For the past few years, planners have been having a moment. It doesn’t look like their moment is ending anytime soon. I’m one of the reasons why, because I can imagine being as productive as I am at work without one. Although I love planners, it wasn’t until this year when I started paying attention to what I want and need in a planner. Since there are numerous ways to plan out and journal your day, there are many types of planners.

Recently, I was able customize my own planner from PurpleTrail and it was very interesting. Keep reading to see just how personal I got with my planner and how you can customize your planner for the new year.

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When it comes to your job, every job has pros and cons. You might hate those mandatory Monday meetings, but love free lunch on Fridays. I have a couple of things I hate about my job, but there are way more things I love about it. The main thing I love is the flexibility, which includes being able to work from home when needed. Actually, it’s my favorite thing about my job, but it can be a challenge being productive working from home.

If you from home and find it hard to be productive, here are some tips to help you stay focused and effective from the comfort of home.

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There are some things in life that you don’t necessarily understand how to successfully master until you do. One of those things in creating a work/ life balance. I, for one, know that I spend most of my week in the office. However, no matter if you love your job or detest everything about it, I feel you can make it work for you. Sidenote: If you hate your job, please actively look for another one that aligns more with things that make you happy. If not “happy”, a job that’s more tolerable than the one you have. Either way, one of the keys to a successful work day is to work smart.

Personally, I’ve been gainfully employed for over 10 years; after I got over the unpredictable, stressful life of freelance. Like most people, I’ve had and work moments that made me seriously contemplate just gathering my belongs and chucking the “deuces” to my job. However, as child of immigrants, that’s just not my mentally to give up security and money, because a co-worker tried to throw their work on me. Over the years, I’ve developed some mental notes that not only help me survive work, but work smarter.

1. Show up early – allows you to comfortably and gradually get on a good pace. Although I don’t have to be at work until 8, I try to get here at least 15 minutes early to help me ease into my day. I’m usually one of the first ones in, which means the office is peaceful enough for me to check emails and enjoy my coffee. Also, due to me coming in early, most days I can leave early because I was able to get everything. Obviously, everyone doesn’t have that privilege of leaving early, but you may have the luxury of not feeling you don’t have enough time. Coming in early is making time to have extra time – if that makes sense.
2. Don’t over plan your day – I’m a firm believer in having a daily to-do list. Write down what you have to do each and highlight the high priority items. This will help you see what all you need to do and have to do. Once you finish a task, scratch it off or highlight it in a different color to indicate it’s been done. Seeing things scratched off your to-do is a simple way to motivate you to keep going. The goal is to finish everything on your list, but it’s okay if you don’t. Just make sure you finish the things that have to be done that day.
3. Take breaks – feeling pressured or boggled down? Remove yourself from your work space. Even a 10 minute break to inhale fresh air can make you and your mind feel refreshed.
4. Acknowledge distractions – For me, scrolling Instagram can take up a solid 30 minutes of my time. So, if I have a tight deadline or something I want to finish, I put my phone in my purse and off my desk. Actually, there have been some days when I just leave my phone on my car. I might go check for any missed messages around lunch or on a bathroom break, but leave in my car afterwards. The whole “Out of sight, out of mind” saying is very true.
5. Communicate – Speak with your boss and co-workers to make sure you’re not forgetting a task on your plate. Also, offer your assistance to co-workers. Doing this simple task shows initiative and that you’re a team player. Also, you can learn a new thing or two to help you advance in your current and/or future career endeavors.

Have any more tips on how to work smart? Please share them below!

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In case you aren’t aware, I’m not a full-time blogger. I make my money being a content developer for a medical software company; M-F 8-5. I used to think that I wanted to be a full-time blogger, but not anymore. First of all, your girl loves stability, which includes receiving a very generous paycheck twice a month post taxes and insurance deductions. However, I do love blogging more now that realized that I prefer to do this as a hobby. Therefore, my day in the life usually feature the same activities everyday, with some tweaks here and there.

Out of pure boredom and my end and maybe natural nosiness on yours, I’m sharing what I typically do on most workdays. Keep reading to read about a recent and very typical workday I had.

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