Feeling Productive and Staying Effective

Recently I have had a lot of time on my hands... It has been very relaxing, and I admit I feel a bit selfish. I am on my own schedule, I do things when I want too and don't do them if I don't feel like it. I am not really expected to be anywhere at any given time. It sounds great right? At first it was, but I quickly fell into feeling like my days were pointless. I felt cooped up. After a lot of thought I realized that it is so easy, whether your super busy or not so busy, to get into a routine everyday. It is so easy to feel like we do things during the day just to get right back up the next morning and do them all over again. In order to get out of my slump I decided to think of the things that I do personally that make me feel productive and stay effective in my life.


#1. Make Lists: Yes, I am a list girl... There is something so satisfying about taking a thick Sharpie marker and crossing off my tasks. Not only does it give you a feeling of accomplishment, it helps organize your day and ensures that nothing is forgotten.

#2. Inspire Someone: It is true that there is great satisfaction from giving to others. Often I will leave little notes for Todd. The notes usually just thank him for being so wonderful and remind him how much he is loved. They are meant to make him smile, make him feel appreciated and inspire him. It only takes seconds but it gives me a feeling of love and worth. Try it.

#3. Do Something for Yourself: For my sanity I must do something for myself. Whether it is kicking butt at the gym, reading a good book, blasting my favorite song, or taking 3 minutes to just sit in silence, it gives me the time to recharge! It is not selfish, you will feel more motivated after it I promise.

#4. Grow Something: Todd and I decided to plant a cherry tomato plant this year. I have always dreamed of having a huge garden, but Todd knows me all to well he said, " I think we better start small". So we have one gigantic cherry tomato plant. It is so much fun to care for. We are so proud of our beautiful cherry tomato's. It sounds silly but ,it allows us to feel productive!!

#5. Always Have Something to Look Forward too: It can be small such as, your favorite TV show, weekend plans, trying a new recipe,  or meeting up with family or friends. This allows me personally to have the ability to push through the hard work. It gives us a balanced feeling between work and play.

#6. Get Outside: Being outside, rain, snow or sunshine, is so refreshing to me. Just breathing in the fresh air clears my mind. It helps me put things into perspective.

#7.  Challenge Yourself: Do something you never thought you could do such as sprinting longer during your treadmill exercise, going to an interview for a job you don't think you'll get, try a recipe you never thought you could make, do a craft that look ways to hard. By challenging myself I am often am surprised by what I can accomplish. It breaks me from my everyday routine and gives me more  confidence to better myself.

#8. Look for the Positive: Unfortunately everyday can't and will not be perfect. When you can see the positive in negative situations you are more prone to solving the issue, taking on the challenge, and being more effective-enough said.

#9. Walk Don't Run: Take time to enjoy every task. I am often worried about time, checking the clock every five minutes only adds stress. Do the job right by taking the time required. The end result will be better because you have put forth the time and effort. Remember there is always tomorrow. (I wouldn't give this advice to procrastinators.I am the exact opposite of a procrastinator, so this idea works for me.) :)

#10. Set Goals: This one is  no brain -er... I make sure I have personal goals, as well as career goals set for myself. I check periodically on these goals and make adjustments if necessary. You have to know where you are going to get there!

I share these thoughts in hopes of giving you a new idea or two to stay productive and be effective in your own life! If you have some ideas please comment and share below. Thanks for reading!