For a lot of us, productivity, time management and balance are some of the most difficult things to master as a blogger. Many of us are working full time, students or self-employed entrepreneurs – not to mention people who like to step out from behind the screen and see actual people and places once and a while.
When the pressure is on to perform and produce results as well as keep your personal life together, how do we do it? Well, I’m no expert, so I turned to some of IFB’s favorite (and crazy-productive) bloggers for their best tips for staying organized, getting things done and still living life to the fullest!
The Secrets of Super Productive Style Bloggers
Alicia, Cheetah Is The New Black
I find that stepping away from my computer for mini escapes actually increases my productivity and simultaneously gives me inspiration. I like to go for a walk to get out of my apartment or usual surroundings and enjoy discovering new neighborhoods, streets, restaurants and quaint bookstores.
Grace, Stripes & Sequins
I’m a big fan of TeuxDeux. All day long while I’m at work, I leave the desktop version open, so that I can add/check things off of my list. It also has a mobile app component, so that when I’m on the go I can add things to the list. It helps keep me in check! I’m also a big fan of writing things down. I always seem to have at least 5 lists going on, and I’m obsessed with my Filofax calendar!
Katy, SugarLaws
I also try to put in at least an hour of blog work every day, whether that’s checking in on Twitter, responding to emails, or actually creating a post. I’m almost always working on something for Sugarlaws when I’m watching television or relaxing at night — those are useful hours when you figure out how to put them to use! Multitasking is key.
Jess, Fresh Jess
I love Evernote. Whether I’m on my phone or laptop, I can update my to-do lists, jot down blog post ideas, screenshot event flyers or save pictures I need for later posts. It’s the closest thing I have to “everything in one place.”
Meghan, Wit & Whimsy
Maximize your free time by thinking of and planning out your posts ahead of time. When I think of a post idea, I make note of it in my “reminders” on my iPhone so it’s easy to draft up when I sit down to do a new post. Also, take advantage of tools like Pinterest for easy and accessible imagery when you’re in a bind for new content. Same goes for Instagram.
Kris, Young, Married, Chic
I find that when working from home the hardest thing to do is stick to a schedule. Every night before I go to bed I write a list for the next day. It includes meal times, a gym session, and time I need to spend writing/working in projects. I make sure I stick with it and shut down my computer at 6pm daily. Making time for “me” is important too!
Erica Chan, Honestly… WTF
I rely heavily on lists to help prioritize and balance my work load. Lauren and I recently started sharing the same Google Calender, which allows me to schedule posts, events, and conference calls all in one place. It’s definitely an essential tool, especially for two people who don’t work under the same roof!
Jenni Radosevich, I Spy DIY
It is easy to get sucked into social media at all hours of the day when you have an iphone, so I have one rule that I enforce pretty strictly: No cell phones on the table at dinner or social media when hanging with friends. You need to be present in life. I think this helps with balance.
Love these tips, especially Alica’s – when I’m stuck I always walk away and then the answers follow! Brilliant post x