At the beginning of 2017 I wrote a post about some of my goals for myself this year. I’m trying to look at this year as a time for growth rather than resolutions. I never keep resolutions because they usually mean cutting something out or adding something that wasn’t there before. I’ve learned over the years that I need to ease into things in order for them to stick. So in the spirit of easing into something new, one of my goals this year is to continue to evolve Waketon Road. I am starting a new “Sunday Series” of more personal posts. I won’t promise that it will be every Sunday because this only works if I genuinely have something to write about.

This week I thought I would share a few tricks I have learned for maximizing my productivity. With my full-time job, the blog, THE world’s most high maintenance dog (joking – but only a little), family and friends, I often find myself completely exhausted. I love all of the things that keep me busy but that doesn’t mean that I don’t stretch myself too thin sometimes. This also ties back into my goal of taking time for myself, but that’s a whole different post.

My goal for this year is to create better habits when it comes to being productive. I have started implementing a few tips into my daily routine that have really helped me improve my productivity but not feel like all my free time is going to the things I don’t want to do.

– Set an alarm: I wake up naturally around 7 every morning but I don’t get right out of bed. I get distracted with my phone and before you know it it’s after 7:30. Recently I have been setting an alarm 3 days a week and get straight of bed. I am only doing a few days because I also let myself relax a little, too! Doing this gives me extra time in the mornings to fit a few more things in that keep me on track for the week.

– Make time: I am far from a fitness nut and always find it hard to fit workouts into my full schedule. I tried working out everyday and I got burned out of that quickly. For me it has to be a give and take. I don’t like to work out, so it’s something I have to train myself to do. On the mornings I set my alarm I have just enough time to get a good workout in before work. You have to make time for the things that you won’t normally prioritize.

– Break it down: This has helped me so much already! I usually have a very long to-do list including everything from laundry to editing photos. It is typical for me to let everything pile up and then try to get it all done in one afternoon. It’s overwhelming and makes the process so much more stressful. The past few weeks I have broken “big” tasks into smaller ones. For example, the mountain of laundry. Instead of having a “laundry day” like I used to do where I would wash, dry, fold and put away everything in one day. Now, I do one small load every so often and it’s so much more manageable.

– Get dressed: This might sound silly but it’s true! You know how they always say “dress for the job you want to have” well, it’s the same with being productive. Even on my days off I have started getting dressed and ready for the day right away. It helps motivate me. If I spend the morning lounging around in my PJs I know I won’t get anything done. Same thing for planning to workout. I wake up and put on my workout gear immediately even if I have a few things to do first. Your clothes help prepare you mentally for the task you are about to tackle.

It’s really amazing once you start being productive how much you get done. This weekend I was able to cross off so much from my list and still had time to relax and enjoy myself. It’s all about finding balance. Just the few tweaks I have already made have helped so much. What are some tips that you have for being productive? I would love to know so I can try them too! xo Bryn