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How to Be Productive

06/14/2017

Repin these tips on how to be AND stay productive! #beproductive #workhard #hardwork #motivation #motherhoodhappened

Life can get hectic at times, I get it. We get hit with commitments, responsibilities, while trying to balance a social life so you are not a hermit your entire life. It is easy to feel like there isn’t enough time. Being a mom, a law student, a member of a HUGE family, and pushing toward my own aspirations it hasn’t been easy but I have figured out a few ways where I find myself being productive if I follow what I mention below.

  1. Get yourself a planner!

It can be an online calendar or a physical planner but that is the first step to organize your life. Writing or typing out your thoughts will allow you to really think about what you need to tackle and arrange them in the order you want to tackle them. Generally, plan out the week or month, wait to get into more detail with step two.

I do offer a free weekly planner and updated calendar for the year in my library of printables for my subscribers if you are interested!

  1. Begin your day with a specific to-do list.

You can start the day with a specific to-do list or make it the night before. What’s important is that you lay out what you want to accomplish with detail and in order of priority or importance. It’s great to have monthly or weekly goals however, breaking it down daily makes it more attainable. If you want to do something by the end of the week, you may very well keep pushing that task toward the end of week to the point where it is not done.

  1. Make a NOT to-do list.

This may be more significant than a to-do list. You could have great intentions for the day, and know exactly what you need to do but then that guilty pleasure comes up. For me, it’s reality shows. I know I need to cut many of them out of my life slowly but surely so I would put that on my not to-do list. That way I consciously know that I am going to put that hour to better use.

Check out these FREE organizational printables! Over 25 pretty printables to organize your home and life! #motherhoodhappened #printables #freeprintables #organizationalprintables #letsorganize #freecalendar

  1. Learn when are you the most productive.

Usually you will hear people say, “wake up early!” I wouldn’t suggest that. Listen to your body, pick up the patterns, and get to know yourself. If you know you are not a morning person, never have been a morning person, then forcing yourself to wake up at 5am to be productive will actually not be productive at all. Your brain may not run well that early and that is okay. If you know your brain is wired at night then schedule your day to do a lot of work in the evening.

  1. Choose your company wisely.

We are all energy. If you surround yourself around negative energy, or in this case, around people who are unproductive, you will be unproductive. Or at least not reach your full potential. We don’t want that.

Surround yourself with positive individuals, with people who have similar goals to you, with people who want to tackle the day in a healthy, mindful manner. Keep the negative energy away from you as much as you can.

  1. Move.

You don’t have to wake up at 5am everyday but make it a goal that once you hear your alarm clock you do not press snooze. I don’t know about you but when I use to snooze, each time I woke up I was even more tired than 5 or 10 minutes ago. It’s not worth it. Stick to the time you set and get up. There are apps out there that make you solve math problems before the alarm shuts off, or you can set your alarm at a distance from where you sleep so once it goes off you have to get up and walk to turn it off.

If exercising helps you feel energized, motivated and clear minded that is a great way to get your body moving.

  1. Don’t stress out.

Stressing out about everything you need to get accomplished is not going to do you any good. The tasks are still going to be there regardless of how stressed you get so why even put your body through that? Take a few deep breaths and tell yourself, “all is well, everything is okay.” Tell yourself that as many times as it takes to get you in a calm state.

Once you are calm, you can then begin to tackle the day piece by piece. Focus on one step at a time. We are the ones in charge, we are the ones that put ourselves down so we are the only ones that can truly put ourselves back up. I know it may be easier said than done but if you catch yourself stressing out you are ahead of the game. The fact that you are conscious or aware that you are stressing out is already most of the work done for you to destress. With that awareness, you will find the uselessness of stress which then leads to destressing of the mind.

  1. Plan and adjust.

I know, I know I am telling you to plan yet adjust. Hear me out. Planning is essential to being productive. Meal prepping or picking your outfit for the next day the night before are great things to practice. Not only does it give you peace of mind before going to sleep and a sense of accomplishment before bed, but if something arises (say you disregard #6 and snooze too much : ) you are able to move quickly the next morning to your job or school without stress.

Plan what you are able to but do not get too stuck in those plans. It is better to plan your tasks than not plan but life doesn’t always agree or go according to your plan, so be open to adjustments. Regardless of what is thrown your way be confident that everything is okay. You will work it out.

  1. Find inspiration.

Whether its nature, friends, Pinterest, YouTube, or blogs 😉 find things that inspire you. Use it to your benefit. Vibe with that energy and produce something, I mean that is what being productive is all about right? And remember, its constant inspiration. Never stop wanting to be inspired. The world is too big to not find new inspirations. Keeping things as fun or exciting as you can pushes you forward.

As always, thank you so much for reading! If I provided value to you and you want to support my work, please head over to my Patreon here. For $5 a month you can directly help me continue providing content for you! 

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Hi there, friend! I'm Mary and I'm delighted you came across my blog! I take joy in connecting, and sharing my experiences with others to provide value to anyone I can. My story is a rough one but it is also one that turned positive and I hope it can help others. We may cry, we may laugh but what I can guarantee is growth. I write about food, fitness, mindfulness, self-awareness, and overall things I have learned to become the best version of myself.

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✨Not feeling good about yourself stems from mult ✨Not feeling good about yourself stems from multiple areas. For me, it is often picking my body apart. ⁣
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✨I have some loose skin from my pregnancy, I have discoloration or hyperpigmentation in some areas, and yes I ABSOLUTELY have cellulite. Oh yeah I forgot to add dealing with acne at times (frustrating!) ⁣
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✨I would be lying if I said those things do not bother me. They do at times. They do the times I focus on them and focus on them with a lens of negativity. ⁣
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✨These things do not make me more or less of a worthy individual and that is what I have to keep in mind. ⁣
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✨We have to do a better job valuing ourselves and that includes valuing our bodies too. My skin protects me from so much yet I find myself often mad at it. ⁣
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✨My skin, my body, my appearance do NOT make me or you worthy as an individual.
✨Caring what others think feels like my identity ✨Caring what others think feels like my identity at times because it feels like I have always allowed what others say and think affect me. But it's not my identity nor is it yours. ⁣
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✨You do NOT have to allow what others think or say affect you. It is easier said than done, trust me I get it. ⁣
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✨However, I do think there are small steps we can do to start. Let's get to know ourselves better. ⁣
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✨I believe the times we struggle are the times we are most disconnected with ourselves. ⁣
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✨Keep your values in mind, know or learn your interests and be confident about them, and last but definitely not least is to become comfortable without all the noise. Sitting in silence alone is probably the scariest but most peaceful things I get to do. Spend some time with yourself. ⁣
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Let me know down in the comments if you agree! ❤
We often think we have to one thing or the other. We often think we have to one thing or the other. We don't. You can be amazing right at this moment AND still be a work in progress. You can be caring AND selfish. You can be a multitude of things. ⁣
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Don't allow yourself or others to place you into a box of rigidness. ⁣
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✨You won't thrive in rigidness. ⁣
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Get comfortable with having dualities or having different elements and parts to you. We are not ONE thing, we are ALL things and that is okay. ⁣
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I know there are times I catch myself invalidating my experiences of being hopeful for example because my anxieties kick through and I am being cautious about the same thing. I shouldn't downplay my moments of hope (which is super important) because I am also incredibly scared. I can be hopeful and scared. ⁣
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Learning to flow between two spaces and accepting both spaces creates moments of being content. Allow yourself the permission to experience all things and be all things. Don't let others tell you otherwise. ⁣
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❤ What are some dualities you have experienced recently? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
If you felt lonely and not good enough in 2020, le If you felt lonely and not good enough in 2020, lets start the year with a different mindset. ⁣
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You ARE worthy. You ARE worthy of love. You ARE enough. ⁣
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If you have to repeat it to yourself 20 times a day, do so because it is the truth.⁣
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I know there are moments of loneliness and defeat where it does not feel true but know that it is. Your sense of worthiness must come from within, no one will ever fill that void for you. ⁣
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No one "worthy" will find you worthy if you do not begin valuing yourself. ⁣
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You got this! ⁣
Remember you are special too.⁣ Remember you are special too.⁣
You absolutely can and will. Believe that, work, a You absolutely can and will. Believe that, work, and see how things change. ⁣
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You got this!⁣
We often view being productive as something we sho We often view being productive as something we should aspire to be every single day. I know many of us feel bad or guilty when we are not what we usually deem to be productive. ⁣
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It is okay to relax. It is okay to get absolutely nothing accomplished today. There is a balance to life. There is room for productivity and room to relax. Make space for both and do not feel guilty about it. ⁣

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#treatyourselfwell # #youareworthy #singlemomlife #singlemom #singleparent #singlemother #singlemomstrong #selfcarequotes #selflovetips #selflovefirst #womenempoweringwomen
I think we often forget this. People are not alway I think we often forget this. People are not always going to agree with us. It is okay for us to not like that feeling. We want to be understood, and we want others to agree with us. ⁣
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However, both being kind and disagreeing with someone can exist together. ⁣
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With family and friend gatherings (whether in person or through zoom) comes debates and disagreements in regard to many things. ⁣
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Shifting our perspective to appreciating disagreements instead of disliking them could help manage our feelings better in the moments of disagreements. ⁣
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Have an amazing day!⁣
We compare ourselves to others often, especially d We compare ourselves to others often, especially during the holidays. We can be happy for others while also being a bit down that we don't have that certain thing. Maybe it is a pregnancy, an engagement, a new home, or even a new job. ⁣
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Whatever it is know that just because someone else currently has it or is experiencing it, that in itself does NOT mean you can not experience it one day. ⁣
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I know it is difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel sometimes but do not give up, be patient, and continue working towards your goals and desires. ⁣
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You got this girl!⁣
I think most families can relate to something on t I think most families can relate to something on this list. Families are not perfect nor will they ever be but that does not mean you should not stand up for yourself when something does not sit well with you.⁣
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You don't want to make things awkward, don't want to disrupt or bother? ⁣
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I get it, I think the same way. I am the pleaser, the peacemaker. ⁣
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But as I learn more and grow I am realizing how important it is to stick up for myself. ⁣
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If a question or comment bothers you, speak on it. It is okay to have feelings and have your feelings heard if you so choose. ⁣
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Of course, there are respectful and healthy ways of communicating but DO NOT dismiss your feelings or your desire to be your own advocate. ⁣
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I know it is harder to do with loved ones because frankly, loved ones are the ones that hurt us the most because we care so much about what they think and say. ⁣
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That said, be really conscious and perhaps practice responses before the holiday party. I think we usually know what others are going to pick at us for because it usually is the same thing over and over again. Practice sticking up for yourself, you got this!
Families do not all look the same. We have differe Families do not all look the same. We have different kinds of relationships that may not be "picture perfect" and that is okay. Especially during these times many jump to the assumption that we all have "normal" families (whatever that means). ⁣
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But we are complex people and with that comes complex relationships with one another. Don't be ashamed for not having the relationship people expect you to have. ⁣
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If you want to work on these relationships then great but if you do not want to that's alright too. Don't let others shame you for not having a great relationship with a parent, a sibling, being separated and having a coparenting relationship, whatever is "out of the norm."⁣
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Protect your soul and know that no one family is perfect.
Believe this to be true, because it is. There are Believe this to be true, because it is. There are moments we feel like we can not go on because we are not good enough, smart enough, or strong enough. ⁣
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But you are. Do NOT quit and keep going. This hardship is not going to last forever even though it may seem like it presently. Everything comes to end whether it is good or bad. ⁣
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Know that you ARE strong enough to handle the day, you got this! If I have to keep reminding you that you are ... I will :) ⁣
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Love, Mary ❤
Your mindset has such a MASSIVE influence on how y Your mindset has such a MASSIVE influence on how your day goes. Yes, there are outside influences or external reasons for our days to go to shit (I definitely know this haha) but really taking advantage of the things we do have control over (our minds) can be tremendous. ⁣
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Start this week having a positive mindset and see how your perspective affects your day. Our minds are powerful, let's care for them and use them well! You got this!⁣
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Love, Mary ❤
With the holiday season comes family times and it With the holiday season comes family times and it is usually presented or known as a positive and beautiful time, which it can be. But that is not the case for everyone. ⁣
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Coming together may mean facing uncomfortable realities or truths we may not be ready to deal with or forgive yet. ⁣
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I think many of us also think we have forgiven a situation or a person when we really have not. (I definitely have!) ⁣
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It is not an easy task to accomplish but with some time and work it can be done. ⁣
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Which one resonates with you the most? ⁣
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Love, Mary ❤
Taking care of yourself as a mom is at times diffi Taking care of yourself as a mom is at times difficult if I am honest. We are so used to putting our little ones or even other adults before us. It comes naturally to us. ⁣
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With that said, I do think it is CRUCIAL to take care of ourselves as moms especially because others rely on us but we are individuals too that ALSO need caring!⁣
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These 4 ways to take care of yourself as a mom are things we would prioritize for kids, so let's prioritize it for us too!⁣
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⭐Nourishing our bodies: eating foods to energize us and treat our bodies well ⁣
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⭐Practice good sleep hygiene: create a nighttime routine you can stick to and is realistic in order to get the peaceful sleep you need every night⁣
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⭐Heal emotionally: take care of your emotional health, many times we have no idea how much this affects our lives subconsciously or subliminally ⁣
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⭐Build and sustain relationships: making new relationships and sustaining old ones are super important. As humans we need one another, relationships are incredibly important to us. Making sure to set aside some time to foster those will aid in taking care of yourself. ⁣
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What are some additional ways you take care of yourself? Let me know!!⁣
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Love, Mary ❤
How to get over a breakup fast, is it possible?! ⁣
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New YouTube video is now live. I react to one of @tatycokley videos which is amazing! I love her spirit in this video but I break down her tips on moving forward after a break up. ⁣

Link in bio.
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How fast do you think one can move past or get over a breakup?? ⁣
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Feeling exhausted? I hear you. We get so exhausted Feeling exhausted? I hear you. We get so exhausted at times to the point where our minds become completely irrational and we want to totally give in and GIVE UP. ⁣
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But DON'T.⁣
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I know it is tough, I know it is not easy, I know you are tired. Take a break. Do something you enjoy or simply rest for a bit but do NOT give up. ⁣
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In the moment we naturally want to protect our bodies and soul so we think the best way to do that is to completely give up the tasks.⁣
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Not always true. ⁣
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Sometimes we need to give our bodies and mind a break so we can be recharged and inspired again. Avoid burn out, take a break, then push forward. ⁣
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You got this girl! ❤❤❤
Positive coparenting is possible! Definitely not a Positive coparenting is possible! Definitely not an easy task ... AT ALL. But with work, patience, and empathy it can be done well. ⁣
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What is the hardest thing you find with coparenting? ⁣
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Like & share if you agree! ❤
Who goes first? I had this conversation with my th Who goes first? I had this conversation with my therapist a few weeks ago and it stuck with me. Naturally I think as moms you want your kids to go first and we end up putting ourselves last, not even second on the priority list. ⁣
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Why can't both come first? I pondered on this for a while but it started making sense to me. Of course in the extreme of life and death my kiddo without question is coming first. Extremes asides, I am getting used to the idea of prioritizing myself just as I would my son. I do not think it is a bad thing, I am beginning to see the benefits of doing so.⁣
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I find that we have an easier and more organized day ⁣
when I am taking care of myself too. I have a better attitude, I have more energy, I feel more accomplished, more patient, and I am more present. ⁣
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It is difficult to adjust if it is not something you are used to but I do think it is important to do. ⁣
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What do you think? Do you think both can go first?
Don't want to get up? Feeling hopeless of what you Don't want to get up? Feeling hopeless of what you can accomplish today? Having a difficult time seeing that you can attain the full picture? I get it, I have been there and honestly I have days where I am STILL there. But what helps me move is the idea of setting myself up. ⁣
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Setting myself up to be #financiallyindependent is a HUGE motivation for me. I have to put in the work to get there. Being a single there is no other option but to be financially independent. I know the work I put in today, I will thank myself for later. ⁣
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Set yourself up, you got this girl!! ⁣
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#independentwomen #independentwomenquotes #independentsinglemom #momworkinghard #momhustle #momhustler #setyourselffree #setyourselfupforsuccess #motivationwall #motivationalcoach #motivationtoday #motivationtosucceed #motivationtosuccess #inspiredliving #mombloggersofig #momblogs #momblogtribe #mombloginfluence #momblogging #mombloglove #mombloggerlife #mombloggercommunity #mombloggerstribe #momblogger #mombloggersunited #lifecoachingforwomen #lifecoachinghappiness #lifecoachesofinstagram #lifecoachnetwork ⁣
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