a mix of pure excitement and "Whoa, where did all my energy go?" But hey, no need to panic! I purposely hit pause on my creative outlets to give my new job the attention it deserves. Now that I've got a handle on things, I'm stoked to spill the beans on how I stayed focused. Buckle up as I spill the tea on the hacks and mind tricks that kept me productive, even when the news cycles were doing their best to steal my attention every day (ex: Hamas, Ukraine, Buyden, etc).
TIME BLOCKING
One game-changer that's been a total lifesaver in juggling my new gig is a nifty little trick I picked up: time-blocking my social media cravings. It has been quite the adjustment working with a few clients that were nothing but social media and news industry focus to expanding to general marketing. Back to social media cravings, you know how it goes, right? The endless notifications and memes are just waiting to hijack your focus. So, here's the deal: I carved out specific time slots in my day to indulge in the social media rollercoaster without it turning into a productivity stealer. You wouldn't believe the superhero capes my computer and phone put on with their focus features! They've got my back, helping me stick to my plan and not get lost in the digital abyss. Navigating the craziness of my job has become way more manageable, and these intentional breaks keep me sane in a world that sometimes feels like it's constantly on overdrive.
FOCUS ON QUALITY
Let's talk about this golden rule: Quality over quantity. Sure, it's awesome to have a steady stream of content and updates, but let's face it, I'd rather have zilch than a bunch of posts that make you go, 'What even is this?' I'm all about that good stuff, content that's so on point you want to hit the share button without thinking twice. So, here's my secret sauce: if I can't give something the attention it deserves, I save it for later. It's like my way of saying, 'I see you, awesome article or podcast idea, but let me give you the time you deserve.' Trust me, it's a game-changer to keep your focus intact.
My podcasts will be more focused.
My substack will be spot on.
My book writing will progress on schedule.
Many rabbit holes scream out wanting attention. This strategy has help me tremendously in hedging my time, heart, and mind throughout the week. At the end of the day it allows one to produce quality content.
CREATE A DAILY SCHEDULE
Okay, let's get real about this daily schedule thing—it's a game-changer. If you're not rocking an organized to-do list, you're basically setting yourself up for a day of chaos. So, here's the deal: before you call it a day, jot down the must-do stuff for tomorrow. It's like a secret weapon that gets you rolling the moment you step into the office.
And hey, say goodbye to those late-night brain acrobatics. Writing it all down means no more tossing and turning, stressing about tasks. Your brain gets the memo, does its thing while you're catching Zs, and boom, you wake up with fresh ideas for the day.
Now, if you're not the night owl type, no worries. Grab that morning coffee and kickstart your day by mapping out your game plan. Trust me, the few minutes you spend plotting your course beats the heck out of the time you'd lose bouncing between tasks without a plan. It's like having a personal roadmap for a smoother work ride.
IN CONCLUSION
So there you have it – my journey through the whirlwind of new challenges, crazy schedules, and learning how to boss up at work. Navigating the chaos became a breeze with a few tricks up my sleeve. Time-blocking the social media rabbit hole, prioritizing quality over quantity, and having a daily game plan – it's like my survival kit. Life's wild, but with these hacks, I've found my rhythm. Here's to staying focused, keeping it real, and crushing it, no matter what life throws our way. Cheers to the hustle!