“You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret to your success is found in your daily routine.”

~ John C. Maxwell 

Winter break sounds exciting and it is… until it’s not. We can quickly find ourselves sleeping in late, mindlessly scrolling on our phones, and having no sense of time.

Structured days lead to a feeling of groundedness, organization, and accomplishment. 

Without structure, life is messy. It’s hard to stay focused. We lose the feeling of self. 

1. Set An Alarm 

Yes, even if you don’t need to get up and go anywhere. Using an alarm clock helps regulate schedules and is beneficial for our body’s internal clocks. Try to stay consistent with wake-up and bed times. Choose a wake-up time that allows you around 8 hours of sleep. 

2. Identify Priorities 

Notice what’s important to you. Make a list. Do these things daily. 

Do you have daily non-negotiables? This could be a morning workout, meditation, connecting with a friend, work, journaling, etc. 

Use these priorities as a starting point to create structure each day. 

3. To-Do List

Create a to-do list with items to complete each day. It doesn’t need to be a mile long. Make it manageable. Create a list the night before you go to bed or in the morning so you can refer to it throughout the day. 

Some ideas: 

• Fold laundry
• Change bed sheets
• Reach out to a friend
• Apply for summer internships
• Make dinner 

Having a to-do list gives you things to do each day and also adds structure. It can be tough to think of things to do on the spot. When you write the task down, you can see it and refer back to that list. Perhaps before checking your phone, complete one task. Plus, when you check items off your to-do list you’ll feel an added sense of accomplishment. 

4. Time Block 

Use a calendar either on paper, in a planner, or use an app like Google Calendar to block out time for things like workouts, meetings, and activities. Simple block our an hour (or two or three) of time to complete a task. 

5. Allow Flexibility 

Be flexible and open. Go day by day. Plans change. Remember, this is a ‘break’ so be sure to add in time for relaxation, recovery, and enjoyment. 

Adding structure may be tough at first. You might resist. Push through. Feel the discomfort. In the end, it will lead to a better feeling. If it’s not working, adjust your plan. Try something new. Find what works best for you. 

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t know where to start? Forgetting what you need to do?  

Bullet journaling is a great tool for self-expression. It is a way to get thoughts out of your head and onto paper. It also boosts productivity by building mental clarity and organization. 

How did I discover bullet journaling? 

When I transitioned from high school to college, I was overwhelmed with the college workload. My mom suggested I try to organize my thoughts through bullet journaling. It helped me build a system to organize my day, my thoughts, track memories and habits, and make plans. 

Are you ready for a productivity hack? Read on. 

Why does bullet journaling work? 

Bullet journaling is the process of writing what’s in your head onto paper. The bullet journal system can be used as a tracker, journal and planner all in one place. No need for multiple journals, a planner and Post-It notes. The bullet journal allows for everything to be in one place. 

Ryder Carroll coined the term “The Bullet Journal Method” and wrote a book describing how to use your journal for productivity in 2018. He discovered the method, found it valuable and decided to share his method with the world. 

According to Carroll, bullet journaling will help you accomplish more and work less by helping you identify and focus on what is meaningful. Bullet journaling is a flexible, forgiving and practical method that leads to more mindfulness and intentionality. 

“Bullet journaling is one of the most elegant and effective productivity systems I’ve ever encountered. It will not only help you get more organized but will also help you become a better person.”

– Cal Newport, author of Deep Work

What do I need to get started? 

• Bullet Journal: I like the Leuchtturm 1917, but any dotted journal will work. 
• Pens: Fineliner felt tip pensby iBayam are my go-to for writing in my journal. 

Extras:

• Stickers
• Colored Pencils
• Ruler

How do I get started with the practice? 

The first step to using a bullet journal for productivity is to outline your journal. 

Label these four sections:

1. Index: Keep track of what’s in your journal. 

Open your journal and write “index” at the top of the page. Note, some journals come with an index built-in. If so use that. As you fill out your journal, add contents to this index.

2. Future Log: Items that need to happen in a particular month. 

After you’ve labeled the index page. Flip to the next page and divide pages two and three into six sections, three sections on each page. Label each section with a month. If you are starting the practice in January, label January, February, March and so on. This is where you will list the major tasks, projects, appointments, goals and big events that will take place that month.

3. Monthly Log: The calendar part of the journal. 

After the future log, label pages four and five future log. On the left page note calendar and add dates with the letter for the day of the week. Keep track of events and scheduled appointments on this side. on the right page write monthly task list.

4. Daily Log: Note what needs to be accomplished each day, events, and notes. 

Once the monthly log is labeled, it’s time to start the daily log. Start by adding the date and day of the week at the top of the page. Next, fill in with tasks, appointments and notes for each day. 

The next step is to identity symbols. 

Use these symbols to track items in the daily log. 

Credit: https://bulletjournal.com/pages/learn

At the end of each day, review your daily log. What tasks did you complete? Which ones did you not? If you didn’t complete a task, determine if it’s worth your time. If it’s not, move on. If it’s important, add it to the next day. 

Now, it’s time to make your journal your own. Get creative. Add your touch. Make the system work for you. Try new ways. Adjust accordingly.

Bonus: Here’s how I use my journal. 

I use my journal to track my daily events, homework, plan workouts and meals, track habits. What I love about this journal method, is that I can keep track of everything in one place. It helps me stay organized, calm and collected. 

“Track the past, order the present, design the future.”

 – Ryder Carroll, author of The Bullet Journal Method

P.S. If this sparked your interest check out The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll and find even more journal ideas on Pinterest. 

1. You can’t always plan ahead. 

I am a planner. Quarantine taught me to let go of planning. Life will throw unexpected events as us. We have to live in the moment. BE HERE NOW. 

2. I love learning. 

Wow, who knew learning was so fun? Not me, until this quarantine. I decided to use this “time” to learn. I signed up for Skill Share, attended countless free webinars, read books, and discovered my love for podcasts. There are so many ways to learn even outside of the typically classroom setting!

3. I am an introvert. 

Before quarantine, I considered myself to be in the middle of introvert and extravert. Well, quarantine solidified that I am 100% an introvert. I NEED my alone time. It gives me energy and makes me happy. 

4. You can always find joy. 

When quarantine started, I added a page in my journal for “moments of joy”. I tracked my favorite memories or unexpected things that brought me JOY during quarantine. It is possible to find joy. Choose joy. Live joyfully. It is truly life changing. 

5. Don’t take advantage of every day opportunities.

A hug, a smile, and seeing friends and family… the sports events and school parties… finishing sophomore year… That was all taken away. I regret all of the times saying, “I’ll go to the (event) next time”… Quarantine has reminded me to take advantage of all of the opportunities that I am presented with. I have learned to spend time with my friends and savor those moments. You never know when you won’t get the chance again. 

I hope you can relate to some of the things I learned over quarantine.

I encourage you to take some time, sit down with your journal, and reflect on this quarantine experience for yourself! 

I polled my friends and asked them to, “describe me in three words“. 

The tops words used to describe me:

1. Kind
2. Organized
3. Funny

I asked this question to find out if how I want to be seen aligns with how others actually see me. 

In my scenario, I think “kind, organized, and funny” fit me well. 

Ask your friends how they see you… 

Check in to see if this aligns with how you want to be seen.

If yes, YAYY!!

If no, what can you change?

1. Your Time: 

College is all for you. You get to decide, lead, and go where you want to go.

2. Take the Next Step: 

You do NOT need to go into college with a full plan. Go in with an open mind. Take the next step, it is never the last.

3. Try Something New: 

Take a class that sounds interesting, but out of your comfort zone. Try something you’ve always wanted to try, but never have. Just go for it. Now is the time to try it. You never know where it will lead you! When you are presented with opportunities, take them. You will never know until you try. Does it seem like something out of your comfort zone? Do it, this is the best time to try. You never know where saying YES will take you.

4. Be You: 

New place, new people, new opportunities. Be who you are and find the people who support you. This is also the time to Become YOU. You do not need to do what your parents want you to do or what all of your friends are doing. Choose what interests you.  

5. Use Your Resources: 

Schools have so many resources for you to utilize. Take advantage of the career center. They likely offer many personal development learning opportunities. The therapist is also a great option. This is likely the only time in your like that will be ‘free’ to use. The resources are part of your tuition, so use them to your advantage!

6. Get Involved: 

Join a club, an intermural team, or a study group. This is a great way to build friendships with likeminded people.

7. Make Memories: 

Savor the memories you make. Take all the pictures. Journal about your experiences. The time goes so fast. Enjoy it while it lasts. 

8. Find a Routine: 

College can get busy fast. Lots of assignments, meetings, classes to attend, a possible job, and friends. Get into a routine that works best for you. Plan time to work out, take care of yourself, study, work on homework, and plan time with friends. 

9. Talk to Everyone: 

No judgments. Be nice and have conversations with everyone. You never know, that person you were scared to talk to at first may become your best friend. 

10. Open Mind: 

Not everything is going to go as planned or turn out the way you hoped. Stay open minded. Take opportunities as they present themselves. Make the most out of the time. Try new things. Learn what you like and you don’t like, now is the time. 

This is your story, what will you write?

Get after it, I believe in you. It is a new time to grow and learn about yourself. Savor all of the moments. Laugh. Have fun. Make memories. The time goes fast each year.

Generous and considerate. 

I am a two.

Today, I found myself picking up branches that broke off the trees during the storm last night. It came to me, wow, I really am a helper. 

Nobody asked me to pick up these branches. I saw the branches and took action. Because, I am the helper. 

I have always been the “helper” at home as well. I am the one who washes the dishes, folds the laundry, cleans the house, etc. I am not sure how it took me so long to realize I am a helper.

I find this trait can be good and bad. Good – I take action and I am there to support those around me. Bad – I often exhaust myself in helping too much. This can be energizing and draining. 

Thinking to the future, how can I use this gift of being a helper? 

So many ways and opportunities for helpers. 

What is your enneagram? How will you use your gift?

Within a few hours, I went from having lunch with a friend to packing everything in my dorm room. I did not wake up that morning in March, knowing it was going to be the last day of my sophomore year at college. The last lunch in the Reef, the last night with my roommate, the last workout in the tiny school gym, the last time hiking up the Quad stairs…. who knew. My heart goes out to all of the seniors. All of the spring weekends that we were looking forward to and late night conversations with friends, cancelled. 

Hugging friends for the last time. Saying goodbyes. Moving home. Unpacking. A thousand emails on class updates and cancellations… not how anyone thought this year was going to end. 

Now, the struggle is in finding balance. How can I be a student, daughter, friend, worker, sister, helper, and find time for myself? How am I going to use this time? How will I manage this? When will it end? The questions are endless… 

What I remind myself of daily is that everyone, all of my friends, all over the world are going through these same situations and asking the same questions. 

For me, I feel like I am on a roller coaster. Sometimes I am happy, feel good, and motivated. Other times I am sad, crabby, and anxious. I know others are feeling the same way. 

But, here is how I am showing up…

I am taking care of myself first. Yoga, exercise, walks, journaling, meditation, time outside, reading, podcasts, online courses, and projects. Then, I check on my friends. Over the phone, social media, Macro Polo, even via letters! I am trying my best. That is all we can do right now. We can show up for ourselves, our friends, and our family. We can try to influence the energy by having a positive attitude or showing a smile. We need to be understanding, as this is something that were all going through for the first time ever. Patience, persistence, and compassion. 

I know my generation will come out of this stronger. We are resilient. We will no longer take things for granted. We will cherish human interaction. We will be great leaders through our ability to adapt and adjust to changes. 

This is OUR time. 

A chance to GROW and REINVENT ourselves.

How will you use this time?

In what ways might you use your gifts to help others during this time?

What is the story you want to tell?

Well, it is time to settle into isolation at home. In my opinion, this is not the worst thing to happen! Finally, a time get some things done that I’ve had on my list for so long! 

Here are some things that are keeping me grounded:

• Waking up early
• Morning at home workouts
• Big breakfast
• Meditation
• Journaling
• Laying out tasks for the day
• Mid-morning walk
• Podcasts
• Daily journaling

At the beginning of this “break”, I sat down and made a list of everything I could be doing at home. It is LONG! 

It can be hard to stay on task at home with distractions and family. Start your day off right with your morning routine! 

Stay grounded. Settle into your new routine. Make lists. Get it done! 

You got this. We got this. Rest will be good! A time to catch up, take a new view, and recover.

Be well, 

Grace 

1. Extremely Organized: Maybe too organized? I have worked at The Container Store for two years. A store that sells containers. You can be assured, I am organized. Huge fan of planning. 
2. Huge Heart: Caring and empathetic towards others. Will likely ask how people’s days are going or how I can be of assistance to them. I also have experience as a babysitter, nanny, Special Olympics volunteer, Girl Scout member, and 4-H leader. Always sharing the love and helping in whatever ways I can. 
3. Personal Development Fanatic: Find me reading, listening to podcasts, journaling or writing a blog post about personal development in my free time. Any way I can learn, grow, and make myself better – I am in. Brene Brown will forever be my favorite researcher, speaker, and writer. 
4. Fitness First: I start every day off with a workout. This could be running, walking, cross-fit, yoga, swimming, biking, or anything I can do to move my body. I have found that starting my day off with a good workout leads to my days being more productive. 
5. Creative Side: In my free time, I can be found sewing pillows with mantras, crafting a vision board, or journaling. My mom and I sew and craft handmade pillows with different mantras or designs painted on them. This has become a fun hobby and side hustle. I also enjoy crafting in a variety of ways to build on my personal development skills. One way I share my gifts, is through my personal blog and Instagram page titled, Gifted with Grace. 
6. Be Here Now: My personal mantra. Wherever I am, I aim to give that situation my full attention and dedication. I strive to live in the moment in most situations. I show dedication and strong work ethic in anything I do. 
7. My Strength’s Finder Results: Discipline, Harmony, Empathy, Relator, Achiever
8. Healthy Lifestyle: I care about my body and what I put into my body. Growing up, I have had the privileges of having a garden, shopping at farmers markets, and eating organic foods. Fueling my body with real and organic foods is very important to me. In order to make this happen, I cook and bake a lot!
9. Learner & Listener: I enjoy learning and listening. I am a very curious person and am not afraid to ask questions in order to better understand something or a situation. Many people come to me for advice as well, because they know that I will listen and share  honest feedback. 
10. Personal Brand Manifesto: I strive to be a life-long learner and achiever. My personality type is organized, motivated, and empathetic. Each day, I enjoy learning new things and sharing what I learn with others. Throughout my learning journey, I also take time to practice living a healthy lifestyle by moving my body and practicing gratitude daily. My mission in life is to motivate, uplift, and help others discover their own strengths in order to help them become the best version of themselves.