The lifestyle of an artist and self-admitted busy-body can easily become chaotic and disorderly. I’ve been reflecting on some habits I’m developing in an effort to optimize productivity and reduce stress, and recommitting to them for the upcoming new year.
As someone who resists routine, adding structure to my week has not been a comfortable or easy process, but when I looked at the big picture, I knew it was necessary. Change doesn’t happen overnight, and I’m still adjusting to find the right balance for me, but I’m proud of the changes I’ve made. Here are five shifts I’ve made this year that will have a lasting impact going into 2025.
1. Long Distance Relationship With My Phone
Smartphones are crucial to most people’s lives—especially entrepreneurs. But we all know they can be addictive and major time-wasters. For me, they’re a distraction—a way to avoid my own thoughts and chase quick dopamine kicks. This year, I decided to intervene on my iPhone use:
While doing work that requires focus, and while I’m sleeping, I’ve started keeping my phone out of sight and arm’s reach. This helps curb the habit of mindlessly grabbing it, which inevitably breaks focus, productivity, and creates anxiety.
Most notifications are off at all times. I check messages intermittently. This is a tough one, but I’m getting used to not being on top of every conversation. I know this urge is the byproduct of anxiety, but ironically, it increases stress rather than reducing it.
Social media apps are now sorted into folders, adding an extra step that often stops me from opening them unnecessarily.
How do I know I’m making progress? Today as I was walking out the door for a couple hours, I realized I didn’t have my phone on me. I shrugged and said, “Don’t need it”, and went on my way.
Have you tried cutting back on your phone use? How’s it going?
2. It's About Time: Using The Hours More Intentionally
Time is precious, and this year I’ve worked on being more deliberate with it. Here’s how I approached it:
Scheduling tasks further in advance has been a game-changer. I used to allow my mood to dictate what I got done and when. Now, knowing when I’ll tackle something removes the mental clutter and decision fatigue each day.
Adding a bit of routine (even though it’s not my natural inclination) has given me peace of mind. I can be more present knowing each task will get its due diligence.
Working in two-hour blocks has helped me stay focused while allowing for flexibility if I happen to get a bit distracted or need to step away for a moment.
Setting deadlines for myself—they’re a healthy way to keep tasks from lingering.
Do you also struggle to balance structure and spontaneity? I’d love to know what’s worked for you.
3. Part-Time Introvert: Saving My Social Battery for What Matters
As an extravert in my work and personal life, energy is always burning, leaving me socially drained at times. My new method is:
Using work-related events and planned coffee dates to fill my social bucket.
Reminding myself that I don’t need to seek constant socialization—it’s already built into my lifestyle.
Setting boundaries for myself around spontaneous plans.
Reflecting on what types of social interactions truly energize and fulfill me.
Not everyone thrives on mixing work and social time, but I think it works for me. How do you balance social obligations with protecting your energy?
4. Connect the Dates: Calendar Sync + Task Round-Up
With a schedule and roster of events that greatly varies, staying on top of what I’ve got on the go can be hectic. To mitigate this, I’ve implemented a weekly check-in routine:
At the same time each week, I review and update all calendars: My large wall calendar, my digital calendar, and my weekly agenda book. I make sure they are all updated with everything I have on the go so nothing slips through the cracks. (Sometimes things still get missed, and that’s something I’m working on.)
I set audible alerts on my phone as a safety net.
I also do a notes and task round-up: I gather all my to-dos, sporadic thoughts scribbled on post-it notes, and random lists into one organized space. I use Trello plus oldschool paper and pen.
This weekly process calms the overwhelm and helps me compartmentalize the week ahead, making it feel more manageable.
Do you have a similar system? Or is there another method that’s been a lifesaver for you?
5. Turning the Page: Sunday Reset
Though my work doesn’t follow a traditional Monday-to-Friday schedule, I’ve claimed Sundays as my reset day:
I stay home, rest, and do things that bring me joy—whether that’s catching up on TV, exploring a new interest, or just relaxing. Sometimes all three.
It’s laundry day! I get it done in one go, which keeps me from scrambling midweek and ensures it’s not an ongoing chore.
I make sure my space is re-organized and set for a calm Monday (admin day).
I end the day with my calendar-sync routine, and set priorities for the week.
How do you reset for the week? Do you love your weekends or do you prefer to recharge in smaller bursts?
A Work in Progress
A lot of these changes have been made over the fall, so they are definitely fresh and still being refined.
None of these habits are perfect, and I’m still figuring out what works best for me. But progress, no matter how small, is still a step forward. I’ve learned to give myself grace, aiming to balance structure with flexibility. At the end of the day, I know I can’t and shouldn’t change everything about myself, so I’m finding what serves me best, while embracing some of my idiosyncrasies.
What habits have you been working on this year? Let’s swap tips and cheer each other on!
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