Chapter 1: Understanding the Challenge

It's essential to acknowledge that achieving a flawless balance in life is a myth. There will always be trade-offs, and it's completely normal for some aspects of life to take a hit. However, I have discovered straightforward methods that help me maintain clarity and prevent myself from becoming overwhelmed.

A bit about my background: I work as a freelance writer while also managing a full-time job, various side projects, volunteer commitments, and pursuing a certification in music business. The following tips have proven beneficial during challenging times when I felt buried under work, tempted to procrastinate, or found myself pulling all-nighters after prioritizing my own needs for too long.

Section 1.1: Visualizing Your Projects

To begin, grab a large piece of paper and divide it into sections. I typically use an A3-sized sheet (which is double the size of standard paper) and split it into sections corresponding to the number of projects I'm currently managing—usually about six squares, each representing a different project. I label each square with the project's name.

Subsection 1.1.1: Listing Deadlines

Next, I go through all the deadlines and jot them down, highlighting the most urgent ones and the tasks that need to be tackled first.

Chapter 2: Focusing on One Task at a Time

Now that you have a clear layout of what needs to be done, tackle one project or task each day. This focused approach allows you to prioritize tasks based on urgency and available time.

I’ve read numerous articles on time management and blocking techniques, and one concept I found particularly interesting was suggested by Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter. He advocates for theming your days—for instance, dedicating Mondays to marketing, Tuesdays to product development, etc. This strategy can also be adapted to your projects, enabling you to structure your day around a single project or related tasks.

While it’s not always feasible to concentrate on just one task for an entire day, this approach minimizes distractions and alleviates decision-making paralysis, which I often struggle with. On these themed days, I know precisely which project to focus on, allowing me to disregard other impending deadlines momentarily.

In this video, "How to Manage Multiple Projects (Without Losing Focus)," you'll find additional strategies for maintaining your focus while juggling various responsibilities.

Final Thoughts

The ideas presented may seem straightforward—perhaps even common sense—but I often find it challenging to sit down and organize my thoughts. When overwhelmed, I tend to procrastinate until the last minute.

This reflection serves as a reminder for both myself and others: take a moment to breathe, sit down, and create a structured outline of your current projects. Afterward, begin working through your tasks step by step.

Hi, I’m Lana, and I write about creativity, productivity, language learning, and cultivating curiosity. Explore my other articles for more insights.

In the video "How to Manage Multiple Projects," you'll learn practical techniques to enhance your multitasking abilities.