3 Mindset Methods to Improve Productivity for Photographers
I love all things time management and productivity systems but have also recently started to lean into how mindset affects all of that and the thing we do and accomplish. Life is busy, especially when you are wearing multiple hats and juggling everything from photography to motherhood. With that in mind, I wanted to share with you three things that help me focus and plan my time.
Get focused on what REALLY matters
This can show up in lots of ways in our life. When you are faced with a hard decision or are stressed and overwhelmed with something going on, give it the 5-year test. I know that is easier said than done, but can also help to reset your perspective.
When this comes to projects, I find that I am most successful if I focus on ONE big project at a time. I know, I know! You REALLY want to do ALL of them, but the truth is most often we aren’t making significant progress on any of them, because we are juggling too many! Pick what is most important to you or strategically the best, and focus on really making progress on it before you add more to your plate.
You might be interested in: How Daily Goals Can Help You
A recent audiobook I was listening to said something like, “If tomorrow was your last day on this Earth, what would you spend it doing?” If you aren’t doing at least a little bit of that in your life every day or two, you are living wrong.” Again, as I am worrying over my to-do list, this helps me to remember what REALLY matters.
Make time for the most important things.
I am a firm believer in ‘what gets scheduled, gets done’. Block off time on your calendar for what matters to you and how you want to spend your time. If you had a doctor’s appointment or a meeting with a colleague or friend, you wouldn’t skip it or continually put it off. Keeping commitments to yourself is just as important as keeping them with other people.
Savor your weekends
Making weekends and downtime more restful will make your Mondays/work time more productive!
This one is a tough one for me. As an enneagram 3, over-achiever, I would actually rather spend my time working on tasks/projects than I would be vegging out on movie night, playing make-believe with dolls, or listening to never-ending stories about Minecraft. But relationships in my life actually matter more than my business or projects. I’m a better wife and mom when I shut down my work mode in the evening and focus on them, and I am a better worker during the day, knowing I have made time on my calendar for both and can utilize my work time on stuff that aligns with my goals, without the nagging mom-guilt when I ignore that balance.
Ok… hear me on this one… YOU NEED REST. You need sleep. If you take nothing else from this tutorial, please realize that your body, your mind, and all that you need to recharge. Prioritize sleep and rest. Set boundaries that help you meet those.
Thank you for reading! I hope some of this resonates with you.
OTHER RESOURCES FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
I have a few tools in my toolbelt that will help you grow to be the photographer you’ve always wanted to be! Whether you are prepping to be a ClickPro Elite or just ready to start leveling up and making new goals, check out these resources to help you grow!
Becoming a Click Pro – a Self-Paced Course
Must Have Tools for your Photography Business
What’s in my Bag – Cameras, Lenses, and More
Fearless Indoor Light – a Self-Paced course
Film Challenge
(for the challenges, you must be in the Click Community)
Be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for more tips, tricks, and resources for photographers!
