Tag: Personal Skills

Posted in Personal Skills, Time Management, Work From Home

Time Management Tips

Posted on by tracydee

I rarely hear people say they’ve got too much time on their hands. It’s often more about the lack of time that frustrates most. We all get the same amount of time in a day and how we use it has important implications for the outcomes of our lives.

Time management is an area of my life where I am constantly looking to improve. I seek ways to plan and be more productive. I used to thrive on being busy thinking that that was a marker of effective time management, when in fact it is not. Now, I seek ways to engage in deep focus and practice self care to make the most of the time I have. Here are some of the strategies that I use.

  • Single task. In order to turn my focus to the task at hand, I close out the email tabs, turn off the notifications, and focus on one item of my to do list at a time. Each day I use a template to write tasks for the day.
  • Modified Pomodoro. Google the Pomodoro Method and you’ll find lots of articles and resources. I use it, but sometimes I modify it and use the amount of work time that fits best in my schedule. So instead of 25 minute work chunks, I might do 30 or 45 or even an hour.
  • Prioritize. I keep my recurring tasks and upcoming to do items on a program called TickTick. Each day, I use that as my guide to prioritize what needs to be completed. I set aside 15-20 minutes each morning to start my day with prioritizing that way I’m not caught off guard as the day goes on. If something comes up, I can decide if it fits in my priorities or if it can be moved to the next day.
  • Improve technology skills. This is an important time management tip for anyone working from home. If you spend a lot of time on the computer, then finding quicker ways to complete tasks saves time. Time saved by technology can be spent on other priority areas. Utilize the free resources available to brush up on your tech skills.
  • Calendar. I use Google calendar to color code all of my meetings and tasks. I add big projects to my calendar and block off time to complete them. I also use a paper calendar because I still like to have things written down.

*I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Posted in Uncategorized

5 Helpful and Quick Time Management Tips To Test Out Today

Posted on by tracydee

Quick time management tips can help you stay focused and on task. I rarely hear people say they’ve got too much time on their hands. It’s often more about the lack of time that frustrates most. We all get the same amount of time in a day and how we use it has important implications for the outcomes of our lives.

Time management is an area of my life where I am constantly looking to improve. I seek ways to plan and be more productive. I used to thrive on being busy thinking that that was a marker of effective time management, when in fact it is not. Now, I seek ways to engage in deep focus and practice self-care to make the most of the time I have. Here are some of the strategies that I use.

5 Quick Time Management Tips

  • Single task. In order to turn my focus to the task at hand, I close out the email tabs, turn off the notifications, and focus on one item of my to do list at a time. Each day I use a template to write tasks for the day.
  • Modified Pomodoro. Google the Pomodoro Method and you’ll find lots of articles and resources. I use it, but sometimes I modify it and use the amount of work time that fits best in my schedule. So instead of 25 minute work chunks, I might do 30 or 45 or even an hour.
quick time management tips
Photo by Andrey Grushnikov on Pexels.com
  • Prioritize. I keep my recurring tasks and upcoming to do items on a program called TickTick. Each day, I use that as my guide to prioritize what needs to be completed. I set aside 15-20 minutes each morning to start my day with prioritizing that way I’m not caught off guard as the day goes on. If something comes up, I can decide if it fits in my priorities or if it can be moved to the next day.
  • Improve technology skills. This is an important time management tip for anyone working from home. If you spend a lot of time on the computer, then finding quicker ways to complete tasks saves time. Time saved by technology can be spent on other priority areas. Utilize the free resources available to brush up on your tech skills such as keyboard shortcuts.
  • Calendar. I use Google calendar to color-code all of my meetings and tasks. I add big projects to my calendar and block off time to complete them. I also use a paper calendar because I still like to have things written down.

Even with a good system in place, time management will always be a struggle. It’s something that you have to continue to work hard at—it’s not something that you should expect to be perfect at right away.

But even though it can be difficult to maintain your focus and your high productivity over the long-term, it is essential to striving towards excellence in all areas of life. Utilize some of these quick time management tips to get you started!

Posted in Uncategorized

7 Amazing Websites for Professional Development

Posted on by tracydee

There are many websites for professional development available out there on the big old world wide web. One thing I’ve been focusing on for the past several years is professional growth and personal learning. I’ve done this through participation in a number of online courses.

Websites for professional development are online platforms that offer a wide range of resources and opportunities to help individuals enhance their skills, knowledge, and overall career growth. These professional development websites offer a convenient and accessible way for individuals to learn new skills, acquire knowledge, and connect with professionals and industry experts.

websites for professional development
Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels.com

Websites for Professional Development

  • The Science of Well-Being: I took this free course through Coursera last summer. I enjoyed the discussions on building habits and practicing strategies to increase personal wellness. The Science of Well-Being course on Coursera, led by Yale University’s Professor Laurie Santos, delves into the latest findings in the field of happiness and well-being. The course presents a range of topics aimed at boosting one’s happiness, strengthening relationships, and fostering resilience.

    Students will learn practical and evidence-based methods to enhance their well-being, such as gratitude practices, meditation, and mindfulness techniques. This course dispels common misconceptions about happiness and examines the role of thoughts, feelings, and actions on overall well-being. The course is designed to be interactive, encouraging students to apply the concepts learned to their own lives. With its captivating approach and actionable insights, the Science of Well-Being course is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their well-being.
  • Alison.com: I took a free Time Management course on this website as well as a mindfulness course. Alison.com is an online platform that provides opportunities for professional development. With a vast library of courses and certifications, Alison.com offers a convenient and flexible way for individuals to build new skills, enhance their knowledge, and advance their careers.

    The courses on Alison.com are designed to be self-paced, allowing students to learn at their own speed and on their own schedule. They cover a wide range of topics, from business and technology to health and wellness, and are taught by experienced professionals in the field. In addition to the courses, Alison.com also provides interactive quizzes, practical projects, and real-world examples to reinforce the learning experience. With its comprehensive and accessible resources, Alison.com is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their professional development.
  • Google SkillShop: Google has so many amazing free online tutorials and courses that you can take on many topics, making their skillshop one of the best websites for professional development. I took their educational foundations course for online learning. Next, I plan to take their skills course on Google Ads to see how I can use that for my blog.

    Google Skillshop is a training platform for individuals and organizations looking to expand their digital marketing skills. Some of the benefits of using Google Skillshop include:

    – Access to Google’s expertise: Google Skillshop offers courses and certifications developed by Google’s digital marketing experts, providing users with the latest and most comprehensive information on digital marketing.

    – Wide range of courses: Google Skillshop offers courses on a wide range of topics, including Google Ads, Google Analytics, YouTube, and more. Users can choose the courses that best fit their needs and interests.

    -Flexible learning: Google Skillshop provides self-paced learning opportunities, allowing users to study and take exams at their own pace and on their own schedule.

    -Recognition and certifications: Upon completion of a course or certification, users can receive recognition from Google and demonstrate their digital marketing expertise to employers and clients.

    -Resource center: Google Skillshop provides a resource center with a variety of tools and resources to help users stay up-to-date on digital marketing trends and best practices.

    Overall, Google Skillshop offers a comprehensive and convenient platform for individuals and organizations looking to expand their digital marketing skills and stay ahead in the industry.
marketing smartphone internet connection showing Linkedin as one of the websites for professional development
Photo by Bastian Riccardi on Pexels.com
  • LinkedIn Learning: While these courses come with a premium membership, you may be able to gain access through an organization or your company. It is worth asking about partnerships to see what is available for you to take some courses.

    LinkedIn Learning is regarded as one of the most attractive websites for professional development. Its wide range of courses and certifications provides a valuable resource for individuals looking to enhance their skills, knowledge, and career growth. LinkedIn Learning offers courses by industry experts and covers various topics, including business, technology, creative skills, and more. In addition, the platform integrates with LinkedIn, allowing users to showcase their professional development and connect with others in their field. With its comprehensive resources and convenient platform, LinkedIn Learning is considered by many to be one of the best websites for professional development.
  • TED: A platform featuring inspiring talks and videos on various topics, including professional development.
    TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) videos can be used for professional development in several ways:

    – Inspiration: TED videos often feature innovative ideas and thought-provoking discussions on a wide range of topics. By watching these videos, individuals can be inspired to think differently and gain new perspectives on their work and industry.
    – Knowledge acquisition: TED videos are often presented by experts in their field and provide insights and knowledge on diverse topics. Individuals can use these videos to expand their understanding and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in their field.
    – Skill development: TED videos often provide practical tips and strategies for success in various areas, such as leadership, communication, and innovation. Individuals can use these videos to learn new skills and improve their performance in the workplace.
  • Codecademy: A platform offering interactive coding lessons and projects for web development and data science. I signed up just to learn app development for fun!

    Code Academy is one of the most popular websites for professional development in the field of programming and technology. One of the benefits of using Code Academy for professional development is:

    – Hands-on learning: Code Academy provides interactive lessons that allow users to practice and apply the concepts they have learned. This hands-on approach helps users build practical skills and retain the information they have learned.

    – Wide range of topics: Code Academy covers a wide range of programming languages and technologies, allowing users to choose the areas they want to focus on. Whether someone is looking to start a career in coding or simply improve their skills, Code Academy offers courses and resources to meet their needs.

    – Self-paced learning: Code Academy’s courses and projects can be completed at the user’s own pace, making it a flexible option for individuals who want to fit professional development into their busy schedules.

    – Cost-effective: Many courses and resources offered by Code Academy are free or low-cost, making it an affordable option for individuals looking to improve their skills without breaking the bank.

    Overall, Code Academy offers a convenient and practical way for individuals to enhance their programming skills and advance their careers.
  • edX: A non-profit platform offering online courses from top universities and institutions worldwide.

    EdX is a massive open online course (MOOC) provider that offers a wealth of resources for professional development. Here are a few ways to use EdX for professional development:

    – Take courses: EdX offers courses from top universities and institutions on various topics, including business, technology, and data science. Users can choose courses that align with their interests and career goals.
    – Earn certifications: Many of EdX’s courses offer the opportunity to earn a certificate upon completion. These certifications can be used to demonstrate mastery of a particular skill or subject, which can be valuable for career advancement.
    – Access to top instructors: EdX partners with some of the world’s best universities and institutions so that users can learn from leading experts in their field.
    – Interactive learning: EdX’s courses often include interactive elements, such as quizzes and assignments, to enhance the learning experience and help users retain information.
    – Flexible scheduling: EdX’s courses are self-paced, so users can learn at their own convenience and on their own schedule.
    – By taking advantage of the resources offered by EdX, individuals can expand their knowledge, improve their skills, and advance their careers.

In addition to these online platforms, YouTube has video tutorials for almost anything we want to learn. It’s how I started my Etsy shop, built this website, and started my own YouTube channel. The moral of the story is, keep learning, keep growing, and keep seeking new information!

Posted in Personal Skills

Mini-Goals: Small Ways to Stay Productive Throughout the Day

Posted on by tracydee

Today, I’m focusing on mini-goals. I’m working toward a larger goal of graduating this semester. To do so, I must meet certain tasks and stay within my timeline to get there.

Setting mini-goals to stay productive throughout the day may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t make the time. Whether you need to get out of bed and start your day earlier than usual or quit procrastinating on a report that’s due tomorrow, there are many ways to set mini-goals to achieve more throughout the day.

Here are my tips for tackling mini-goals:

  1. Each day, take your big task list and write down what you can REALISTICALLY accomplish during your work hours. I capitalized realistically because I used to make my to-do list as long as humanly possible because that obviously made me more accomplished somehow. Now, I take time each morning to carefully select what I believe I can accomplish in a day. This helps eliminate some of those feelings of inadequacy at the end of the day if you didn’t get to everything on your list.

  2. After that, I work in small time chunks and I set goals either with myself or my work partners. It might be something small like send off two emails or review 10 rows on a spreadsheet. A big goal that keeps us motivated should be something just out of our reach, but mini-goals are things that keep us moving forward and not stagnant. Sometimes, I’ll set time limits as well and work within those parameters before moving on to another task.
  3. Constant reflection. This one I’m going to credit to my therapist. We are working on fact-based thinking. Anytime my mind starts to wander or worry about things I cannot control, I will bring it back to the present goal with facts and logic. I’ll keep you posted, but I’m excited at the personal development prospects that this tip has in store.
mini-goals
Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com

What are your tips for staying focused on your mini-goals and progress?

Posted in Uncategorized

Overcoming Lack of Motivation: 3 Tips to Snap Out of It Quickly

Posted on by tracydee

Man, overcoming lack of motivation is tough work!

I have another post I was going to write about using Google Slides because I just made a new YouTube video (check it out here), but I’m trying to work on something much bigger and I’m just not motivated. So instead, I’m going to procrastinate a little bit longer by sharing some ways I’ve overcome lack of motivation in the past and how I’m going to use that to my benefit today.

There is a pretty important finish line waiting for me to cross in a couple of months and the closer I get to graduation, the harder it seems to motivate myself to complete everything needed to get there. Plus, it’s challenging right now being stuck at home and not feeling as inspired. That’s why the nature breaks are so important. I’ve stepped outside about 8 times already today and it’s still early afternoon.

overcoming lack of motivation
Photo by Niko Twisty on Pexels.com

Here are some tips that worked for me in the past that I plan to implement today to keep me going toward my goals:

Tips for Overcoming Lack of Motivation

1. Keep my eye on the prize and identify my why

Even though the tasks I have to do seem unimportant or boring in the moment, they are part of something bigger. Something that will take me one step closer to graduating and finally achieving a huge milestone in my life and my career. I’m going to take 10-20 minutes to list all my reasons WHY I’m doing this now and how this will benefit me in the future.

Now, if you do this exercise, and you find that it’s hard to list anything or you can’t think of any benefits, then perhaps that’s a bigger question of whether that goal is really meant for you.

2. Plan for success

When I was training for a half marathon, I knew that I wouldn’t continue if I didn’t have a plan. I mapped out 16 weeks in my calendar, wrote down how much I wanted to run each day, and set a pace goal. I didn’t always make it exactly, but it was there as a guide and always kept me moving in the right direction.

I also slept in my workout clothes so that when that 4:45am alarm went off, I was already halfway ready to get out there and run. Today, I am going to plan out the remaining tasks I have to reach until my deadline and prioritize the ones that need to get completed first.

3. Work in bursts and take breaks as needed

Taking breaks may seem counterintuitive, but sometimes we just need to step away from something to gain clarity or motivation to keep working on it. A time limit helps direct our focus on a specific task related to a larger goal and gives us a break to look forward to. One method is the Pomodoro Technique, which breaks tasks into 25-minute chunks of work followed by a 5-minute break.

There are many online timers you can use for this technique. Another way to stay motivated and focused is through a program called Focusmate. This website pairs you up with another person LIVE on video who is also working on a task for 50-minutes. You complete your individual tasks knowing someone else is working alongside you.

If you struggle with overcoming lack of motivation, just know it takes intentional effort and focus, but you can do it with practice!!

If you’d like me to write a longer post about any of the topics above, feel free to leave a comment below. Let’s continue to learn and grow together to become the best versions of ourselves!