[Sticky] Journaling and Productivity

Title: 3 Handy Bullet Journaling Tools to Enhance Productivity

Description: This article describes three tools that will help you to stay productive and monitor the progress of your tasks and projects. They are:-

1. Ideal Day Spread.

2. Alastair Method.

3. Kanban Method

Link: http://hub.me/ao8vW

#productivity #idealdailyspread #alastairmethod #kanbanmethod #digitalwritopreneur #contentwriting #contentwriter #rishakhan

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9 THINGS TO DO – WHEN YOU ARE ALONE FOR A DAY!

Hello, Beautiful souls! Imagine that one-day fairy godmother appears in front of you and grants two wishes. And you have to choose one from having a million-dollar amount or taking a day off from this whole world. Wonder, what if you are alone and how would you like to spend a day in solitary.

Money is secondary in life, most of you know it from the heart. It will only give you temporary satisfaction for some time but,  It will never give you eternal peace. People mostly choose the second option as most of them do not get time for their leisure and recreation. This wish serves the purpose for people who find reasons to be alone and do their own thing! This article gives you a to-do list if you are alone, do try the following things!

Start your day with a walk

Getting up early in the morning is the biggest change you can bring in your life. Start your day with a long walk. The freshness and slight coldness of the air, blue skies, chirping birds, lone roads, few walkers, will leave you mesmerized. Do jogging, yoga, meditation, and a few exercises. Take a break by sitting in the park, talk to nature and yourself. Self-talk is necessary,  be content with what you have in life, think about yourself – things that went right, feel grateful! But for things that went wrong- you can do nothing as it was predestined, everything that happens has its reasons.

Take a long bath

If you are given a day off and wonder we always hurry ourselves up for the homely duties or leaving for the office. Bathing is done hurriedly, which is an essential thing to keep our bodies clean. Take your time to shower or bathtub. Use bath salt to rinse off all the negativity. Also, bath bombs and flower petals can help in creating an ambiance of the luxurious hotel feeling at your home. Moreover, using fragrant candles will spread an aroma that will make you relax and rejuvenate!.  All this for yourself, and by you will leave you fresh and positive throughout the day.

Write in your journal

This day will be unforgettable as you were granted a wish and that got fulfilled.  Isn’t it magical! Would you not like to keep it safe with you and show it to your kids and grandkids. Writing about your dreams and thoughts in a journal can be a good habit. Writing in a journal has many advantages such as:-

• It can help you memorize things.
• Generate ideas for writing work.
• It will teach you how to organize, and systematically do the work.
• Writing a journal can help you in managing time.

Clean, declutter and redecorate your room

For people who are into jobs, only weekends are the time which they can give to their home chores, groceries, and repair work. Every weekend comes up with new duties then there is no time left for yourself and your room. Start your day by cleaning your room then decluttering your cupboards and drawers. Cleaning is important to remove unwanted elements. We, humans, have a basic tendency to cling to many things which has a memory associated with them, we purposely hide those things for our convenience.

Redecorating the room can be the best chance where you sleep and sit the whole day. The room should send a positive vibe and reflection of your personality to whosoever enters your room. Keeping a few idols, paintings, indoor plants, showpieces, mirrors, wall clocks, few collages of yourself and your family, can bring the change at once.

Get ready!

Take your time today and get ready for yourself as if no one is looking at you and no one will judge you for what you are wearing. Groom yourself, head to the salon! Paint your nails, get your hair done. If you like, put your best makeup on or be natural!. This is the day when no one will say anything or pass remarks to your dressing style and comment on fashion sense. You can be simple or bold yet have that same confidence! It’s all up to you how you look at yourself!

Sign-up for volunteer work

Social work is also important in life apart from doing the job. It will give you a sense of satisfaction and it is our social responsibility toward the country. Opting for social work will make your day off – a complete day, as you did something good for others. For example, If you are living by the beach, volunteer for cleaning the beach, if you love pets- do something for stray dogs. There are many options for volunteering work to choose from. Do one good thing to others and that one good deed will give you fruit eventually.

Head to a café!

Only if you are living alone you can go window shopping, go watch a movie, or head to a restaurant or café for breakfast or coffee! While sitting in a café, this can be the time to catch up with people you haven’t contacted in a while. Sometimes sitting alone and jotting down the to-do list or wish list helps a lot to plan upcoming days and think about the future.

Catch up on your favourite show

As your day off comes to an end, and you have utilized your day to the most, now you can binge on your favourite shows you ever wanted to see, but you haven’t got time to watch in between because of the busy schedule of your life. Sit with popcorn and chill! Watch your all-time favourite movie!

Change your meal plan and have a cheat day!

Every family has a weekly plan of all the meals to be taken throughout the month or a year. But, it gets boring sometimes to have that same food. This is the day. Dear foodies!  Change your meal plan for a day and stuff your bellies with all the food items you love. It’s a cheat day, but remember everything should be done within limits otherwise it can harm your digestion system.

To conclude, if you like this fantasy of taking a day off for one day, escaping all worldly duties, and live a day for yourself. There are various things that you can do as per your choice. This article specifies 9 ideas which you can try for a day off and do the things you like the most. For example, go on a one-day trek or camping, go to the mall, sit in a café, enjoy your solitude and shop for yourself. Also, if you have already done this before, share your experiences under the comments section. 

Written By: Mansi Arora

#digitalwritopreneurhub #articlewriting #digitalwriting #writingcontest #mansiarora #goal #onedayalone #productivity #donotwastetime #inspiration #motivation #declutterthingsandthoughts #restart #freshday #gowiththeflowinlife

What do you do when clients want to see the samples of your writing during an interview? I believe you share with them your writing portfolio link that showcases your best work. This helps them evaluate the quality of your writing and find out whether you are the right fit for the job.
You have an e-portfolio of your work samples, right? If you do not have an e-portfolio, read this blog post and create an e-portfolio.
In this digital era, all freelance content writers must have an e-portfolio because it is considered to be one of the most effective marketing tools to attract potential clients.
Creating a super-powerful portfolio maximizes the chances of grabbing the quick attention of potential clients, getting more work in less time, and earning more revenue. The appealing design and crisp writing will definitely make your portfolio unique.
Let us dive into the following areas and identify the best ways to build your e-portfolio.

What is a Writing Portfolio and Why Do You Need an e-Portfolio?

A writing portfolio showcases your best work as a freelance content writer and your ability to write on multiple topics, including your niche topic. An e-portfolio also provides the link to the websites where your articles have already been published. So, an e-portfolio is a collection of a writer’s best work, which assures clients that the writer will be able to deliver high-quality, unique content.

The portfolio will help you market yourself, your skills, and your accomplishments and establish your professional brand.
These days many freelance writers are creating their portfolios to build their brand and gain Google authority. Building your branding will also be beneficial in drawing the attention of both domestic and overseas clients. Let me know your take on this in the comment section.
Have you ever wondered how it would feel when your articles get published on leading online publishing platforms and readers from various corners of the world can read them? It will definitely boost your confidence.

Benefits of Creating an e-Portfolio

1. To Market Your Blog

Once you create an e-portfolio, it will be easy to get connected with your readers. You can also promote yourself as an author and increase your followers. Later, when you publish books, you will find many of these readers are interested in buying your book.
2. To Grab Readers’ Attention

When your first book will find its place in the portfolio, the number of readers will increase. They might start following you on various other online publishing platforms. If they like your collection of work, they might even buy your upcoming books.

3. To Showcase Your Writing Skill

Everybody needs to showcase their work just like an artist needs to showcase their designs and styles. Likewise, freelance writers should showcase their skills to help clients analyze their work and enhance the bond with their readers.
To create an effective portfolio, you must write a powerful and thoughtful “Bio” or “About Me” so that readers find it interesting. If they like your writing style and find your articles engaging, they would regularly visit your portfolio and read your posts.
Now, let us see how to create an effective and unique portfolio that would showcase the samples of your writing.

What Should I Add to My Portfolio When I Don’t Have Any Experience?
If you are an aspiring writer, I believe you have a passion for writing. So, you must have written short stories, poetry, essays, or any articles in school or college. In case you do not have any article ready with you to publish in your blog, then create your blog and publish these write-ups there. You can add your personal story or your experience during traveling to your favorite destinations. You can also write about the topics that interest you. Later, you can include all these write-ups in your portfolio.
You can publish your articles on the online platforms that pay you as per their policy or on the online platforms that do not pay the writers for publishing articles on their platform. Perhaps you are wondering why you would publish your articles on such platforms. These platforms might help you reach your target audience, get more reads and responses on your article, and increase your engagement with the readers. This is a significant step to build a professional portfolio.

6 Powerful Platforms for Building Your Portfolio

Your portfolio must clearly explain what type of marketing skills you possess and what is your niche or micro-niche – fashion, travel, science, finance, or other areas. It is highly recommended that Profile/Bio/About Me should be crisp and concise.

Name of the Portfolio-building Platform Link
Contently https://contently.com/

Clippings.me https://www.clippings.me/

Pressfolios https://pressfolios.com/

Journo Portfolio https://www.journoportfolio.com/

LinkedIn https://in.linkedin.com/

Pinterest https://in.pinterest.com/

What Should Be There in My e-Portfolio?
Your portfolio should be simple and designable, with no distractions. Your e-portfolio should comprise the following:
• You can select your best work for your portfolio based on your best testimonials.
• You can mention the accolades you have received, such as winning writing contests and display the certificates.
• If you use thumbnail images for each writing sample, you should use plug-ins and page builders so that to make your portfolio attractive.
• Your writing portfolio is a long-term asset, so update it regularly.
• You should mention a clear Call to Action (CTA) on your portfolio page.

Conclusion
Your e-portfolio is your primary sales tool and a long-term asset that will enable you to get more work. Imagine how confident you would feel when you have an e-portfolio of work samples that showcases your writing skill. It not only gives your business a professional look but also increases the chance of getting hired by potential customers, both domestic and overseas.
If you follow these suggestions and create a unique e-portfolio, your future will be bright and promising as a freelance content writer.

What do you do when clients want to see the samples of your writing during an interview? I believe you share with them your writing portfolio link that showcases your best work. This helps them evaluate the quality of your writing and find out whether you are the right fit for the job. You have an e-portfolio of your work samples, right? If you do not have an e-portfolio, read this blog post and create an e-portfolio. In this digital era, all freelance content writers must have an e-portfolio because it is considered to be one of the most effective marketing tools to attract potential clients. Creating a super-powerful portfolio maximizes the chances of grabbing the quick attention of potential clients, getting more work in less time, and earning more revenue. The appealing design and crisp writing will definitely make your portfolio unique. Let us dive into the following areas and identify the best ways to build your e-portfolio. What is a Writing Portfolio and Why Do You Need an e-Portfolio? A writing portfolio showcases your best work as a freelance content writer and your ability to write on multiple topics, including your niche topic. An e-portfolio also provides the link to the websites where your articles have already been published. So, an e-portfolio is a collection of a writer’s best work, which assures clients that the writer will be able to deliver high-quality, unique content. The portfolio will help you market yourself, your skills, and your accomplishments and establish your professional brand. These days many freelance writers are creating their portfolios to build their brand and gain Google authority. Building your branding will also be beneficial in drawing the attention of both domestic and overseas clients. Let me know your take on this in the comment section. Have you ever wondered how it would feel when your articles get published on leading online publishing platforms and readers from various corners of the world can read them? It will definitely boost your confidence. Benefits of Creating an e-Portfolio 1. To Market Your Blog Once you create an e-portfolio, it will be easy to get connected with your readers. You can also promote yourself as an author and increase your followers. Later, when you publish books, you will find many of these readers are interested in buying your book. 2. To Grab Readers’ Attention When your first book will find its place in the portfolio, the number of readers will increase. They might start following you on various other online publishing platforms. If they like your collection of work, they might even buy your upcoming books. 3. To Showcase Your Writing Skill Everybody needs to showcase their work just like an artist needs to showcase their designs and styles. Likewise, freelance writers should showcase their skills to help clients analyze their work and enhance the bond with their readers. To create an effective portfolio, you must write a powerful and thoughtful “Bio” or “About Me” so that readers find it interesting. If they like your writing style and find your articles engaging, they would regularly visit your portfolio and read your posts. Now, let us see how to create an effective and unique portfolio that would showcase the samples of your writing. What Should I Add to My Portfolio When I Don’t Have Any Experience? If you are an aspiring writer, I believe you have a passion for writing. So, you must have written short stories, poetry, essays, or any articles in school or college. In case you do not have any article ready with you to publish in your blog, then create your blog and publish these write-ups there. You can add your personal story or your experience during traveling to your favorite destinations. You can also write about the topics that interest you. Later, you can include all these write-ups in your portfolio. You can publish your articles on the online platforms that pay you as per their policy or on the online platforms that do not pay the writers for publishing articles on their platform. Perhaps you are wondering why you would publish your articles on such platforms. These platforms might help you reach your target audience, get more reads and responses on your article, and increase your engagement with the readers. This is a significant step to build a professional portfolio. 6 Powerful Platforms for Building Your Portfolio Your portfolio must clearly explain what type of marketing skills you possess and what is your niche or micro-niche – fashion, travel, science, finance, or other areas. It is highly recommended that Profile/Bio/About Me should be crisp and concise. Name of the Portfolio-building Platform Link Contently https://contently.com/ Clippings.me https://www.clippings.me/ Pressfolios https://pressfolios.com/ Journo Portfolio https://www.journoportfolio.com/ LinkedIn https://in.linkedin.com/ Pinterest https://in.pinterest.com/ What Should Be There in My e-Portfolio? Your portfolio should be simple and designable, with no distractions. Your e-portfolio should comprise the following: • You can select your best work for your portfolio based on your best testimonials. • You can mention the accolades you have received, such as winning writing contests and display the certificates. • If you use thumbnail images for each writing sample, you should use plug-ins and page builders so that to make your portfolio attractive. • Your writing portfolio is a long-term asset, so update it regularly. • You should mention a clear Call to Action (CTA) on your portfolio page. Conclusion Your e-portfolio is your primary sales tool and a long-term asset that will enable you to get more work. Imagine how confident you would feel when you have an e-portfolio of work samples that showcases your writing skill. It not only gives your business a professional look but also increases the chance of getting hired by potential customers, both domestic and overseas.

If you follow these suggestions and create a unique e-portfolio, your future will be bright and promising as a freelance content writer.

Hello, Beautiful souls! 

                Manshi started  writing her article in a very nice way. I liked it very much. She has presented her fine ideas and has given  9 things to do when you are alone at home.

                Thank you Manshi.

4 Areas of Improvement for Managers of Low Productive Teams

                   Are you a manager of a team that finds it difficult to catch up with the deadlines? Are your clients always unhappy with your team’s delivery performance? Then you should look to improve in the following three areas.

Introduction

                The productivity of a team is directly related to the cost of operations, the morale of the employees, and the satisfaction of the clients. If you are a manager who wants the work to get done somehow and not bothered about the productivity of your team, then you should think twice about your role.

                Here are the four areas where managers, who want to get many benefits by increasing the productivity of their team, should focus.

      The right composition of the team

               The solution for the productivity problem starts at the time of the recruitment of employees for your team. Selecting the right person for the right work is the key to increasing productivity.

                Managers often do the mistake of not giving enough attention to the composition of their teams. They create a team of individuals who are not aligned to the objective of the team and then struggle every day with fire-fighting at the shop floor. 

                Managers should follow these steps for maximizing the benefit during this phase.

1. Create a clear objective – every activity of the team should be centered around this objective
2. Make a list of the specific requirements of team members – you should know why you want whom you want.
3. Design the recruitment tests for the members based on the requirements
4. Even after the team is composed, you should test the members often on their alignment towards the common objective. If found that they are not aligned, think of re-shuffling the team mercilessly

       Put an end to bureaucracy

            Creativity and productivity are two things that can soar high if let free. If you tie the team’s performance with the chains of bureaucracy, then the productivity comes crashing down within no time.

             Energy is temporary. It cannot stay with a person forever. If the milestones of the project are postponed regularly because of approvals and other hurdles, then the team will lose their energy very fast.

              As a manager, you are responsible for keeping up the energy of your team high and you can do that in the following ways:

1. Leave your ego – Give your team the necessary and controlled freedom to take decisions on your behalf and in your absence. This can make them confident and also self-sufficient. They need not wait for your agreement on every little thing and can complete the work a lot faster

    2. Abolish the endless meetings’ culture – It is a common complaint among the employees of the corporate organizations that they are being forced to sit in endless meetings without having anything to say in the first place.

            Action point: If a meeting is felt necessary, frame the agenda beforehand, shortlist the participants based on their relevance in the discussion and then schedule the meeting for a very short time. Focussed meetings give better results than endless brainstorming sessions with irrelevant people.

        Promote a safe and clean workplace

          This is the most underrated area that can help in the improvement of productivity. An unsafe and clean environment will suck the energy out of the worker and thus decreases the value addition by them. The workers spend their time either in cleaning the dirt on their things or searching for a document that should be retrieved effortlessly.

       As a manager, you should promote a culture of a safe and clean environment in your team’s workspace. You can do that in the following ways:

1. Allow the team to allocate some time during working hours to clean and organize their workspace. The time they waste in searching for a document can be spent in completing the project on time
2. Encourage the team to visit other industries that follow good practices at the workplace that are reasons for high productivity
3. Deploy external consultants who are experts in the concepts like 5S to promote an orderly workplace
4. You should lead by example. You cannot ask them to maintain a clean workplace while you let the things at your workplace clutter

      Educate your team on productivity

            All the above tips are asking for efforts from the manager only. You might be wondering that what the employees will do on their part to improve productivity. We are giving some tips for them too, but it is your responsibility to provide the necessary resources to your team to get educated on the tools to improve productivity.

1. To-do list – Ask them to maintain a to-do list that can save them from skipping any important tasks so as to meet the deadlines. Review the delivery against the commitment made by your team member
2. Upgrading the skills – one cannot survive forever with the existing skills. They need to be upgraded time and again as per the changing job dynamics. Provide them with useful online courses and learning materials to upgrade
3. Don’t travel on two boats at the same time – Focus is the key. Your team member should not take every work given to him and then fail at everything. Concentrating on one thing at a time and giving full energy to that project can help in improving productivity. Many types of research have proved that ‘multi-tasking’ is a myth

     Bonus tool – Pomodoro technique

         The Pomodoro technique is a tool to improve the productivity of an individual or a team. Pomodoro in Italian translates to tomatoes and this tool advises the individual to work in sessions like a cut tomato.

       This tool helps improve the focus of your team member on completing the job by following the below steps:

1. Finalize the milestone to be reached
2. Set an alarm for 25 minutes
3. Switch off all the distractions
4. Work without diverting your focus till the deadline is reached
5. After 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break and repeat the above steps
6. After every 4 pomodoros, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes

This tool can help to refresh your brain and gives fresh energy to focus on the work for the next session

Conclusion

                  Non-productivity is a waste and it is to be cut. Otherwise, this will eat into the profits of the organization in the form of non-value added costs. If not rectified, gradually the organization’s survival comes into question. To learn more about the tools to improve the productivity of your teams, please send me a message at sarathlearner@gmail.com. I will contact you immediately.

Written by: Mokkapati K S Sarath Chandra, Digital Writopreneur and Content Writer

Edited by: Rajinder Soni, Writopreneurs’ Coach, and CEO

#digitalwritopreneurs #sarathchandra #productivity #rajindersoni