Dash of Sparkle: 7 Steps to Being Productive

Answered all my e-mailsâˆš Cooked dinnerâˆš Cleaned the apartmentâˆš Finished my blog post before 2am(well kind of)âˆš

Getting everything checked off the to-do list may just be the best feeling ever! Whether it’s accomplishing things at work, running errands or just having dinner on the table at a decent time, getting to accomplish all the things you want is definitely do-able if you tackle them in the right way.

But this post does come with a warning…

WARNING: this post does not support netflix binging sessions and pinterest scrolling on the couch for hours.

That’s right, no catching up on Orange is the New Black or pinning your latest DIY project, it’s time to get to work and get things done.

Then you can watch your netflix;)

Image via The Everygirl

Step 1: Make a List

If you’re on the go and need to type it in your phone or have the time to sit down and write it out, make a list of the things you want to accomplish and order them by amount of time it will take to accomplish. Number 1 being the most about of time. Tip: I do this every night before I go to bed for the next day so I can get started tackling my list first thing when I wake up.

Step 2: Stay Organized

I’m sure you’ve heard it a million times but the key to getting things done is staying organized. If things are nice and neat, you can quickly go from task to task without having to waste time cleaning or sorting through papers to find things.

Step 3: Step Away Every 2 Hours

Take a break to walk away from what you are doing for about 15-20 minutes every 2 hours or so. Take this time to refresh and slow your mind down before jumping to the next project. Take a walk around the block, call a friend or read a magazine to give yourself time to relax.

Image via PopSugar

Step 4: Don’t Think, Just Do

Don’t think about the fact that you have so many things on your to-do list, just start doing them. The more you think about them the more you will talk yourself into pushing them aside vs. just accomplishing them right away. As soon as you look at your list, get started on the first thing right away.

Step 5: Find Balance

Many of us these days have more than one job or hobby. While’s it’s great to be involved and active, make sure you put things on your to-do list for yourself. If you jump from one job to the next, you may burn out quickly and end up giving up half way through.

Step 6: Be Reasonable

Don’t set unattainable goals for yourself, after all we are only one person doing the best we can do. Make sure all the things on your plate you can do by yourself or if not, find someone who can help. I’ve always had a hard time with trying to do everything myself, but I’ve learned sometimes it’s best to just ask for help. Two minds are always better than one and two sets of hands when hanging wall art are even better!

Image via Brit + Co

Step 7: Wake Up Ready

I read this article the other day about how the most successful people in the world wake up in the morning, have their coffee and accomplish two things off their to-do list before having breakfast or checking social media. I admit I’m guilty of the still half asleep scrolling through social media in the morning routine, but after reading this I’ve tried to not check my e-mail until getting to work and not scrolling through instagram until I’m on my way to the gym. It’s such a game changer!

Now time to get off the couch and get to it or go to bed if you’re like me writing this at 1am..opps.

Any tips that help you stay on task and be productive throughout the day? Maybe a morning routine that starts you off on the right foot? Would love to hear below!