The title says it all, right?
With being a full time student, working two jobs, being involved with extracurricular activities, and competing as an athlete at the NCAA level you could say 24 hours in a day usually isn't enough for me. This school year I have found myself so constantly busy I lost sight of my priorities and motivation to get certain things done. Although I didn't completely fall off the wagon, I was dragging enough to notice I needed to make a change in how I operated day-to-day.
We all know what it's like being busy, and sometimes life just happens eventually catching up to us. I needed to find it within myself to get motivated and get my tunnel vision of success back on track before I lost it completely. These little ideas and concepts helped me get my mind back together to make my 24 hour day seem like it went on forever.
Get What's Most Important Done First
Not everything you want to get done will be accomplished in that day; that is something each of us have to first accept. Things come up or plans change which alter time spans and decisions. I focus on what is a top priority for me that day and dedicate most of my energy towards that. This typically would take a lot of pressure off and motivate me to achieve that single task at hand. There are a number of things at the top of the list; they're there for a reason and must be handled. After accomplishing that important task, the weight of the world is off your shoulders. You can then take care of other tasks with a light mind ready to concern anything.
Make A List
I can' begin to preach this enough, make a list!!!!! My friends constantly see my writing in my planner or notes on a piece of paper and think I'm absolutely insane. But, this truly helps me remember everything I need to accomplish. With making a list I see my productivity boom through the roof and enjoy crossing things off when they're completed. The list concept is also really nice in today's day and age since we can make list on our cell phones, laptops or iPads. I find myself always very forgetful, so making a list not only helps me remember, but also keeps everything structured.
Break Things Down Into Time Chunks
I can't express enough that each day I typically don't accomplish everything I wish I could. For myself, I am genuinely busy beyond belief. I have found breaking things down into time chunks is a very helpful thing. If I spend a certain amount of time on a task or project each day, eventually it will get done. This also allows us to go into every session with a fresh mind and spirit instead of long, groggy hours of just one thing. I try to get my homework done within the first couple days of the week so at the end of the week I can do things around my house, hang out with friends, or go wash my car. Important things like school stay at the top of my list and take advantage of all the time chunking until it's complete.
Figure Out Your Priorities
When I get busy and am constantly on the go, I tend to stress a lot more and sleep a lot less. We all know how this goes, and it can completely throw us out of our grooves. I would panic and try to get everything done in one day and ultimately not be satisfied. I needed to examine my week and put my top priories on the list to be accomplished. For me this would be anything related to school, softball practice, and going to work. Everything else could wait until the end of the week or weekend to be completed. Figuring out what matters most is such an important set into getting more things done and keeping a sane mindset.
Don't Forget About Your Overall Health
You are what you eat, or that is what they say! When I am constantly on the go I'll sometimes skip a meal or go to bed at 2am because I was still trying to compensate for what I didn't finish in the day. I can tell you doing that for weeks at a time is downright exhausting. I found myself more irritable, grumpy, and not enjoying my days like I typically do. A huge step towards overall motivation is fueling your body with good food and spirits. Fueling your body improperly will only result in disaster in the long run.
