Focus on Being Productive Instead of Busy!

If you were to ask me a few years ago if I would have seen myself as a Blogger, Professional, and Grad student at the same time, I would have likely laughed in your face. While many of my days are extremely fulfilling, there as some that make me want to hide in a corner and never come out. Blogging was something I began doing to serve as my creative outlet while trying to navigate through my 20s. It’s been a ride filled with passion and growth one I am grateful for each day! —While blogging, creating and inspiring is my passion, I have to make the best use of my time to continue growing and wearing multiple hats.

Here are some of my tips to balancing the SIDE HUSTLE :-)

Plan Plan Plan

I cannot stress this ENOUGH, I feel like I write it in every post of mine. If its not written down in my world, it will not happen. Carve out time to get things done and stick to it. During my semesters I dedicate weeknights strictly for work and studying and then on weekends I provide time for creative projects. PLAN and stay on top of things. You will be shocked to see how many things you can get done with an effective planner.

NO TV/NO CABLE

I do have some shows that I love but during the week, I avoid the television completely. If you have cable and contemplating getting rid of it, DO IT! Save them coins and watch how much your productivity increases. When I am watching TV I always try to multi-task with mindless things like editing photos or “actualizing” financial information for work. Moral of the story, TURN OFF THE TV!

Watch the Company you Keep

Who remembers hearing this line from your parents growing up -_-! Welp, they were right! - Take a look at who you are spending your time with (EVEN YOUR BAE.) Ask yourself the following questions

Does this person inspire me?
How am learning from this person
Does this person bring out the best in me?

Spend time with the people who align with the direction you would like to go. Toxicity, negativity and wasting time is not allowed in my world! - My time is PRECIOUS BOO :-)

Practice Minimalism

One day try timing yourself to see how long it takes you to get dressed in the morning. Or even better, how much mess do you make when you are looking for something to wear or beating that face! The 30 mins your spend beating that face can be used brainstorming for your side hustle or doing some quick work before you hit the office. Let go off the things and routines that do not fuel your passions.

Streamline tasks and errands!

Always ask yourself, how can I do things at the same time? How can I get this done the absolute fastest way? For me balancing home tasks like laundry, groceries, and cleaning is always tough, especially when I would rather be working on a creative project. Instead of wasting my time running errands all day, I like to fit in time to work and get things done at the same time. For example

My laundry mat is near a coffee shop, while doing laundry I usually gt work done.
Traderjoes is near my office, Yes grocery runs happen during the workday.
Meal prep and Jaden’s homework happen at the same time as well.

Moral of the story - MAXIMIZE your time friends :-)

Make time for that side hustle! 5 things to start doing