When I first started this blog, I spent some time writing posts a week or two in advance. This was helpful in case there was a day when I just didn’t feel like writing or something came up like an illness. But, as the excitement of starting a blog has worn off, it’s been hard to maintain an article reserve.
I’ve been trying to find a way to increase my motivation and get back to the days of having multiple posts saved up. Also, I’ve wanted to buckle down and finish up scholarship applications and other college paperwork.
Then, a few weeks ago I came across this post from the Smart Passive Income blog. Basically, the author bought a new laptop to use only for personal and non-work related tasks. He uses his desktop computer for work – blogging, his online business, etc. I couldn’t afford a new computer, but I did come up with a solution that’s been working really well for me.
Specific locations for specific tasks.
My family computer is an HP laptop. Almost exclusively, I would only use it in the living room because it’s just so comfortable to lie on the couch. I was doing every task in this same location – Facebook, online banking, blogging, blog email, personal email, financial aid papers. This was not good for productivity.
Now, what I’ve been doing for past few weeks is simple: When I need to get stuff done, like writing a blog post, I head upstairs to my desk and plug my laptop into a desktop monitor and regular sized keyboard and mouse. When I’m ready to just relax and want to browse Facebook or watch a YouTube clip, I go downstairs to the living room.
I’ve been doing this for about 2-4 weeks now and it’s been a huge help. I have about 5 blog posts plus a huge list of ideas already in reserve to use in case I’m sick or otherwise can’t write. Since starting this “system” I’ve been managing due dates for school forms and scholarships much better using Google Calendar. I also don’t feel any sense of guilt when I’m downstairs browsing YouTube because I know I’ve already accomplished the important tasks for my day.
If you’ve been having trouble getting everything done, try picking one location (preferably not your couch or bed) where you can focus on one task at a time and really accomplish whatever it is you need done.
