I don’t know about you, but I never have enough time in my day. Between the 18 credit hours I am taking this semester, working full time and sneaking in an internship with the most talented photographer in Phoenix I am running on fumes. Luckily, I have found some sure proof ways of organizing and managing my time that I am able to survive, even on the busiest of weeks, and I am here to share those with you!
1. Planners and Calendars
The calendar on my phone is great but I always have done better by being able to write things down. When I bought my daily planner from Target, I made sure to utilize every inch of its organizational powers. Being in school, and taking all online classes, it’s up to me to stay on track with the assignments. The one thing that has helped tremendously has been color coordinating tasks. I write a key in the beginning of the month and use my Sharpie color pens to assign certain colors to different aspects of my life. Each class has a designated color, along with a color for appointments, my work schedule, special events, and to-do tasks. When I look at my desk calendar or I open my planner, I see the colors that show up the most and am able to plan my day according to what I know needs to get done.
2. Make a List and Check It Twice
Another way I stay on top of all the things I need to accomplish in a day is by writing out a list. Having my main priorities laid out for me in my planner is one thing but in order to take care of all of my duties, whether it be work, school or life, is by writing own a daily to-do list. It doesn’t have to be precise, but I like knowing all of the things I want to try and get done before the day is over. Even the smallest of tasks I put down on a list. I don’t want to have to rely on my memory, so many little things happen throughout the day that I would never be able to remember to pick up cotton balls at Target or make sure I pay off my bill from Urgent Care. Every day we are bombarded by a million thing to get done, like laundry, filing taxes, taking out the garbage, picking up paper towels. Being an adult means the chores are never over, so I like to break them up and add them to my daily lists of things to get done.
3. Routine is the Key
One of the biggest things that has helped me with my time management is making sure I stick to a routine. Even on my roughest days, where I don’t get home from work until 2 AM and I’m exhausted, worn down, and sore, I still manage to follow through with my bedtime routine. Just the consistency of washing my face, wearing certain pajamas, making sure my Hydro Flask is full, putting on my diffuser, is all enough to make me feel a sense of stability and control. That alone makes me feel like I have it together, and I can wake up feeling ready to start my day.
There are so many tools and tricks to stay organized and be as productive as you can be. It’s up to you to make the first step in figuring out which style will work for you. The best advice I can give, above all else, is take a breath. The worst thing to do is let everything pile up until you feel like the world is caving in. Take each task a day at a time and the next thing you know you’ll be crossing off the last thing on your to-do list and have a whole day to yourself. No matter what, just remember that you are a rock star and you can do anything you set your mind to!
So go out there and get shit done! You’ve got this, sunshinses.
Until next time!
XO,
Sonny