Takia Sharee

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Categories: Entrepreneurship, Lifestyle

Life Hack: How To Stay Focused on Your Goals in Chaos

Life is full of distractions and detours that can camouflage as urgent or important emergencies. During moments when those inconveniences show up, it is important that you maintain composure. In this post I will discuss how to stay focused on your goals in chaos. 

In the beginning of the world wide pandemic I was getting ready to give birth and things were very chaotic.

 The ratio of doctors to patients were slim, and the shortage of Lysol and toilet paper was far more incomparable to anything I’ve ever experienced before. 

Not to mention my oldest was being switched to virtual schooling, which meant she would learn from home with a newborn and her two other younger siblings. 

You can imagine how overwhelming things got when she needed help navigating the computer, at the exact same time of an infamous episode of the exploding diaper.  

And don’t get me started on working from home, and amount of times I had to stop what I was doing to grab one of them a snack! 

Although all those things were happening around me, I didn’t let outside circumstances excuse me from staying focused on goals and priorities. 

flat lay photography of turned-on silver iPad beside Apple Pencil

What You Focus On Will Grow

Contrary to what people may believe focus is, Focus doesn’t mean you will spend hours in a corner on a computer working and watching life pass you by.  

However, it does require getting specific on what you will allow to consume your time and energy. In order to grow and accomplish your ultimate goal, you have to have a laser like focus. 

Focus includes consistency and accuracy that would demonstrate growth in a specific area.  Having a precise focus on what you want to achieve will guarantee you less explorations down rabbit holes and more clearly defined paths. 

Be more intentional about what you give your attention to, and maximize your growth potential.  

Tips to Stay Focused in Chaos 

Define the Main Goal

To maintain a laser focus, you must  clearly define your ultimate goal. When you’ve defined your goal, keep that goal at the front of your mind day in and day out. Every single decision you make should be intentional and based off reaching the ultimate goal. 

Prioritize What’s Urgent

 Every thing on your to do list is not urgent, although it may be important. Always do what is urgent before doing what is important! Once you’ve determined what has priority, you know exactly where your focus should be. 

Manage Your Time

Time Management is very important in staying focused and avoiding distractions. Spending too much time scrolling through social media post, or watching the latest mishap unfold on the news are distractions that unconsciously pull us in and away from our focus. 

Minimize Distractions 

Try as much as possible to minimize distractions around you. Although, you may not be able to eliminate every distraction, minimizing those distractions will help you stay mentally focused.

According to Fast Company, “The majority of situations that do come up to distract us are not emergencies” and can wait until a later time to address. In the meantime, you can put your phone in another room or wear headphones to drown out unwanted noise. 

Stay Focused and Never Give Up 

Life Happens but set backs don’t define you. No matter what life throws your way, stay focused and never give up on your goals. When you aren’t able to control the chaos happening around you, having a laser focus will allow you to zoom in on your priorities and keep everything else in the rearview. 

May you find this post to be a blessing. 

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Categories: Entrepreneurship, Lifestyle

How to Stop Procrastinating and Start Now

Procrastinaton is the killer of many peoples dreams and goals. Alot of us start off with writing out our goals and posting them to our calendar, but never get them out of the planning stage and into manifested results. Keep reading to find out how to stop procrastinating and start now. 

For as long as I can remember I was a very huge procrastinator; and when I say huge I mean the biggest procrastinator you’d ever meet.

Starting my day with hitting the snooze button at least 20 times, I would wait til 9 o’clock at night to eat dinner or 5 minutes before an event was about to start to leave the house. 

Procrastination was apart of my daily routine, and it wasn’t until I had children that I realized, my habits will become their habits if I didn’t change. Let’s fast forward to today….

Hi, I’m Takia, and I overcame procrastination; and you can too! 

rose gold iPhone 6s on book near Apple watch

What are The Four Types of Procrastinators? 

The Perfectionist– If you are a perfectionist then you know how difficult it is to fully complete a task. Perfectionist can face many challenges with productivity because they value flawlessness over performance.

While it is very important to show a great deal of effort in your work, it is just as important to move the task along and be timely. 

The Last Minute Doer– Do you know anyone who works best under pressure? That person is what I like to call the last minute doer. The last minute doer is a professional at procrastination, but entry level at 

The last minute doer waits until the assignment is  just about due to get started. However, this doesn’t leave any room for error or mistakes made. 

The Micro-Tasker–  The micro-tasker is someone who does what is easy or small versus what is urgent. People who pay more attention to smaller task become engrossed in doing things that are usually unimportant; causing them to procrastinate and prolong efficient performance. 

Over- Planner– Over planning is the #1 cause of many people never getting started. Now don’t get me wrong it is important to plan, however, planning is an effective tool used for guidance. Your task should consist of listed or numbered steps needed to complete a task ;but performance it measured by what is done not by what was planned. 

Is Procrastinating a Mental illness?

No, procrastinating is not a medical mental diagnoses. However, procrastinating does start in the mind. The mind is the place where things go to live, or where things go to die; depending on how you think. 

How you think is a major factor in getting started and overcoming procrastination. The best way to stop procrastinating is to simply get started. Inaction produces no results, and you’ll never reach your goals if you don’t start somewhere.

Strategies for Overcoming Procrastination 

  1. Let Go of Perfection– Stop! There is no other method as effective as letting go of perfection. I can definitely understand the desire to want things to be perfect, but there many great things that are produced from mistakes. However, those types of mistakes aren’t available to those who haven’t started. 
  1. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others– Many people have trouble starting because they are comparing their beginning to someone else’s middle or end. Comparing is the worst thing you can do when your’e trying to get started and quit procrastinating. Not only are comparing but you are also forfeiting your own creativity to produce something better rather than something similar to your counterpart. 
  1. Clarify Your Goals- people don’t know where to start because they aren’t clear on what direction they are headed. Disclaimer: Goal setting is important, but it is not the result. Your goals should be clearly defined so that you can create the best possible strategy to produce a great service or product. 

4. Ask a friend to Keep You Accountable – Ask a friend whose opinion is very valuable to you,  and ask them to keep you accountable to what’s urgent. Accountability is a perfect strategy to gain motivation to stop procrastinating. 

5. Start Early–  Overcome Procrastination by starting early in the day. According to usandco, daylight has such a major impact on your productivity. Get started as  early as you can to maximize your performance and

Stop Procrastinating and Get Things Done

Don’t let procrastination stop you from getting things done. There is still time left to go after your best life.  You’ve waited long enough, stop procrastinating and start now. 

May you find this post to be a blessing. 

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Categories: Entrepreneurship

How To Be Productive Working from Home

Home is the place where you should feel most relaxed and at peace; but that can also create productivity challenges. Nothing is more soothing than the sound of water trickling down your home water fall or the slight smell of lavender burning in the diffuser. Those things are great when you’re getting ready for bed but they don’t necessarily help you get moving. Keep reading for my top tips on how to be productive working from home.

What is productivity? 

According to Pyschologytoday, Productivity is the ability for an individual to work efficiently within a specific time frame in order to maximize output.

silver macbook on white table

How Do I Make Myself Productive?

Make a To-Do List- To-Do List 

Declutter your mind and write out what things need to be accomplished for the day. This is the first and most important step in being productive at home and should not be skipped.

A to-do list should list every single task that needs to be done; don’t leave anything out. Even the smallest things like taking out the trash or cleaning out your purse should be listed. 

If you’re a mom, you know that at any point of the day you can abruptly get pulled to some disaster happening in the living room. Having a to do list helps you to pick up where you left off, without missing one beat. 

Prioritize Your List

Everything on your to-do list is not a priority, I cannot stress this enough. You’re a mom and there are always things that need to be done. Don’t stress yourself out on small things.  

One of the biggest productivity mistakes people make is starting with smaller task instead of starting with the most important task. 

The most important things should be done first. For example, I know you want to get those dishes washed and laundry folded but sending out those emails on an upcoming campaign is probably more important. 

Your To Do list should be listed in three categories. Urgent, Important, and Unimportant. 

Now I know what your thinking. Why would I list anything under Unimportant? 

Things listed under unimportant are for task that can be done at a later time. Although it can wait to be completed that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be done. 

Unimportant task can be done during down times, or in between times spent on the more important things. 

For example, taking out the trash is not as important as the campaign emails. So this can probably wait to be done when you have a little break in between. 

Create a Space Dedicated for Work

News Flash: Your bed is not a work space. Remember in the beginning when i said home is your place of peace? Well, that is your biggest enemy when it comes to being productive at home. 

Create a space dedicated specifically for work only. Even if its just a small little corner in your living room; sort of like the corner I’m working from now. 

Dedicated work areas are great for being productive at home. You tell your mind that this  is the area where you get stuff done. 

Keep this area clean and organized to maximize your creativity and productivity. 

Get Started 

Really, its just that simple; get started. I love the 5 sec rule for increasing productivity because it leaves no room to overanalyze or overthink about what needs to be done. The Nike slogan “Just Do It” is very powerful when it comes to productivity. 

If there is a task listed on your to do list that must get done, the only way to cross it off is to just do it. 

Action is the cure for indecison and postponement. No more postponing, get started now. 

How to measure Productivity at Home? 

Productivity at home can be measured by reviewing your fully completed task for the week. Do an overview of the things you were able to get done, and how long it took you to do it; somethings can possibly be done with less effort and sooner. 

The one thing that usually helps me is time blocking my task, so  that I don’t spend too much time doing just one thing. Be sure to focus on what is most important and you will increase your production. 

MacBook Pro beside plant in vase

Does Working From Home Increase Productivity? 

For some, working from home gives off a more relaxed environment; because working in the office can be more  stressful with time limited task and or micro managers. However, at home they are able to move at their own pace, and in an environment they are most comfortable with; therefore increasing their productivity. 

For others, home can be too relaxed. Working from home can also have its downfalls. For goodness sake you’re at home. 

Some people have a hard time working from home because of all the things that need to be done within the home and usually those task are unrelated to work. 

Home can be filled with many  distractions and if you aren’t disciplined enough to work from home, you  may find yourself catching up on tv episodes taking more naps, wasting time  on social media, or simply feeling too lazy to fully complete one task. 

How to Improve Productivity at Home 

You can improve your productivity at home by making sure you stay clear on what is most important. Don’t forget to create a list, prioritize, create a dedicated area to work, and the most important, get started. 

May you find this post to be a blessing. 

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Categories: Entrepreneurship, Lifestyle

Morning Routine for Success: Start Your Day Like This

Morning Routine for Success

Daily Routine of Successful People

Have you ever heard someone say the way you start your morning sets the tone for the rest of your day? Well, it’s true! Start your day with a morning routine for success and happiness that will last you the entire day.  

Often when successful people are interviewed and asked questions about their highest achievements, they usually accredit a lot of their success to their daily routine.

Having a daily routine, good or bad, affects us in more ways than we know.

Whether you are someone who sits and watches tv all day or someone who reads books to grow in a certain area, you are where you are because of your routine.

Successful people adopt habits that program their mind and body to perform in a particular way to reach their highest potential.

Those habits are embedded into their daily routine allowing them to reach their goals in shorter periods.

 Successful people create routines that are realistic and attainable and can also fit within their day. The best practices of successful people are seamlessly placed within the day, so it seems more normal and less like an annoying chore.  

Many successful people, however, stress the importance of having a daily morning routine to boost energy, productivity, and mental clarity.  

Why having a Morning Routine is Important?

As stated before, the first portion of your day is the most important and sets the overall mood for the rest day.

Getting up on the “wrong side of the bed” usually turns into a spiral effect of negative things happening systemically one after the other.

But that’s not all, what if I told you getting up on the “right side of the bed” has the same systematic effect more positively.  

Creating a morning routine has the potential to boost your daily effectiveness and maximize proficiency; assisting all the “successful cards” to fall in your favor. Here’s the deal:

Energy Boost: Successful people who have created a morning routine feel more awake and alert throughout the day.

Alertness is the first step to success because you become more aware of your day instead of just slipping through like most people.

Productivity: Morning Routines can increase your productivity. I for one feel like I get more done when I strategically plan out my mornings.

Productivity is also important because how can you become successful if you aren’t getting anything done.

Mental Clarity: Mental Clarity is very important and plays a huge role in your success. Success is easier achieved when you have clarity and a clear vision.

Mornings are perfect for getting mental clarity because there are fewer distractions in the morning allowing you to gain more focus.

Think about it, wouldn’t things be less difficult if we could have more energy, increased productivity, and more mental clarity? Absolutely! Let’s discuss the best morning routine for success.

Best Morning Routine for Success

Wake Up Early

I am an advocate for waking up early! Waking up early in the morning drastically reduces distractions and increases cognitive learning. 

Rise early to start your day and become fully engaged at whatever task you’re on; lessening the invasive “brain farts” we typically run into during the day.

Read Bible/ Prayer

The bible is full of instruction on business and principles for success. One book in particular that seems to get a lot of attention in the world of business is the book of Proverbs.

Proverbs instruct wisdom, finances, and even lifestyle.

Another method in starting your morning is beginning with prayer. Prayer is talking to God ( or the higher power, whichever you believe). I like to talk to God just as I would my earthly father.

There is no need for large words and drawn-out prayers because he already knows what we need.

Meditation

Contrary to what some may say, prayer and meditation are not the same things. Prayer is communication with God, while meditation is an act of listening to God.

Throughout our day God is constantly speaking to us, but we don’t usually hear Him unless we are focused on Him. Meditation in the morning is a perfect way to start your day, as you will get insight from your higher self.

Exercise for 30 minutes

Get Moving! Exercise in the morning is such a refreshing way to start the day. It helps to keep you more alert and to relieve any stress before you get your day started.

15- 30 minutes is more than enough time in the morning to give your body a total energy boost.

Write a To-do List

A To-Do List is another important key to your morning routine. Take time in the morning to write down the most important task for the day.

A lot of people like to write their to-do list the night before, but I realized that writing things out in the morning helps task to stay fresh on my mind, making them more likely to get done.  

Eat a Healthy Meal

Food is Fuel. Breakfast is the first meal of the day making it the most important meal you should eat. After a long night’s sleep, this is the meal where you break-fast.

When eating breakfast try choosing more healthy foods like oatmeal, fruit, veggies, and eggs. Things like meat and potatoes aren’t the best things to eat first thing in the morning, because they slow down your energy source.

Read a Self Development Book for 5 minutes

Nowadays people don’t read much like they use to. Reading is still very fundamental and it helps you to focus, get better sleep, and increase memory.

Choose a book in the field you wish to become an expert on and read for 5 to 10 minutes every morning. Over time you will be surprised how much reading can impact your daily life.

Check out this article on your brain when you read.

Listen to Uplifting Music

One of my absolute favorite things to do in the morning is listening to uplifting music. Music is such a powerful tool in the morning because music can have a huge influence on your mood. For example, many people listen to earth sounds at night to help induce sleep and clear their minds.

  In the morning, I love listening to music that sets my mood for the day. Here is what I listen to in the morning:

How long should your morning routine be?

Your Morning Routine should last about 2 hours.  I know I know, two hours seem like a long time and you’d probably have to wake up way earlier than you’d like. But here’s the deal, the first two hours of your day are crucial to becoming successful.

 Most people go to work for 8 hours a day, only to come home and work for another 4 hours before the kids are put to sleep.

I for one have found night-time is one the hardest times to create new habits; social media being a huge distraction and not to mention being exhausted.

Research has shown that our brains are at their best first thing in the morning. More brainpower means less strenuous work later in the day when I need energy the most.

Start Your Day Like This

If you want to be successful, create a morning routine that influences the life you want to live.

Whether you desire to be more healthy, get organized, or expand your knowledge in a specific area; your success starts with a daily morning routine.  

Wake up early, create your to-do list, and get moving toward the best days you’ve ever had. Use this list to create a routine that perfectly fits within your daily life.  

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