She Strengthens

Finding Harmony in Productivity

When we talk about being productive, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that the more we do, the better we are. But what if we flipped that script? What if being productive wasn’t about achieving some arbitrary standard, but about creating space for the things that truly matter?

Rethinking Efficiency

Let’s be real – waking up at 4 AM to answer emails isn’t inspiring; it’s exhausting. And yet, if we can find ways to work smarter, not harder, we can free up time for the things we love. It’s not about becoming a human factory; it’s about living life on our own terms.

My 26 Rules for a Better Balance

So, how do we achieve this elusive balance? Here are my top tips:

Prioritize Joy

1. Schedule something fun each day, no matter how small.
2. Treat that fun activity like any other work commitment – write it down and set a reminder.

Create Your Ideal Workspace

3. Make your workspace a haven that inspires creativity and motivation.
4. Work with your natural rhythms – if you’re a night owl, own it!

Weekends Are for Living

5. Don’t force yourself into a Monday-to-Friday mindset; work when you’re most productive.
6. Get ahead on weekends, but don’t sacrifice your downtime.

Mindful Mornings

7. Start your day with something stimulating – a book, a podcast, or a thought-provoking article.
8. Create a gentle morning routine that sets the tone for the day.

Break Up the Routine

9. Force yourself to talk about something other than work with coworkers.
10. Time yourself on tedious tasks to stay focused.

Reward Yourself

11. Take breaks to stretch, walk, or read something enjoyable after completing a big task.
12. Schedule social activities during the week to avoid the “work, eat, sleep” cycle.

Staying Focused

13. Find an activity that brings you joy on a Tuesday night (no hangovers required!).
14. Log off social media and silence your phone during peak distraction hours.
15. Keep a cozy sweater handy for those sudden temperature drops.

Streamlining Your Schedule

16. Group meetings and calls to minimize distractions.
17. Create playlists that match your task’s energy level.

Setting Goals

18. Set time-based goals, just like you would with money or work.
19. Write down what you want to achieve in your free time – and what you regret doing.

Making It Happen

20. Invest in a cute notebook and pen that make you want to write things down.
21. Schedule tasks that get you moving, even if it’s just a short walk.
22. Start your day by connecting with coworkers as humans, not just colleagues.

Avoiding Last-Minute Stress

23. Set deadlines a day early to give yourself a buffer.
24. Treat social activities like work events – schedule them in and commit.
25. Set reminders to call loved ones.
26. And finally, silence your phone when you need to focus.

By following these rules, you can create a life that’s more balanced, more harmonious, and more truly yours.