About a year and a half ago I began to really take control of my days. I began to take back the power of my life and schedule.
3 months ago I started to make my calendar bulletproof.
One thing that birthed out of this process was a "DO THESE THINGS" list. These are the things that I will tackle that day. I have added a section called "COMING UP" as well now. These are projects in the future or potential projects. If it is on the "DO THESE THINGS" list, thats where all my focus goes to for the day. Nothing else will be touched during that day.
If you don't run your life someone else will.
3 Months ago I started to map out everything in my calendar. I schedule when I will do the things that are on the "DO THESE THINGS" list.
I also put when I will get up, eat, workout, TV shows, weekend plans etc. If it is in the calendar, it will get done. This has freed up so much brain power. I also reduced my social media. I found Facebook to be laced with landmines and mental distractions..especially during this past election year. I check Instagram and Snapchat 2-3 times a day, but only with the intention of posting or responding to people to build relationships. This is done during marketing email time, and then usually right when I get done with studio work around 5pm.
I check email twice a day. Once in the morning, when I respond to things and interact. Then once at the end of the day, but that is just to send files. No responses happen unless its emergency. I think I have had one emergency in the last 5 years. Most things are not emergencies, but we view them as that.
Doing these things has drastically increased my productivity, relationships, and lowered stress. If you don't have a plan on where you want to go and what you want to do with your life, you will find yourself going no where, and life moves one way.... forward. If your not on board with it, you will get left behind. Don't get left behind.
Let me know if you have any life hacks that have worked for you.
Peace