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Overthinking isn’t just a bad habit—it’s that constant background noise that makes even the smallest decisions feel like high-stakes tests. You replay conversations, imagine worst-case scenarios, and second-guess things that don’t even matter tomorrow. If you’ve been wondering, “how do I stop overthinking?” , you're in the right place. This isn’t about silencing your thoughts entirely—it's about finding clarity when your mind won’t stop racing. The problem is, overthinking can feel productive. Like you're being responsible, thorough, careful. But the truth? It’s just mental quicksand. The more you think, the deeper you sink. And while stop overthinking books  might offer some solid advice, most of us need something that actually fits into the chaos of everyday life—something practical, not preachy. This blog is your guide to how to stop overthinking  in a way that feels doable. No intense meditation retreats. No magic solutions. Just proven, relatable strategies grounded in psychology and real-world experience. It’s what we like to call the art of not overthinking —knowing when to zoom in, when to zoom out, and when to just let it go. If your brain goes into overdrive the moment your head hits the pillow, you’re not alone. We’ll walk through real tips to stop overthinking at night , so you can finally sleep without your mind scrolling through mental tabs you never meant to open. Sleep should be your reset, not a replay. And because this is about real change, not just inspiration, we’re closing the loop with mental exercises to stop overthinking  and strategies to quiet your mind . You’ll learn how to pause, reset, and—most importantly—relax. Let’s get into it. No more spirals. No more second-guessing. Just calm, focused thinking that works for  you, not against you. Why Do We Overthink? Overthinking  often feels like you're solving problems, but half the time you’re just marinating in stress. You play out 10 different scenarios, assume the worst, and somehow convince yourself that you just need a bit more time to “figure things out.”  But the truth is, overthinking isn’t about clarity—it’s about control. It’s your brain trying to prepare for all possible outcomes so you’re never caught off guard. But guess what? Life doesn’t run on scripts. Psychologically , overthinking is tied to anxiety and a need for certainty. When your brain senses a threat (real or imagined), it jumps into “protective mode.” This worked for our ancestors when escaping tigers—less so when you’re spiraling over a WhatsApp message that just says “ok.” Our brains haven’t evolved to distinguish between emotional and physical threats, so a mildly awkward conversation can send your mind into a full-on PowerPoint presentation of “what could’ve gone wrong.” Personally, I’ve caught myself overthinking  the simplest things. Like sending a work email. I’ll write it, read it four times, wonder if I sound too casual or too cold, check the tone, change “Hi” to “Hey,” then revert it back... and then never send it. 🙃 That’s when I realized: I wasn’t trying to improve the email—I was avoiding the discomfort of just moving on. That’s when thinking becomes too much thinking . Biologically, the prefrontal cortex (a.k.a. your decision-making HQ) goes into overdrive when you're anxious or emotionally overwhelmed. It’s like trying to solve a puzzle while someone blasts loud music in your ears. You’re technically capable, but it’s exhausting and ineffective. That's why overthinkers often feel mentally drained even without doing anything physically demanding. Here’s the thing—overthinking isn’t you being broken . It’s you trying to stay safe. But it becomes a problem when it stops you from living. When you’re stuck in thought loops about things that already happened or haven’t even happened yet, it robs you of joy, energy, and sometimes even sleep. That’s why learning how to stop overthinking  isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for your mental peace. So if you’ve been wondering, “why do I overthink so much?” , the answer is: your brain thinks it’s helping. But we’re about to show it a better way. The rest of this blog will give you real, grounded strategies to help quiet the noise—not by shutting your brain off, but by guiding it somewhere more peaceful. 🔑 11 Proven Strategies to Stop Overthinking (In Detail) Below are battle-tested, slightly cheeky, and totally practical strategies to quiet your mind . Sprinkle them into daily life, experiment, and keep what works. (P.S. I’ve tried every single one mid-deadline or at 3 a.m.—they pass the real-life test.) 1. Label the Thought Spiral Let’s be real—overthinking sneaks up on you. One moment you’re remembering something mildly embarrassing from 2019, and the next you’ve mentally drafted five apology emails to people who aren’t even thinking about it. The trick? Catch the spiral mid-spin  and name it. Out loud. Yes, seriously. Say something like, “Oh look, it’s my ‘Everyone Hates Me and My Outfit’ spiral again,” or “Ah, we’re back in the ‘What If I Messed Up That Job Interview?’ zone.” By doing this, you create distance between you and the thought. It’s a classic cognitive behavioral trick to switch off autopilot and engage your more rational brain. Labeling helps the prefrontal cortex (the part of your brain responsible for decisions and logic) step in and say, “Thanks, but no thanks.” You’re basically taking the power back from your inner chaos narrator. It might feel silly at first, but trust me— naming the storm calms it . Bonus tip? Give your spirals dramatic soap-opera names like “The Great Misunderstood Text of 2021.” Humor helps shrink their intensity. If you’re wondering how to stop overthinking and relax , this is your first mental boundary. And yes, it totally works even when you’re spiraling in your pajamas at 2 a.m. 2. Set a “Worry Timer” Here’s a fact: your brain loves structure, even if your sleep schedule doesn’t. Instead of pretending you're never going to worry again (lol), give your worries a container—a designated time and space to rant, panic, and spiral with full freedom. Here’s how it works: set a daily worry timer  for 10 minutes. (Mine’s at 6:30 p.m. because that’s when I start overthinking dinner, life decisions, and whether I sounded weird in that meeting.) During those 10 minutes, let your brain go wild. Write your worries down, talk them out, whatever works. But once the timer’s done— that’s it . You mentally shut the door on worry for the day. This method trains your brain to stop serving you anxious thoughts at random hours—especially when you're trying to sleep. It also reduces the guilt that comes with overthinking (“Ugh, why can’t I stop?”), because now, you're allowing worry—but only when you  say so. It’s one of the simplest yet most effective mental exercises to stop overthinking . You’re not suppressing your thoughts; you’re containing them. And over time, your brain gets the message: not now, worry buddy—your time slot is booked for later. 3. Try the 5-5-5 Rule Overthinking gives tiny problems giant megaphones. That comment you made in a meeting? Probably forgotten. That “read” WhatsApp left without a reply? Most likely not personal. But your brain? It says: “Red Alert. Full crisis mode.” Here’s where the 5-5-5 Rule  steps in. The next time you're spiraling, ask yourself: Will this matter in 5 minutes ? Will it matter in 5 weeks ? Will it matter in 5 years ? Chances are, the thing you’re obsessing over doesn’t even pass the first bar. The presentation mishap? Forgotten next week. The Instagram story that didn’t land? Gone in 24 hours. And if the issue does  pass the 5-week or 5-year check, that’s when you know it’s worth thoughtful action—not obsessive worry. This simple tool offers a powerful strategy to quiet your mind  because it brings instant perspective. It cuts through the noise and reminds you of what actually deserves your energy. You don’t have to dismiss everything—but you do get to filter what gets to stay in your mental living room. I keep this rule as a Post-it on my desk. It’s like having a mini therapist remind me: not every problem deserves full-screen attention . 4. Practice Mental Decluttering 🧠🗂️ If your brain feels like it has 57 open tabs, it’s time for some decluttering—mental Marie Kondo style. Overthinking is often just too many thoughts  screaming for attention. Some are useful (“Remember to pay rent”), some are junk (“What if that stranger thought I was rude?”), and others are pure noise (“Why did my crush take 11 hours to reply?”). The first step to managing it all is getting it out  of your head and onto paper . Every morning (or whenever you feel the mental clutter building), take five minutes to do a brain dump . No format, no pressure—just scribble everything that’s floating in your mind. Once it's on paper, go through it like you’re cleaning your desktop: File what’s important. Trash what’s irrelevant. Flag what needs follow-up. This exercise gives you distance from your thoughts. And strangely, seeing them written out makes them feel less scary, less loud. Think of it as a strategy to quiet your mind before work , not by ignoring your brain, but by organising it like a task list . It’s one of my favourite mental exercises to stop overthinking —because once your thoughts are filed, your mind can finally breathe. 5. Challenge Assumptions, Not Reality Overthinking has one favourite hobby: writing dramatic fiction. Without a single fact to back it up. It loves to take one tiny moment—say, your boss not replying on Slack—and spin it into a story: “They hate me. I’m getting fired. My career is over.”  Sound familiar? But here’s the catch: most of the time, we’re not reacting to reality—we’re reacting to assumptions . And assumptions are just guesses dressed up as facts. So the fix? Challenge the assumption, not the situation. Instead of asking, “Why didn’t she reply?” try, “What proof do I have that this means something bad?” Often, the answer is... none. Flip the script. Maybe she’s in a meeting. Maybe her dog needed an emergency vet visit. Maybe she just missed it. Happens! This mindset shift gives you your power back. You don’t need to suppress the thought, but you do need to demand evidence  before accepting it as truth. So if you’re wondering how to stop overthinking and relax , remember this: reality is rarely as dramatic as your brain’s worst-case screenplay. 6. Write It Down, Close the Tab You know that feeling when your computer slows down because too many tabs are open? That’s your brain when you’re juggling ten unspoken fears and three overanalyzed convos at once. Here’s what works for me: when I notice I’m obsessing over something—a weird interaction, an unfinished task, or just plain anxiety—I write it down on a sticky note. That’s it. One sentence. One thought. Out of the head, onto a page. Then? I physically stick it somewhere and walk away. It’s my mental version of “Save & Close.” Once written, your brain no longer feels the need to keep “refreshing” that tab. Why? Because it’s saved. It knows the thought is safe, handled, and can be reopened if actually needed. This trick especially shines during high-stress work weeks, where how to stop overthinking and relax  feels like a joke. Instead of wasting energy on loops, you redirect it into clarity. And guess what? Most of those sticky notes never even get revisited—because the act of writing was enough. 7. Reduce Info Overload (Digital Detox) Let’s be honest—your brain was not designed to process 94 notifications before breakfast. We live in a world that delivers news alerts, hot takes, and “urgent” emails non-stop. And while that may feel normal, it’s quietly fueling your overthinking engine. Too many inputs = too many thoughts. Your mind doesn’t get the time or space to filter what matters , so everything starts to feel important, urgent, or threatening. So here’s what worked for me: I muted half my Slack channels. I set screen time limits for Instagram and Twitter. I cut my feed to just 20 creators who actually nourish  my brain. Within days, the noise dropped. With it, the spirals too. Why? Because less data in  means fewer mental tabs  trying to interpret and react. And that’s how you unlock one of the most underrated strategies to quiet your mind . 8. Move Your Body to Break the Loop When your mind is sprinting, make your body sprint — or at least wiggle. A brisk seven-minute stair run jolts you out of rumination by pumping up brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), the Miracle-Gro that sparks fresh neural connections. Translation: movement literally rewires your headspace for clearer thinking. On deadline days, I speed-walk the office corridors between meetings; by lap three, the argument I was replaying feels embarrassingly small. No stairs or gym? Throw on a three-minute song and dance like nobody’s screen-recording. 🚀 Any burst of movement overrides looping thoughts and doubles as a sneaky mental exercise to stop overthinking  before your coffee even cools. 9. Use the “So What?” Method Overthinking loves big, scary what-ifs . The antidote is an equally blunt so what?   Example: “What if the presentation flops?” → So what?  “People will judge me.” → So what?  “I’ll feel embarrassed.” → So what?  “I’ll survive and try again.” Keep drilling until you hit a shrug-worthy truth that feels lighter than the original fear. The exercise yanks fantasies into daylight, where they shrink to normal-human size. I once “so-what-ed” myself through a full rejection spiral about a client pitch; by round five, my worst-case scenario was “eat ice-cream, update portfolio, move on.” Brutal? Sure. But weirdly liberating, and one of the fastest strategies to quiet your mind  when catastrophising. 10. Practice Mindfulness or Breathwork Mindfulness isn’t just a buzzword; it’s nervous-system maintenance. Box-breathing (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4) kick-starts your parasympathetic “calm” switch, drops cortisol, and reminds the brain you’re safe. I pair ten rounds with my phone’s loading screens—if I’ve got time to doom-scroll, I’ve got time to breathe. Prefer variety? Try 5-4-3-2-1 grounding: name five things you see, four you feel, three you hear, two you smell, one you taste. Simple, portable, and physiologically wired to show you how to stop overthinking and relax  on command. 🧘‍♂️ 11. Replace Ruminating with Real Action The final power-move: convert thought loops into tiny tasks. Worried about your health? Book the doctor—30 seconds, done. Spiralling over a friendship misstep? Fire off an “Hey, can we chat?” text. Every micro-action signals to your brain, “Issue addressed, resources released.” During a product launch, I kept a column called Next 2-Minute Step ; whenever anxiety surfaced, I tackled one item—update a slide, schedule a check-in, refill my water. Action builds momentum, and momentum crowds out rumination. Over time, the habit retrains your mind: worry becomes a cue for movement, not paralysis—a potent recipe for how to stop overthinking  long-term. 🌙 Tips to Stop Overthinking at Night We’ve all been there—tucked in, lights off, phone down... and suddenly your brain goes, “Remember that embarrassing thing from 2009?” Night-time spirals are not  just annoying—they’re physiological. Why Night-Time Spirals Hit Hard At night, distractions vanish and the brain finally has quiet—too much quiet. Your cortisol levels drop, melatonin rises, and without external stimuli, your brain defaults to internal noise . Combine that with low energy, no daylight logic, and possibly scrolling through someone’s perfectly curated wedding album at 11:42 p.m.? Boom: spiral time. This is when people search “how do I stop overthinking?” —and for good reason. These loops feel bigger, messier, and more personal under moonlight. Bedtime Routines That Actually Help Instead of lying there fighting your thoughts, build a 15-minute wind-down that tells your body: “We’re done thinking for the day.” Mine? I switch to dim lighting, read a trashy mystery (the dumber, the better), and sip a mint tea. The trick is consistency , not perfection. Your brain learns to associate these cues with calm. Also: screens off at least 30 minutes before bed. The blue light messes with melatonin, and TikTok rabbit holes only feed the overthinking beast. Tools That Work Like Magic Brain dumps and journaling are the nighttime equivalent of dragging your desktop clutter into the Recycle Bin. Just 5 minutes of scribbling whatever’s on your mind can offload enough mental weight to fall asleep. Grounding tools  help too: try the 5-4-3-2-1 method to re-centre in your body, or keep a worry notebook next to your bed—so your brain knows it doesn’t need to ‘remember’ that weird email draft you forgot to delete in 2018. Breath Is Your Superpower Guided meditations or simple breathwork can shortcut you into sleep mode. Try box breathing (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4) or the 4-7-8 technique. You’re not trying to erase thoughts—you’re switching focus from thinking  to feeling . Apps like Insight Timer or Calm offer sleep-specific audio tracks that are essentially lullabies for overthinkers. Trust me—this is where the art of not overthinking  begins: not by fixing your thoughts, but by soothing your nervous system. Mindset Shifts That Help Long-Term 🧠✨ Tactics are great, but mindset shifts are what keep you from relapsing into Overthink Mode every other Tuesday. These aren’t overnight fixes—but they’re gamechangers for mastering the art of not overthinking . 💭 From Perfection → Progress Perfectionism is overthinking’s BFF. The belief that everything must be flawless creates infinite loops: is this the right choice? Could it be better? What will they think? Swap it for progress thinking . Ask, “Is this better than yesterday?” not “Is this ideal?” For instance, I used to rewrite email subject lines six times. Now, I hit send if it's clear and not terrible . Done. Living proof: imperfect action gets results faster than perfect paralysis. 🔒 From Control → Trust Overthinking is your brain’s attempt to control the future. Spoiler alert: you can’t. But you can  trust yourself to handle whatever comes. This mindset shift looks like choosing a path, even when you're not 100% sure—then backing yourself to adapt. It's how I started freelancing. Terrifying? Yes. But I trusted I'd figure it out. And I did. (Mostly.) 👀 From Obsessing → Observing Here’s the Jedi-level move: instead of being inside  the spiral, become the observer  of it. When a thought loops, say: “Interesting. My brain is anxious about that again.” This tiny distance is powerful. It puts you  in charge. You can still feel the anxiety—but now you’re watching it, not drowning in it. That’s the quiet power behind how do I stop overthinking? —you stop identifying with every single thought. You let them float by like clouds. You choose which ones to water. FAQs About Overthinking Let’s face it—when you’re deep in Overthink Town, all you want are straight answers. So here’s your friendly, no-jargon guide to the most searched questions about overthinking (yes, we've all typed at least three of these at 2 a.m.). 💤 Why can’t I stop overthinking at night? Because your brain finally has quiet—and it doesn’t know what to do with it. During the day, distractions like meetings, errands, and memes keep your mind busy. At night, with no input and low energy, your brain turns inward. This is why tips to stop overthinking at night —like brain dumps, soothing routines, and breathwork—can make a massive difference. Your mind needs a wind-down just like your body does. 🧠 Is overthinking a mental illness? Not on its own. But chronic overthinking can  be a symptom or sidekick of conditions like anxiety disorders, OCD, or depression. If overthinking interferes with your daily life, sleep, or decision-making for long periods, it’s worth speaking with a professional. Therapy doesn’t mean something’s “wrong”—it just means you’re getting the right tools. 💬 Does therapy help with overthinking? Big yes. Therapists (especially CBT-based ones) help you identify thinking traps, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and build better mental habits. Even a few sessions can arm you with techniques like cognitive reframing and grounding—AKA the art of not overthinking . Think of therapy like a mental gym: it strengthens your brain’s ability to bounce back. 🛠️ What are some daily habits to reduce overthinking? A few go-tos: Morning brain dumps 📝 Limiting screen time (especially doomscrolling) Regular movement (walks, yoga, dance breaks) Mindfulness or breathwork (just 5 minutes counts) Journaling at night instead of ruminating in bed These are simple but effective mental exercises to stop overthinking  when done consistently. 🤔 How do I stop being an overthinker? First, label the identity: you’re someone who overthinks , not an overthinker . Then: Notice your patterns Interrupt the spiral (see our 11 proven strategies) Replace looping with small actions It’s not about being thought-free—it’s about having the tools to redirect your focus. Spoiler: You’re more in control than your brain wants you to believe. 💪 ❓ Why do I overthink so much? You might be wired that way—sensitive, analytical, deeply curious people are more prone to overthinking. But it’s also a learned habit, often reinforced by perfectionism, fear of failure, or trauma. The good news? Habits can change. Learning how to stop overthinking and relax  is a skill anyone can build. ⚠️ Is being an overthinker bad? Not necessarily. Thinking deeply isn’t a flaw—it’s how  and how often  you do it. If it’s helping you solve problems, reflect, and grow—great. But if it’s causing decision paralysis, anxiety, or emotional burnout? That’s your cue to intervene. Overthinking is only harmful when it becomes chronic or uncontrollable. 🧩 What is overthinking a symptom of? It can signal underlying anxiety, perfectionism, low self-esteem, or high stress levels. It may also be your brain’s way of trying to regain control in uncertain situations. In other words: your mind is trying to help... but doing too much. Learning to observe (rather than obey) your thoughts is key in the art of not overthinking . If you are looking for more insights on mindset growth and productivity, follow productivitywithcheryl for it.

No matter how much you plan your day, time always seems to slip away. You start with a to-do list full of ambition, yet by evening, half of it remains untouched. Time management skills  aren’t just about packing more into your day—they're about using time wisely to get things done without feeling overwhelmed. Balancing school, work, and personal life can feel impossible when distractions are everywhere. Whether you're a student struggling with deadlines, a professional buried under meetings, or just trying to keep life organised, knowing how to improve time management  makes all the difference. This guide isn't about waking up at 4 AM or following unrealistic routines. It's packed with practical, no-fluff strategies  to help you manage your time better in 2025. Let’s get started! Table of Contents The Benefits of Time Management 5 Ways to Improve Time Management Time Management Techniques That Work How to Improve Time Management for Students How to Improve Time Management at Home How to Improve Time Management in the Workplace Final Thoughts The Benefits of Time Management Time management isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about working smarter, reducing stress, and making room for what truly matters . Here’s why mastering this skill is important: 1. Less Stress, More Control When you plan your day effectively, you avoid the dreaded last-minute panic. Research shows that structured schedules reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone). I used to procrastinate until deadlines loomed over me, leading to all-nighters and caffeine-fueled breakdowns. Once I started planning ahead, my stress levels dropped, and I actually enjoyed my work. 2. Increased Productivity Without Burnout Studies suggest that people who manage their time well get 25% more done  without feeling exhausted. This isn’t about cramming more into your day—it’s about focusing on the right things. I once wasted hours switching between emails, Slack, and tasks, feeling ‘busy’ but accomplishing little. The moment I implemented time-blocking, I finished work faster and had actual free time. 3. More Free Time for What You Love Good time management helps you reclaim hours you’d otherwise waste. A study by the American Psychological Association found that structured routines give people an extra 2-3 hours of leisure time per day . That means guilt-free Netflix, hobbies, or just unwinding without feeling like you ‘should be working’. 4. Improved Focus & Fewer Distractions Multitasking is a myth. Research shows that shifting between tasks reduces efficiency by 40% . I used to believe I could write reports while scrolling social media—turns out, I was just making everything take twice as long. Now, I dedicate deep-focus time for work and save distractions for later. Watch how I am making the most of my time in 2025 in this video: 5. Greater Success in School, Work, and Life Whether you’re a student, a professional, or an entrepreneur, time management is the key to consistent success. A Harvard Business Review study found that high achievers plan their time meticulously , prioritising deep work over-reactive tasks. My biggest breakthrough came when I stopped reacting to emails all day and focused on key goals first thing in the morning. Mastering time isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters. Now, let’s get into the best research-backed strategies   to improve your time management in 2025. Research-Backed Ways to Improve Time Management Time Auditing: Track Your Time Like a Budget Most people don’t realise how much time they waste daily. Studies show that individuals underestimate their distractions by up to 50%. Try this: Track everything you do for three days using an app like Toggl. Identify patterns—where is your time really going? Cut out time-wasters and set limits on low-value tasks. I did a time audit and found I was losing 2+ hours daily to mindless scrolling. Now, I set app usage limits and reclaim that time for learning. 2. The 2-Minute Rule: Small Wins Add Up If something takes less than 2 minutes, do it immediately. Research suggests that quick task completion builds momentum and reduces mental clutter. Example: Instead of letting emails pile up, I answer quick ones on the spot. This prevents my inbox from turning into an overwhelming black hole. 3. Strategic Procrastination: Delay Wisely Not all procrastination is bad. The Zeigarnik Effect states that our brains remember unfinished tasks better. If you start a task briefly and step away, your brain continues processing it in the background. Example: I draft article outlines, leave them, and come back later. My brain has already done half the work subconsciously. 4. Energy Management, Not Just Time Management Some hours are naturally more productive than others. Research on circadian rhythms shows that peak focus occurs in 90-minute cycles . How to apply: Identify when you're most alert. Schedule deep work during peak hours. Reserve low-energy times for emails and admin work. I used to force myself to write at night, but I realised my best work happens in the morning. Now, I schedule my hardest tasks first thing. 5. The 'One Thing' Rule: Prioritise Like a CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos use this principle—focus on one big task per day . Research supports this—people who set a single priority achieve 80% more . I tried this and saw instant results. Instead of juggling 10 mediocre tasks, I pick one impactful task  and ensure it gets done. Time Management Strategies Backed by Research Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed by your endless to-do list and the pressure of deadlines? If so, you're not alone. Many individuals struggle with managing their time effectively, but the good news is that there are proven techniques that can significantly enhance your productivity and reduce stress. Here are four research-backed strategies that have been shown to work: 1. The Eisenhower Matrix – Prioritise Like a Pro Developed by President Dwight Eisenhower, this powerful method allows you to sort tasks into four distinct categories, helping you to clarify what demands your immediate attention and what can wait. This categorization is essential for effective time management. Urgent & Important – Do it now: These tasks are critical and time-sensitive. They require your immediate focus and action, as they are often associated with deadlines or crises. Personally, I often find myself in this category, especially when unexpected issues arise at work, forcing me to prioritize them above all else. Important but Not Urgent – Schedule it: These tasks are significant for your long-term goals but do not require immediate action. By scheduling them, you ensure that they receive the attention they deserve without the stress of urgency. I’ve learned to block time on my calendar for these tasks, which has helped me make consistent progress on my personal projects. Urgent but Not Important – Delegate it: These tasks may seem pressing but do not contribute significantly to your overall objectives. If possible, delegate these to someone else, freeing up your time for more important work. In my experience, learning to delegate has been tough but rewarding; it allows me to focus on what truly matters. Neither Urgent Nor Important – Delete it: These tasks are distractions that do not contribute to your productivity. Identifying and eliminating them can help you focus on what truly matters. I’ve found that regularly reviewing my tasks helps me spot these distractions and remove them from my schedule. 2. Time Blocking – Plan Your Day in Advance This technique involves assigning specific time slots for different tasks throughout your day, creating a structured schedule that promotes productivity and minimizes distractions. I started using time blocking last year, and it has transformed my daily routine. You might allocate 8-10 AM for deep work, where you tackle your most challenging projects without interruptions. Then, from 10:30-11:30 AM, you could set aside time for meetings, followed by a lunch break from 12-1 PM to recharge. This structured approach has helped me maintain focus and significantly reduce procrastination. Research indicates that time blocking not only increases focus but also helps prevent distractions and multitasking, which can significantly reduce overall productivity. By committing to a structured approach, you can ensure that each task receives the attention it deserves. I’ve noticed that when I stick to my blocks, I accomplish more in less time. 3. The Pomodoro Technique – Work Smarter, Not Harder This innovative technique encourages you to work in short, focused bursts. Specifically, you work for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. After completing four cycles, you take a longer break of 15-30 minutes to recharge. I’ve found this method to be incredibly effective in maintaining my concentration and energy levels. The Pomodoro Technique leverages the power of short bursts of work to enhance concentration and minimize the risk of burnout. By breaking your work into manageable intervals, you can maintain a high level of focus and energy throughout the day, making it easier to tackle even the most daunting tasks. Personally, I feel more accomplished when I complete each Pomodoro session. 4. The 80/20 Rule – Focus on High-Impact Tasks Also known as the Pareto Principle, this rule posits that 80% of your results often come from just 20% of your efforts. Identifying and prioritizing those high-impact tasks can lead to significant improvements in productivity and effectiveness. I’ve started applying this rule to my studies, focusing on the subjects that will yield the highest grades for my overall GPA. For students, this might mean focusing on core subjects or projects that will have the most substantial impact on their grades, rather than spreading their efforts too thinly across less important assignments. By concentrating on these key areas, I’ve found that my overall performance has improved significantly. Watch this video to know more about such techniques: How to Improve Time Management for Students Being a student often feels like doing a dozen things at once—classes, assignments, social life, part-time jobs, and the occasional attempt at self-care. If you’ve ever found yourself staring at an unfinished essay at midnight, wondering where the day went, you’re not alone. The good news? Time management skills can be learned, and once you master them, life becomes way less stressful. Here are 5 ways to improve time management as a student so you can stay on top of your workload and still have time for fun. 1. Use a Digital Planner – Your Brain Isn’t a Calendar I used to rely on sticky notes and memory to track deadlines, but let’s be real—that never worked. Instead of scrambling last minute, use apps like Notion, Google Calendar, or Todoist to plan everything in advance. ✅ Set deadlines for assignments (and aim to finish a day early). ✅ Schedule study sessions like actual appointments. ✅ Add reminders so you don’t forget test dates or submission deadlines. One of the biggest benefits of time management is less stress. With a planner, you can stop the cycle of last-minute cramming and actually enjoy your free time guilt-free. 2. Set Realistic Goals – No More Last-Minute Panic We’ve all promised ourselves, “I’ll finish this entire project in one night,” only to end up doom-scrolling TikTok at 2 AM. The trick? Break big tasks into smaller steps. Instead of saying “I need to write a research paper,” break it down like this: 📌 Monday – Find research sources 📌 Tuesday – Write an outline 📌 Wednesday – Draft the introduction 📌 Thursday – Finish the first draft 📌 Friday – Edit and finalize This approach makes even huge assignments feel doable and keeps procrastination in check. It’s the same concept professionals use when learning how to improve time management in the workplace—small, structured goals lead to big wins. 3. Avoid Multitasking – It’s Ruining Your Productivity I used to think I was a multitasking genius—watching Netflix while doing homework, checking texts during lectures, and listening to music while writing essays. But then I found out multitasking reduces productivity by 40%. Instead of juggling tasks, use the Pomodoro Technique: This method works whether you’re studying, cleaning your room, or working on assignments. In fact, it’s also a great tip for how to improve time management at home—you can use it for chores, meal prepping, or even working on side projects. 4. Leverage Study Techniques – Work Smarter, Not Harder Ever read a chapter three times and still not remember anything? That’s where better study techniques come in. One of my favourites is the Feynman Technique, which works like this: Pick a concept and explain it like you’re teaching a 5-year-old. If you struggle, go back and re-learn the weak spots. Keep simplifying until it makes sense in plain language. This trick helps you actually understand the material instead of just memorising it. It’s one of the best time management skills because it makes study sessions more efficient, so you don’t waste hours rereading the same thing. 5. Know When to Say No – Protect Your Time One of the hardest lessons I learned was that I can’t do everything. Between clubs, social events, and part-time jobs, I kept overloading my schedule. But learning to say no changed everything. Ask yourself: Does this event align with my priorities? Will this make me fall behind on deadlines? Am I saying yes just because of FOMO? If it doesn’t help you grow or serve your goals, skip it. Whether you’re a student, working from home, or in an office, setting boundaries is key to how to improve time management in the workplace, at home, and in life. How to Improve Time Management at Home Home should be a place of peace, not a never-ending to-do list. But let’s be real—between chores, work, and the temptation to binge-watch an entire Netflix series in one night, managing time at home can feel impossible. I’ve had my fair share of “I’ll just take a five-minute break” moments that somehow turned into a three-hour TikTok spiral. Here’s how I got my life (mostly) together. Create a Routine (and Stick to It) I used to wake up with the intention of being productive, but by the end of the day, I had no idea where my time went. Creating a routine changed everything. Now, I set fixed times for workouts, cleaning, and even relaxation. It sounds boring, but knowing that 8 AM is for exercise and 7 PM is for unwinding actually makes my days feel less stressful. Plus, routines help fight the “I’ll do it later” trap. Batch Similar Tasks to Save Time Batching tasks has been such a relief. Instead of doing dishes five times a day or cooking every single meal from scratch, I now meal prep on Sundays. It saves so much time and mental energy during the week. I apply the same trick to cleaning—if I’m already vacuuming, I might as well dust and wipe down surfaces in one go. Doing similar tasks together stops me from feeling like I’m constantly doing housework. Gamify Your Productivity with Habit Trackers I’m a sucker for to-do lists, but I used to write them down and forget about them immediately. That’s when I found Habitica, a habit tracker that makes productivity feel like a game. It gives you points for completing tasks, which is weirdly motivating. Now, ticking off chores feels like a win instead of a chore (pun intended). If you love a little dopamine boost, try a habit tracker—it works wonders. Set Boundaries (Especially If You Work from Home) Working from home can be a productivity killer if you don’t set boundaries. I used to work from my bed, which meant my brain never fully switched into “work mode.” Creating a dedicated workspace, even if it’s just a tiny corner of the room, made a huge difference. It’s like tricking my brain into knowing when it’s time to focus and when it’s time to relax. Plus, it helps keep work from bleeding into personal time. Limit Screen Time Before It Eats Your Whole Day Finally, limiting screen time is the hardest but most effective thing I’ve done. I used to lose hours scrolling through social media, convincing myself I was “just taking a break.” Apps like Freedom help by blocking distractions when I need to focus. The first few days were tough, but now I actually get things done before I spiral into YouTube rabbit holes. It turns out, when you’re not glued to your phone, you actually have way more time for yourself. Managing time at home isn’t about squeezing in more tasks—it’s about making space for what actually matters. With a few small changes, you’ll have time for chores, hobbies, and still get to relax without feeling guilty. How to Improve Time Management in the Workplace Workdays have a sneaky way of disappearing. One moment, you’re sipping your morning coffee, feeling productive, and the next, it's 5 PM, and your to-do list hasn’t shrunk at all. Been there. The good news? With a few smart tweaks, you can actually work smarter , not longer. Here’s how I turned my work chaos into something a little more manageable. Plan Your Day the Night Before 🍲 Mornings are not  my peak decision-making time. If I don’t have a plan, I spend the first hour figuring out what to do, checking emails, and getting distracted by Slack messages. The game-changer? Planning my day the night before. I jot down my top priorities, schedule deep-focus work in the morning (when my brain actually functions), and leave admin tasks for later. Waking up already knowing what needs to be done cuts out the morning stress and makes me way more efficient. Follow the Two-Minute Rule Ever had a small task sit on your list forever  because you kept putting it off? I used to do this with things like replying to emails or updating spreadsheets. Then I found the Two-Minute Rule —if something takes less than two minutes, just do it immediately. No overthinking, no procrastination. It stops small tasks from piling up into a huge, stressful backlog. I’ve saved so much mental energy just by dealing with quick tasks on the spot. Eliminate Unnecessary Meetings Nothing kills productivity faster than a meeting that should have been an email . I used to sit through hour-long meetings where half the time was spent figuring out why we were even there. Now, I actively question whether I need  to be in a meeting. Can it be a quick Slack message? A shared document? If a meeting is  necessary, I keep it short with a clear agenda. Less time in pointless meetings = more time for real work. Use Automation to Handle the Boring Stuff Repetitive tasks drain so much time. I used to manually update reports, send follow-up emails, and do other mindless admin work. Then I discovered Zapier , and wow—automation is life-changing . It connects different apps to handle boring tasks for you. Now, emails get sent automatically, data updates itself, and I don’t waste time on things that don’t actually need me . If you’re not automating at least a few tasks, you’re making life harder than it needs to be. Communicate Clearly to Avoid Endless Back-and-Forths Nothing slows work down more than vague emails or unclear instructions. I once spent days  on a project only to find out I had completely misunderstood what was needed. Now, I make sure every email, message, or request is crystal clear. Bullet points help. So does setting expectations for responses. The fewer misunderstandings, the less time wasted fixing avoidable mistakes. Wrapping up Time management at work isn’t about doing more —it’s about doing the right things, in the right way, at the right time. A little planning, fewer distractions, and smart automation can make your workday so  much smoother. You’ll get more done without  working longer hours—because nobody wants to stay late just to finish something that could’ve been done before lunch. For more such content around time management and productivity, find us on Instagram .

Let’s not conceal the fact that finding a job is a challenging task. Especially as freshers, it’s difficult to find the right organization, work culture and managers – and more importantly the role you are passionate about. Thousands of job boards are now available online. This means that not only are recruiters and hiring managers more easily accessible now, but millions of candidates are now able to access this information. This signals that unlike a decade ago, now finding a job is no less of a skill. You may apply to a hundred job posts, but yet not find one that suits your liking. Being a fresher means that you are also looking for an experience that will help you land better jobs. However, a common situation that arises during interviews is that many recruiters want freshers who have some experience in the work that is described in the job description. While this may be a catch 22 situation, the only thing you can do is to level up your profile so that you can have better chances of being noticed by recruiters. In this article, we will help you figure out a few interesting and creative ways in which you can land a job quickly as a fresher – no matter in which industry you are working or what job role you are applying to. So let’s make your job search and get the (first) offer letter way faster than anyone can. Making a list One of the first things to think about when applying for a job as a fresher is to take a note of the industry you want to work in. While some of you may simply opt for the first job that reflects on your feed, it’s better to give it a thought about where exactly you want to work. For instance, if you are driven by the work done by people in the hospitality sector, then it’s worth applying for jobs in this industry. One of the most important reasons for choosing an industry is to help you find a niche. This primarily has a deeper role to play in the long term of your career. However, it’s no surprise that many people tend to change their industries often and that is quite fine. That said, gaining expertise in a particular industry helps in becoming a subject matter expert in the long run which can have a great role to play in the future of your career. Once you know which industries you want to apply to, make a list of them in order of your preference. You can even divide the page into four quadrants — each signifying the level at which you are interested. It’s time to go online Once you have finalized the industries you want to work in, search for companies in these industries. This will give you a good idea about what are some works that these companies are doing, what are their mission and vision — and also what are some key terminologies that they use. We know finding a job in the top companies in any of these industries isn’t easy. But what this research will help you with is to discover what are the latest works done by these companies and what are the latest trends in the industry. If these companies have released any free reports, download them and give them a read. This will help you later, which we will talk about in the next point. Create a portfolio and resume A resume is one of the most essential things you need to get a job. But what’s also important is to create a portfolio of your work. This is even more important if you are applying for a role in the creative space — like graphic designing, copywriting, or social media marketing. Being a fresher, you may not have too many works to show that may have been published online or made for clients. So, to make an impressive portfolio, you can consider including remaking content that is already online. For example, you can be recreating social media posts for a brand, designing a sample website for a brand and more. Create a professional profile Recruiting today has gone beyond the office premises. There have been instances when people have been recruited based on their social media profiles, tweets, videos and more. Today recruiters are available online and most of them are seeking to connect with candidates on multiple platforms. So consider creating profiles on social media platforms to grow your professional network and even showcase your works or subject matter expertise. Some social media platforms worth checking out are LinkedIn, GitHub, Medium, and AngelList. Once you have created your profile, it’s worth connecting with recruiters and networking with experts in the industry you aspire to work in. Send cold emails Before you send out the cold emails, remember that of the hundreds of emails, you send out – not everyone may reply. But that doesn’t mean that you cannot get an opportunity. To send cold emails, it’s important to write in a way that doesn’t sound like you are being too desperate to get an opportunity. Rather, it’s about driving a conversation and connecting with people from the industry. So even if you do not have any experience but happen to have a portfolio, feel free to reach out to prospective clients or hiring managers. Once someone replies, you can tell them about some of the works you have done or share your portfolio. So these were some highly effective ways you can go about getting a job quickly as a fresher. Share this blog with someone who can use these tips to take their careers to the next level. For more such insightful blogs on careers, productivity and lifestyle, click here .

The struggle to get things done is real. Whether you are the CEO of a company, a stay-at-home dad, a working mom, someone who is at the peak of their career, a student or just starting out on making some money – everyone has different sets of tasks to complete in a day. And if you are like thousands (actually millions) out there, there’s always a day when you have either one or a bunch of tasks left to be done in a day. Just so you know – that’s absolutely fine. No matter where you live – be it in the city, the countryside or even on an island, technology is an important element in your life. Of course, that’s the core reason why you are able to read The Cherticle . But what’s been happening ever since we have been guided/tutored/supported/engulfed by technology is that now we rely on technology for most of our things. And that’s where some of us have gone wrong. No, we aren’t saying you need to get rid of technology. In fact, we want you to make the ‘smartest’ use of technology — such that it makes your life much more productive. But to do that, you need to understand what personal productivity is and what you need to do to have a great personal productivity routine. So let’s get started! What really is personal productivity? Productivity has become a buzzword. And many popular sources would have you believe that personal productivity is all about waking up early, doing multiple tasks in a day, setting up an aesthetic workstation and being able to work on fancy electronics. To get started, personal productivity is none of the above. In fact, personal productivity starts when you are able to get things done that are most important to you. It does not matter if you are someone who’s making some money or staying at home to manage your family. At the Cherticle , we are considering productivity that anyone can achieve across industries and professions. Now to level up how much you can achieve in a day, it’s important to ensure that you prioritize your health and then indulge in all your tasks. This is because many people now believe that productivity is all about hustling. You may turn up some chill music and keep working throughout the day. Personal productivity is not limited to only tasks you do to make your home cleaner and nicer. It’s also not about putting together a presentation for your team at every Zoom meeting. Personal productivity is deeper. It’s also about the contentment of completing tasks on your list. This is what takes us to what makes personal productivity important. Why is Personal Productivity Important? The work you do professionally helps you to build some money that you are able to use to fulfill your material goals. But some confuse personal productivity with something that directly makes them some money. While it’s a good thing to be able to make money off of productive habits, it’s also important to note that personal productivity is a larger concept. For us, it’s the internal manifestation of satisfaction. It’s good to be ambitious and keep yourself constantly engaged in doing activities that bring monetary results. But to amp up your personal productivity, you need to consider it more an activity that makes you wealthier and not just richer. Personal productivity is, thus, important to make you feel good about the things you have achieved. It also helps in boosting positivity in your life by making it easier to do daily things in your life. Personal productivity is moreover a way to be able to build a systemic approach to your daily life. It helps you streamline things in your life, practise what makes you good and build not just a richer — but also a healthier life. Now you know what personal productivity is and why it is important to know about it. Now let’s see how you can improve your personal productivity. How to improve personal productivity? Empathize on growth Not every task you do needs to bring some monetary gain. For improving personal productivity, try to include goals that can help you grow. This could be learning a new skill for at least an hour a day or reading some textbooks that are different from your career path. This helps in expanding your thinking and broadening your perspective on different things in life. Time your tasks Dedicate time slots to each of your tasks. In this way, you can minimize instances in which you end up doing just a single task throughout the day. But before you assign time slots for your tasks, consider how long each task would ideally take. Do not overestimate or underestimate the time that will be required to accomplish each task. Concentrate on each task Today we are constantly distracted by social media. But when you are trying to grow your personal productivity, it’s important to keep distractions away for some time. This will ensure you are able to focus in-depth on the tasks you are doing and not invest the allotted time in social media or other distractions. Take breaks When you are scheduling your day, ensure you are keeping a few minutes for a break. Take your time to go out for a walk if you feel like it, play with your pet or even cook or do spend some time with your family. Change your workspace This is even more important for those working from home. A change of scene is always good to get more things done. If you have a dedicated office at your home, sometimes take the liberty from the couch in the living area or balcony. This would help you break the monotony of the day and bring some element of change to your routine. Alright, that’s all for this blog on personal productivity. Remember to make the most out of your time and never feel that you have not done enough. Have some comments or thoughts on productivity, life and careers? Feel free to get in touch with us .

It’s almost the end of the day, and you glance at your to-do list. Everything is ticked off – which means all you had in mind planned for the day has been done. Well, the scenario mentioned above may not always be true. Being able to tick off all things or tasks on your to-do list can be a challenging thing to accomplish each day. The last few years have brought drastic changes to the way people work. Many working professionals now realize the power of their time and effort. That is why being productive at work is crucial. It helps not only accomplish goals that you have for the day at work but also come back home or finish the day feeling satisfied. Everyone has a different role to play at work. Some of us work in marketing, sales or human resources. Others have to travel and often are unable to stick to the same routine. Also, no matter which team or department you are in, you may not be able to fulfil all your tasks because of incessant meetings, abrupt business needs and so on. That’s why we figured out seven ways to maximize productivity at work. And these tips are irrespective of any industry or department you work in. Let’s get started. 🌤 Start early One of the smartest ways you can make the most of your time at work is by starting early. Especially if you are someone who has the flexibility to decide when you want to start working, then this is for you. By starting early, you get ample time to decide which tasks you want to focus on first and which ones later. While we will talk more in detail about the prioritizing of work, it’s important to ensure you start early. Starting early does not mean you have to do extra work before your login time. Instead, what we mean is it’s good to start off your projects before what others would tend to start from. For instance, if you are working on a marketing campaign that starts on a Thursday of the week, you should be able to start preparing for it at least a week or two. Keep slots in your calendar that help you prepare some of these works. By starting early, you get more time to plan, develop and reiterate your work. 🔍 Prioritize your tasks Many fail to understand which tasks they should start their day with and which ones they can keep for later. However, when you master the art of prioritizing your day and tasks, you can finish almost everything on your list. Prioritizing tasks is necessary to mark a starting point of your work. Simply put, when you know which ones you should start working on, you have a clear vision for the rest of the day. Gradually, as you keep ticking off everything on your list, you realize that it’s because of prioritizing the tasks that you were able to have a productive workday. So before beginning your work for the day, set your tasks in a way that they are listed according to the priority. For example, if you have to submit a report, create a presentation for tomorrow and research the consumer trends, then start your day by creating the report first – as you need to submit it before any of the other tasks. ⏱ Dedicate time slots One of the most effective ways to dedicate time slots to your work and maximize productivity is by using digital calendars. Set specific times throughout the day when you want to complete a task. This allows more people in your contact list from booking your calendar at a time when you want to avoid meeting anyone. Setting dedicated slots on your calendar stops you from contemplating what tasks you need to do or from overlapping two tasks at the same time. So make it a habit of putting dedicated time slots on your calendar and getting your tasks done. 🗓 Set realistic deadline If you have a deadline to meet, then to be able to do that work, you need to set your own deadlines. This will allow you to complete the work way before the actual deadline or commitment. However, to do this, you should set some realistic deadlines for yourselves. For example, if you are planning to submit a report on Friday, then keeping your personal deadline for the same report on Tuesday or Wednesday will help you make any necessary changes or last-minute corrections to the report. Ultimately, it will allow you to be more productive at work and achieve all that’s on your plate. 👩🏻‍💻 Focus on one task When at the office or even when working from home, it’s common to receive messages right in the middle of doing some task. While it’s good to respond and help them out, keep the new tasks for later. This is because you already have a set schedule for your current work and if you dig deep into a work that is not on priority — you may end up losing an important time. Keep in mind the time you devote to responding to all these messages, set your notifications off in case necessary for some time and continue doing your present work. Maximizing productivity at work is important to not just be able to get things done, but also have a good performance. By being productive, you can achieve your work-related goals faster and even keep the stress away. To know more about productivity at work or any career-related topics, keep reading here .

No matter where you are from, there’s a similarity in how we all begin our day. You may rise to the sound of the alarm on the nightstand, pull the curtains, look outside the window for some time, make your bed and then get ready for the day. But then has it ever happened to you that as you were about to start working, you get distracted by the news, your social media feed or even by the latest shows on the streaming service you have subscribed to. Well, that’s alright. But if you are unable to be productive on most days, then it needs to be addressed right now. And to do that, we will help you to be productive. Whether you are someone who loves working from home or need to get into the habit of being productive, this article will help you get into some productive habits. But before that, let’s dig a little deep into the importance of being productive every day. Why You Should Be Productive Every Day? One of the biggest reasons for being productive every day is to be able to achieve your goals in the long run. Most of us wish to achieve some goals later in life. But to accomplish those goals, it’s important to set smaller goals. And even if you do not have any long term goals, for now, being productive every day is essential to leading a life that is healthy and one that inspires those around you. However, when trying to be productive every day, it’s alright if you happen to miss out on some tasks. To be productive, while it’s important to be consistent, it's also important to acknowledge that not every day you may feel like doing a certain task. And if you pressurize yourself into doing a task, then there are chances that the quality of the task will not be at par. So let’s start by knowing all the tips that will help you be productive every day of your life. 🎯 Set your goals the day before To make the best of your time the moment you wake up, ensure that you are already prepared from the day before. For this, you need to dedicate at least half an hour each evening to prepare for the next day. Buy yourself a notebook and write down all that you wish to accomplish the next day. It’s even better if you are familiar with digital note taking methods or use an app to create your to-do list because it’s always available on the go and you can see it anytime and anywhere. 🖥 Focus on the work, not the output Most people tend to focus on perfection when they are working on something. If you are an artist or a graphic designer, you may want to make your art or designs so perfect that it awes everyone. If you are a writer, you may want to write a perfect essay that has everyone talking about it. But it is when trying to make something perfect that we become engrossed in editing our work more than it should be. We make personal judgements about the work we do and ultimately the entire day goes into creating or producing the work. While it’s good to put in your best effort and do your work, it’s important to keep some room for improvement in your work. Overthinking and overanalyzing the work you do to derive the perfect version of it may not be the most productive way to complete your tasks. Give your full focus on the work you do and avoid making it perfect. While you may want to come up with different versions of your work – it’s okay if you do it unless you are not dedicating the entire day to just completing one task. ⏰ Keep some surplus time When trying to make your schedule for the day, keep at least some time extra for each task. So this means that if you are planning to dedicate 40 minutes to complete the research for your upcoming project, add 10 more minutes to this task. This gives some extra time for you to get your work done and avoid overlapping it with some other work. 🥰 Give yourself a break It’s crucial that you allot time to yourself where you can take a walk, take in some sunshine and enjoy amidst nature. These could be anywhere between 10 to 15 minutes apart from mealtime recess. Give yourself time to relax amidst a busy workday. And while you do that, skip overthinking about the work you are doing. 📱Unplug social media Social media is unavoidable these days. And if you are someone who is always distracted by social media in between your work, then this tip is for you. We wouldn’t tell you to keep off social media. In fact, if you know how to use it properly, then it can be a good gateway to knowledge that you need to know to apply in your daily life or even work. But what’s important to realize is that to be productive, you need to assign dedicated time for social media. Many say that social media is a distraction. However, if you are able to control when and how you use it, it can be a powerful channel to grow. To be productive, keep in mind that you would check social media only when it is not interfering with your work. For this, we recommend that you check your social media Either once every two hours or at specific intervals of time that is convenient to you. ⚖️ Put an end to comparison We live in a highly competitive world. We are constantly trying to outdo our friends, siblings and sometimes ourselves. While having a competitive spirit is good, it may also hamper our work in the short term. Here’s why. When we are trying to compare ourselves with others, we tend to look at what the other person has achieved. We overlook their struggle, their personal story, their age and the demography they are from. It’s always good to be ambitious and look up to people who have done great things. But that shouldn’t mean you are constantly comparing yourself with someone else and with their victories. Everyone has their own personal journey and their own struggles. So when in the middle of your work, you stop and reflect at what the other person has already achieved and you are still behind them, then it makes you feel low about yourself. Ultimately you lose the time that you could have otherwise used to complete your work. 💡 Accept failure and move on Thinking too much about a time when your work was not good enough? Then you need to stop thinking about your failure and move on. It is possible that in the middle of the day, some work that you have done does not work out. Perhaps your boss doesn't give it a green flag or your clients do not approve of it. And that’s when you start taking your failure on an emotional level. One of the most important things to being productive in your daily life is to accept failure, take some time to analyze what went wrong and then try to focus on improving it. Avoid overthinking about your failure. It’s only when you start focusing on improving the same thing or work again is when your failure can be made actionable. To be productive, keep in mind that your persistence and ability to learn from your failure and mistakes is what is important to keep you doing better and be productive. ✉️ To wrap up Give the above tips a try and observe how it helps you start your day on a positive note and become productive. We are sure you will be able to observe quite a few changes very soon. Want more such tips on everyday productivity? Then follow us on Instagram and keep reading TheCherticle.com for more such content.

Making a career move is essential for personal and professional growth. When you are bound to log into work every day, but see no scope to learn or develop your skills – or even become an expert in the near future, then it’s time you should start planning to change your job. That said, planning a career move is never easy. Some common reasons to take such a step include leaving a toxic workplace, poor rapport with the employer, no potential growth, lack of workplace flexibility and more. But before planning a career more, you have to take into consideration a few things to ensure that your “big” step is the “right” step for you. After all, planning and analyzing are always better than regretting. In current times, where the market is so volatile globally, carefully examining if your move is right or not is a prerequisite. Let’s first look at when you should plan for a career move. 😤 Feeling stressed while doing your work Do you happen to always feel stressed about the objective or goals you need to perform at work? Has it been interfering with your work-life balance? Then this indicates that planning a career move is the right thing to do. To some extent, stress can motivate you to complete your tasks within the deadline or dateline given to you. Such a type of stress is usually termed eustress. Eustress can also help you do your things on time, have a good impact on your mental and physical state and also keep you from procrastinating. But, if the stress from your work is making you feel demotivated and unwilling to do your job, then it’s time you should focus on making a career move. 😔 You feel unmotivated at work If you have been feeling bored or unmotivated every time you start your work, then try to evaluate what is going wrong. If you work on a full-time basis or as a freelancer, what are some obstacles that are coming on your way making you feel this way? If the answer to this question is you are feeling unmotivated to work, or have become bored of the same old routine, then it’s time for some change. Analyze what it is about the work that you are not enjoying. Is it only one aspect of your work or everything in general? If you choose the latter, then you are certainly looking for a different opportunity. At this stage, it will be worth doing a SWOT analysis. It will help you get a complete view of your strengths and weaknesses. This would then help you understand what type of work you would be interested in. Now let’s take a look at the steps you need to take to plan a career move. 📝 Make a list You don’t want to be in oblivion when planning to switch careers. So, before you plan to make a switch, write down a list of activities you like to engage in. Note the industries that seem interesting to you or happen to be curious about. Then write down the companies you wish to join in those industries. Go through their websites, LinkedIn page, or any social media platform they are active on. 🙌🏻 Evaluate your skills You have figured out the industries or the companies you are interested in. Now, it’s time to figure out if you have the skills that those industries look for. List down the skills that you are an expert at. Then evaluate some of the job descriptions in the industries or companies you want to work in. Do your present skills align with these job specs? If you believe your present skills do not match well with the companies’ expectations or if you are looking for an opportunity with a better package, then it’s time to upskill yourself. 👨🏽‍💻 Upskill yourself It’s always good to learn new skills and capitalize on them. Nowadays, you can learn new skills that are in demand in the job market right from the comfort of your home. Platforms like Udemey and Coursera are some of the many sources where you can learn new skills like data analysis, digital marketing, coding and much more. 👤 Update your profile Recruiters are always looking for candidates online. So, it’s important to keep your digital professional profiles updated. This means if you have created any profile on a job board or social media platforms like LinkedIn, then update these profiles with the correct contact information. Ensure that while you apply for any job, your resume is updated, and you use the right keywords in the online profile and also attach your portfolio. ✍🏻 Check out company reviews Before you join a company or even apply to any company, it’s always good to take a look at the company reviews, their culture and what are some employees doing on platforms like LinkedIn. This will help you get an insider’s perspective of what it is like working at the company you have applied to, how good is the work-life balance, the senior management and more. Competition is fierce now and only those who constantly keep upskilling and updating their profile can stay ahead of the curve. Make sure that you follow the tips listed above to make your career move seamless and get an opportunity that you always wanted.

You have spent years, months or even weeks at a company. Now, it’s time to say goodbye to your colleagues and your employer. And this exit does not need to be difficult. While leaving a company, one of the most important things to remember is that your rapport with your previous employer and colleagues is important in the long run. Many organizations now hire third-party companies or even have internal teams that run a background verification when a new employee joins them. When this background verification is under process, it is important that your new employer receive a good review of your work and overall performance at your previous company. For this, maintaining a good relationship with your previous employer is very important. It helps you get references in the future or even expand your network. Not only does performing well count during your notice period at a company, but you may also require a relieving letter after you have served your notice. Getting a positive relieving letter is important the next time you join a new company. In this article, we help you leave a job on good terms and ensure that your previous employer and colleagues never forget you for your contribution. So, let’s get started 💯Perform your best Even if you are serving a notice period, you are still an employee of the company you are about to leave. Your performance during the notice period will have an impact on the business and so, it’s important to give in your best during this period. But that’s not the only reason you should be performing well during this period. It’s also because during your notice period, if you continue to perform well, then it helps build a good rapport with your employer and colleagues. It gives the company a sense of pride in your presence and the impact you have made on the company. 👍 Speak highly of your company Never bad-mouth the company or gossip about the management when you are about to leave a company. This can not only put the company in a bad picture but also showcase your loyalty. For instance, if you are applying at some other companies and the hiring manager asks you about your present employer, then speaking well about your present organization shows how loyal you are towards an organization as well as your rapport with them. 🤝Support your employer Avoid any type of argument with your employer while you are about to leave the organization. Make it a point to reach your targets, and if not communicate politely why you have been unable to perform well. Discuss what are some measures you are taking to make the best of your notice period. If your employer asks for your support to find a replacement, then take the initiative to do so. Provide all the relevant assistance that the employer expects from you – given that it falls under your job spec. 🧳 Handover all assets It’s common for employers to ask you to submit all the company assets before your last working day. Ensure that you have not broken or made any damages to these assets. After you have returned these assets, get an acknowledgement of the same from the concerned department (usually the human resources or IT department) about having successfully submitted the assets. 👔 Prepare for an exit interview An exit interview is usually a formality that involves a survey about how well you were able to grow and learn from your experience with the company. In most cases, HR gets in touch with the existing employee in which they ask questions and take feedback on how they can improve an employee’s experience at the company. When replying to these questions, be honest but professional. It is recommended that you politely put across your experience such that it does not have a negative impact on your relationship with the company. Provide insightful feedback and opinion that will be useful for the company. 🌯 And that’s a wrap In the world of business, it’s important to maintain good rapport with people. It encourages networking and helps sustain a professional relationship for the long run. Once you have left a company, keep a positive outlook on the experiences you have had with the employer. Keep in touch with your colleagues or manager through platforms like LinkedIn or via emails.

For most of us today, no two days are alike. On a Monday, you may have to prioritise your emails and reply to each of them. In the evening, you have a doctor’s appointment and of course, cook your dinner. The next day might be all about trying to finish off what couldn’t be accomplished the previous day. It’s a cycle of ‘what’s left to do’ to ‘let me do that today’, and ‘I will get that done tomorrow’. Primarily, your ‘tomorrows’ turn out to be an extended day – adding only a pile of tasks to your every day routine. But when you know the right techniques to schedule your day, you don’t have to worry about pushing your tasks to the next day. All it takes is a little bit of planning, some thinking and voila! You will have your day sorted out. To create a to-do list isn’t going to make this happen. No offence, but a to-do list is just another reminder for you to skip your breaks and get yourself working on the next task. ( It’s no less of an anxiety-generating thing that many still mull over ). With the Eisenhower Matrix, you’ll find another way to organise your to-do list. Not only does it sort your tasks out, but also will make you heave a sigh of relief. This article isn’t going to define what the Eisenhower Matrix is about. Rather, it’s going to explain how you can make the best use of it and stop yourself from investing time on fretting about your tasks. Let’s take a look at what the Eisenhower Matrix looks like when it comes to planning your day. How to create the Eisenhower Matrix? Find out here. The image above shows what an ideal Eisenhower Matrix for productivity looks like. Of course, you can skip the colours. But adding colours to each box from the matrix helps me colour code my tasks and hence, that’s something that is worth trying. The first box you see labelled as ‘urgent’ includes tasks that you need to get started on right away. This could be working on a presentation, doing your homework, cooking lunch or anything as per your schedule. Tasks in the urgent box need your focus. So delegating the urgent box to these action items will help you sort and pick up the most important tasks for the day. Now, moving on to the box labelled as ‘not urgent’. While you may feel that tasks in these boxes can be done tomorrow, well it’s not the best approach you should take. Instead, these are tasks that you can schedule for the later part of the day. A pro tip would be to enlist tasks that do not need too much of your attention and can be done within a few minutes. For me, this would usually be cleaning up my desk, ensuring I have done my laundry, charging my gadgets for any upcoming video shoots, or replying to DMs on my Instagram. And oh in case you like the content you are reading now, feel free to hit the follow button on @thecherticle on Instagram. The third box are tasks that you can get done in a few minutes or even those that may not require your direct supervision. For instance, it could be paying the electricity bill, picking up the groceries, or anything that you can delegate to someone. Finally in the last box, you can add tasks that are not at all important. Sometimes, it’s normal to add tasks to a to-d- list that are not mandatory to be done, but just an add-on. If you tend to add such tasks to your list, then put them down on this box. Ideally, tasks in the last square are tasks that can be deleted or unfinished – and don’t necessarily need to be done. Does the Eisenhower Matrix work? Oh yes it does. If you tend to be a to-do list maker, but never get the opportunity to tick off every task until the end of the list, then you can find great results following the Eisenhower Matrix productivity technique. All you need to do is divide your tasks into four quadrants and get started on achieving everything you have planned for the day. If you have any queries about how to be more productive everyday, or how to use the Eisenhower Matrix in more detail, then feel free to mail them at thecherticle@gmail.com . Also, do follow us on Instagram to get more tips on productivity.

Walter White, the main character in the popular TV 📺 series Breaking Bad, is a master of focus and productivity. Throughout the show, we see him put all of his energy and resources into building his meth 💎 empire, despite the many obstacles and challenges he faces along the way. While his methods may be questionable, there are several valuable lessons we can learn from his determination and focus. ✏️The first instance of Walter's focus and productivity can be seen in the very first episode of the show. Despite being a high school 📚 chemistry teacher, Walter is not satisfied with his current situation and is determined to provide for his family after he's gone. He sets a clear goal for himself and is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve it, even if it means breaking the law. This serves as a reminder that in order to be successful, we need to have a clear and specific goal in mind, and that we should be willing to do whatever it takes to achieve it. ✏️ The second instance of Walter's focus and productivity can be seen in the way he manages his time. Despite facing numerous obstacles and challenges, Walter is always able to prioritize his tasks and make the most of every moment. He uses a calendar to schedule his day and keep track of deadlines and appointments. This teaches us that time management is essential for success and that we should always be looking for ways to make the most of every moment. ✏️ The third instance of Walter's focus and productivity can be seen in his ability to adapt and change his approach when things don't go according to plan. Despite facing numerous obstacles and challenges, Walter is never bogged down by them. Instead, he uses his resourcefulness and creativity to find new solutions, and he never loses sight of his goal. This teaches us that in order to be successful, we need to be willing to adapt and change our approach when things don't go according to plan. ✏️ The fourth instance of Walter's focus and productivity can be seen in his persistence and dedication. Throughout the show, we see him put in the extra effort and make sacrifices to achieve his goals. He never gives up, even when things are at their toughest, and he's always willing to put in the hard work to achieve his goals. This serves as a reminder that success doesn't come easily, and that in order to be successful, we need to be willing to put in the hard work and make sacrifices. ✏️ The fifth instance of Walter's focus and productivity can be seen in his strategic thinking. Throughout the show, we see him carefully plan out his moves, always thinking several steps ahead. He anticipates the moves of his enemies and always has a contingency plan in place. This teaches us that in order to be successful, we need to be strategic and think about the long-term consequences of our actions. ✏️ Finally, the sixth instance of Walter's focus and productivity can be seen in his self-belief. Despite starting his journey as a high school chemistry teacher and having a lot of self-doubt about his abilities, Walter discovers a talent for cooking meth and becomes confident in his abilities. He believed in himself and his abilities, and this is what allowed him to achieve his goals. In conclusion, Walter White's character in Breaking Bad teaches us valuable lessons about focus, productivity, time management, adaptability, persistence, strategy and self-belief. While we may not agree with his methods, we can certainly learn from his determination and unwavering focus on achieving his goals. By incorporating these lessons into our own lives, we can become more successful in our own endeavors. It's important to remember that Breaking Bad is a fictional story, and we should not take Walter White's actions as role model for our lives or careers. But it's never too bad to learn something even from his approach to work. What say?

In this fast-paced world, we all have a lot on our plates. Between work, school, relationships, and hobbies, it can be tough to find the time and motivation to be as productive as we want to be. But what if I told you that you could get more done while still enjoying your guilty pleasures? That's where temptation bundling comes in. This productivity hack allows you to pair a tempting activity with a less desirable one, making the less desirable task more appealing. By doing this, you can stay focused and motivated while also enjoying your favorite pastimes. So, whether you're looking to get more work done, finish that school project, or just be more productive in general, temptation bundling can help. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at what temptation bundling is, how it works, and some tips for getting started. So sit back, relax, and get ready to boost your productivity with this awesome technique! What is temptation bundling Temptation bundling is a technique that combines a desirable activity with a less desirable one to make the latter more attractive and easier to perform. The idea is that by coupling a task that you don't enjoy with something that you do enjoy, you can increase your motivation and engagement, making it easier to get things done. Here's how you can try it for yourself: Step 1: Identify a task that you find unpleasant or difficult. This could be anything from doing your taxes to going for a run. Whatever it is, make sure it's something that you tend to put off or avoid. Step 2: Identify a desirable activity that you enjoy. This could be something like watching your favorite TV show, listening to a podcast, or indulging in a sweet treat. The key is to choose something that you really look forward to and that you only allow yourself to do when you're doing the task you don't enjoy. Step 3: Bundle the two activities together. For example, you could only allow yourself to watch your favorite show while you're doing your taxes or only listen to your favorite podcast while you're out for a run. By combining the two activities, you create a positive association in your mind, making the task you don't enjoy more appealing and engaging. So, why does temptation bundling work? According to research, it all comes down to the way our brains are wired. We are hard-wired to seek pleasure and avoid pain, and this can make it difficult to motivate ourselves to do things that we don't enjoy. However, by pairing a less desirable task with a pleasurable activity, we activate the reward centers in our brains, which can make the task seem more enjoyable and engaging. In fact, one study conducted by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that temptation bundling was an effective way to increase exercise adherence. Participants who were given a temptation bundling intervention that paired exercise with an audiobook were more likely to stick to their exercise routine than those who did not use the technique. The researchers concluded that "coupling an immediately rewarding leisure activity with a health behavior that is typically perceived as aversive creates a cognitive association that links the two activities, making the health behavior more habit-forming." So, if you're looking for a way to boost your productivity and stay motivated, give temptation bundling a try. It's a simple and effective technique that can help you tackle your to-do list with more enthusiasm and enjoyment. In conclusion, temptation bundling is a powerful productivity technique that can help you get more done with less stress and effort. By pairing a less desirable task with a pleasurable activity, you can increase your motivation and engagement, making it easier to stick to your goals and achieve the success you desire. So, the next time you're faced with a task that you don't enjoy, try coupling it with something that you do enjoy and see how it works for you. You may be surprised at how effective this technique can be! And here's an interesting fact: temptation bundling can be applied in all sorts of situations, not just productivity. For example, you could use it to make your workouts more enjoyable by listening to your favorite music, or to make your commute more bearable by listening to an audiobook.

There’s no second way to complete tasks, but to complete it. Yet, who says, you can’t reduce the burden of doing complicated tasks? If you are tired of having to submit your tasks late or even after the deadline, then this productivity hack is going to save you, big time. When it comes to complex or time-sensitive projects, it’s a given that you ought to complete it. Sometimes, there are no shortcuts to doing it. But if you know about the reverse calendar technique, then you are in for some great time saving! In this blog post, we’re going to tell you all about the Reverse Calendar Technique. We'll explore what it is, how it works, and how you can use it to improve your productivity and meet your deadlines. What is the Reverse Calendar Technique? The Reverse Calendar Technique, also known as backward planning or reverse planning, is a productivity method that involves starting with a deadline or end goal and working backward to create a timeline of tasks and milestones that need to be completed in order to reach that goal. The idea is simple: by starting with the end in mind, you can break down a complex project or goal into smaller, more manageable tasks and create a roadmap for achieving it. This can help you stay focused, motivated, and on track, and ensure that you're making progress toward your goal each day. History of the Reverse Calendar Technique for Productivity The Reverse Calendar Technique has been around for centuries, although it wasn't always called by that name. In ancient Rome, for example, soldiers and generals would use a similar method to plan military campaigns and ensure that they had enough time to complete their objectives. In more recent times, the Reverse Calendar Technique has been used by project managers, event planners, and other professionals to plan and execute complex projects. It's also a popular technique in the world of academia, where students use it to plan and complete research projects, essays, and other assignments. How to Use the Reverse Calendar Technique for Improving Productivity Using the Reverse Calendar Technique is fairly straightforward, although it does require some planning and organization. Here are the steps involved: Define your end goal or deadline: The first step in using the Reverse Calendar Technique is to identify your end goal or deadline. This could be anything from a project deadline to a product launch date to a personal goal like running a marathon or learning a new skill. Work backward to identify key milestones: Once you have your end goal in mind, the next step is to work backward and identify key milestones or checkpoints that need to be reached along the way. For example, if your goal is to launch a new product in six months, you might identify milestones like completing the product design, developing the marketing plan, and creating a prototype. Break down each milestone into smaller tasks : Once you've identified your key milestones, the next step is to break each one down into smaller, more manageable tasks. For example, if one of your milestones is to complete the product design, you might break that down into tasks like conducting market research, creating design concepts, and refining the final design. Assign deadlines to each task: Once you've broken your milestones down into tasks, the next step is to assign deadlines to each one. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you're making progress toward your goal each day. Be sure to assign realistic deadlines that take into account any dependencies or constraints. Create a visual roadmap: To make the Reverse Calendar Technique more effective, it can be helpful to create a visual roadmap or timeline of your tasks and deadlines. This can be as simple as a calendar or spreadsheet, or you can use specialized project management tools like Asana or Trello. Monitor your progress and adjust as needed: Once you've created your roadmap, the final step is to monitor your progress and adjust your plan as needed. This might involve shifting deadlines, re-prioritizing tasks, or making other