Blog Post #6: Juggling Dreams-How to Stay Focused When You’re Doing it All
It’s literally the end of the first month of the year, and I’m already ready for a vacation. I have so much on my plate and I feel like everybody is pulling me in different directions. I just started my Spring semester in school, I have so many responsibilities with The Ladies’ Room, I have so many personal goals that I’m trying to accomplish, and for once, I’m trying to even make some time for dating. We all have busy lives to some degree, so here’s a little bit of how I make it all work, and hopefully these tips will help you as well.
*Disclaimer: I am someone who thrives on structure, but even if you’re more go-with-the-flow, you might find these tips adaptable to your style.
Step 1: Write EVERYTHING Down!
I like to call myself a “Type A Baddie” (I’m definitely thinking about writing a post about this as well). What this means is that I am INSANELY organized, and very particular. I live off of lists, and if something isn’t written down, it simply does not exist. Sometimes my brain moves faster than my hands, therefore I have to write things down as quickly as possible, which usually means something will be typed on my laptop or in my phone notes. From here, I have to solidify these notes and plans, so I have to physically write them down so that I can read them in my calendar or planner and cross things off as completed. Sounds crazy, I know, but it’s a guaranteed way to not forget things!
Step 2: Mind Your Time Management!
I despise being late. I feel as though it throws off my day, my plans, etc. If I have to be somewhere at 3pm, you better believe I’m there by 2:45 the LATEST, because I started getting ready at around 12. You have to set time aside for all of your duties and make sure that you can commit to them accordingly. For example, I have a Monday class at 2:30 this semester. I’m usually up in the morning by 9:30 the latest. This gives me plenty of time to get ready for class, but you would never catch me off campus out of pure anxiety that I would be late somehow. It’s definitely better to be safer than sorry, so if you feel like you’re cramming your duties into too many time slots and barely tending to each one respectively, you need to reevaluate your schedule. And remember: Early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable .
Step 3: You Need a Schedule
This brings me to Step 3- you need a schedule. Map out your week in advance and set certain days to work on specific tasks so you’re not overwhelmed trying to do everything at one time.
Every semester I write myself a general outline of the week so I know what to do with my days:
I cannot live without color-coding things! Everything here represents different classes, my TLR duties, personal things I have to get done, etc.
Step 4: Remember Your Why
We all have our days where we’re super overwhelmed and question if it’s all worth it. I promise you, most times it is. My favorite thing to tell myself right now is that nothing worth having comes easy. You have to remember that everything you are working towards, you are doing it with purpose.
Here are some of my “why’s”:
I work hard as a student because I am working towards getting my Master’s Degree.
I work with TLR because I love our mission, I love networking with other entrepreneurs, and I love being part of a community of women who work together to support one another without competition.
I stay up way too late at night working on business plans because I have a goal of being a huge CEO one day.
I’m being more intentional about my relationships and making time to see people because I want to build stronger adult friendships and a healthy romantic relationship.
These are things I always keep in mind. Also, if you’re anything like me you’re probably prideful and feel as though you HAVE to crush all your goals. This is not a bad thing at all. You just have to remember not to spread yourself too thin, while still staying on top of your responsibilities. Then, you can juggle anything that comes your way.
