Mindset and Productivity Katherine McLee https://katherinemclee.com/category/mindset-and-productivity/ How To Make Real Money Online Sun, 15 Mar 2026 17:47:56 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://i0.wp.com/katherinemclee.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/cropped-sdffdg.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Mindset and Productivity Katherine McLee https://katherinemclee.com/category/mindset-and-productivity/ 32 32 148049789 11 Powerful Affirmations for Success & Abundance https://katherinemclee.com/affirmations-for-success/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=affirmations-for-success https://katherinemclee.com/affirmations-for-success/#comments Thu, 18 Sep 2025 10:51:22 +0000 https://katherinemclee.com/?p=14682 In this post I am going to give you 11 Powerful Affirmations for Success & Abundance. If you are reading this post I will assume you are looking for some ways to enhance your life, in whatever ways that may be. Success and abundance doesn’t just mean money or income, it can mean so many different things to different people.  This means that even though we are talking about “success and abundance”, what that looks like for you, may be very different to what it looks like for someone else. These affirmations will work for anyone. If you find one that isn’t quite right, you can absolutely modify it to suit your own wants and needs. Your goals and dream life are personal to you. This means your affirmations should be personal to you also. These are some amazing ideas to use if you are new to affirmations, or as a base if you want to change them to suit your needs. Success and abundance aren’t just about endless hustle or perfect strategy. They come from the energy you show up with every single day. In all areas of life you want to change. And one of the quickest ways to shift that energy? Saying powerful affirmations. (If you’re new to affirmations then this all may sound a little odd but stay with me…) So what even are affirmations?  Affirmations are powerful little personal statements that help you rewire your thoughts, self-belief, and help to align your mindset with the life you’re creating. Usually the recommendation is to say them aloud, but reading them can also work amazingly well. They might seem simple (because they are lol), but they can spark some fairly major changes. This is because your mind is always listening to what you tell it. Good or bad. When you repeat affirmations consistently, they start to adjust your thoughts but in a positive way. They can also help your emotions, and inspire the actions that you need/want to take to reallly create the real changes that you are wanting. No matter whether you’re wanting to build a business, get your dream career or want to grow into a more confident version of yourself, affirmations are a bit of a secret weapon when it comes to mindset. In this post, you’ll find 11 powerful affirmations that can help you attract success and abundance into your life, along with how to actually use them so they work for you. Why Affirmations Work Affirmations aren’t just nice words that you say to yourself. They actually really help to rewire your subconscious mind. How this works is that every time you repeat a positive statement, you’re strengthening a new thought pattern.  It also means you are weakening the old, limiting thoughts and patterns. Saying affirmations works because our brains learn through repetition. Good or bad! Whatever you feed your brain is what it starts to believe. According to Forbes, shifting your beliefs around financial success is one of the biggest mindset blocks entrepreneurs need to overcome. When you focus more consistently on positive thoughts and beliefs, your brain starts to see them as what is true! This then helps to naturally shape your actions, decisions, and energy to match these new thought patterns. This is exactly how affirmations shift your focus from fear and doubt to confidence and possibility. And that energetic shift is what creates real results that you can physically feel.  When it comes to wanting to make big changes in your life, whether it be success and abundance, changes to your body, or improving other areas of your life, mindset is the first thing that needs to change or you will have a massively hard time getting there. Affirmations help to get your brain to focus in on the positive mindset needed to reach those goals. That is the basis of the importance of affirmations.  How to Use Affirmations Before we get into the affirmations, there’s something to remember…. Just reading affirmations once and hoping for a huge change won’t do much. Affirmations themselves are an amazing tool, but that’s when used properly. The real magic happens when you: The point of repeating affirmations is that your subconscious mind can’t tell the difference between what’s physically real and what is a belief you’ve chosen. This means you can merge a truth and a belief you’ve chosen that you’ve repeated often enough that your mind starts to believe it. The more you affirm your wants and your success, the more your mind will look for ways to make it real.  Let’s get into these 11 affirmations.  Remember you can modify, change and use these as you need! 11 Powerful Affirmations for Success & Abundance Each one of these affirmations below is designed to help you feel more confidence, wealth, and alignment to your life and vision. Say them enough times to really let yourself believe them. It will probably feel really weird when you first do it, but with a few repetitions you should start to feel it! Pick and choose the affirmations from this list below and modify them to suit yourself and wants if needed. 1. I am open to receiving unlimited success and abundance 2. Opportunities flow to me effortlessly and in perfect timing 3. I am worthy of the wealth, success, and freedom I desire 4. Every action I take moves me closer to my dreams 5. Money flows to me easily from multiple sources 6. I create my own success story, one aligned step at a time 7. I attract the right people, ideas, and opportunities to grow my income 8. I am deeply grateful for the abundance that surrounds me 9. My success is inevitable and already on its way 10. I choose to believe in my limitless potential 11. I am becoming more confident, capable, and successful every single day How to Make Affirmations Part of Your Daily Routine The more easily your affirmations fit into your routine, the more likely you’ll stick with them. Which is the important part lol. Here are some super easy ways to make them part of your day: Over time and with some practice, these daily affirmation moments will completely shift your mindset and energy. It won’t feel like much is happening until you realise you start looking forward to them as your mind knows they feel good! Use these affirmations (or your versions of them) daily to keep your mindset focused on success and abundance. And watch how quickly everything starts shifting for you! Your Success Is Already On Its Way 💛 Affirmations are more than just nice/positive words. While they can feel good, they can also do a lot of good. They’re one of the tools to help you build belief, attract opportunities, and stay aligned with the version of you who already has everything you desire. Don’t let the feeling of “that would never work” stop you from trying something that’s quick, free and easy, and might just change your life. Say them with conviction! Feel them in your bones. And most of all, move and take inspired action as if they’re all already true. Success and abundance are not distant dreams. No matter what they look like for you. If you want them then they’re your destiny, and they’re closer than you think.  Every affirmation you speak or write down is like planting a seed in your subconscious mind. It won’t bloom overnight, but with consistency, patience and daily nurturing, those seeds will grow into a completely new reality for you. If you’re also working on improving your money mindset affirmations, here are some really simple ways to make $600 quickly even as a beginner. Perfect if you’re manifesting more financial abundance this year! The version of you who already has the success, wealth, peace, and abundance you dream of? She isn’t a distant fantasy. She’s you. Just a few steps, a few shifts, and a few bold choices/decisions away. Each time you repeat an affirmation, you’re choosing your future self. The one who already has what it is you are aiming and longing for. With every affirmation you tell yourself and really feeling in your body, you’re reminding yourself what’s possible for you. You are strengthening your belief in yourself and your capabilities, and you’re building the mindset that will carry you straight into your dream life. Let these affirmations (whether from this list or your modified ones) be your reminder of your potential and capabilities when things feel uncertain. Let them be your fuel and reassurance when your dreams feel too big for you. (Spoiler alert, they aren’t too big.) Your words (especially to yourself) are responsible for the first step in shaping your future. And your future is going to be absolutely incredible.  So say them all. Believe them. And then go take the inspired and aligned action that makes them real for you. Your abundance is on its way, faster than you can imagine. 💛 What are your favourite affirmations? Let me know in the comments below as I would love to hear them! If you want a list of 101 Inspiring Quotes, check out this post here! For a full list of quotes, affirmations and blog posts, you can check out my Pinterest Profile! Speak soon, 📌 Pin for later 📌

The post 11 Powerful Affirmations for Success & Abundance appeared first on Katherine McLee.

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In this post I am going to give you 11 Powerful Affirmations for Success & Abundance.

If you are reading this post I will assume you are looking for some ways to enhance your life, in whatever ways that may be. Success and abundance doesn’t just mean money or income, it can mean so many different things to different people. 

This means that even though we are talking about “success and abundance”, what that looks like for you, may be very different to what it looks like for someone else.

These affirmations will work for anyone.

If you find one that isn’t quite right, you can absolutely modify it to suit your own wants and needs.

Your goals and dream life are personal to you. This means your affirmations should be personal to you also. These are some amazing ideas to use if you are new to affirmations, or as a base if you want to change them to suit your needs.

Success and abundance aren’t just about endless hustle or perfect strategy. They come from the energy you show up with every single day. In all areas of life you want to change. And one of the quickest ways to shift that energy? Saying powerful affirmations.

(If you’re new to affirmations then this all may sound a little odd but stay with me…)

So what even are affirmations? 

Affirmations are powerful little personal statements that help you rewire your thoughts, self-belief, and help to align your mindset with the life you’re creating.

Usually the recommendation is to say them aloud, but reading them can also work amazingly well.

They might seem simple (because they are lol), but they can spark some fairly major changes.

This is because your mind is always listening to what you tell it. Good or bad.

When you repeat affirmations consistently, they start to adjust your thoughts but in a positive way. They can also help your emotions, and inspire the actions that you need/want to take to reallly create the real changes that you are wanting.

No matter whether you’re wanting to build a business, get your dream career or want to grow into a more confident version of yourself, affirmations are a bit of a secret weapon when it comes to mindset.

In this post, you’ll find 11 powerful affirmations that can help you attract success and abundance into your life, along with how to actually use them so they work for you.

affirmations for success and abundace

Why Affirmations Work

Affirmations aren’t just nice words that you say to yourself. They actually really help to rewire your subconscious mind.

How this works is that every time you repeat a positive statement, you’re strengthening a new thought pattern.  It also means you are weakening the old, limiting thoughts and patterns.

Saying affirmations works because our brains learn through repetition. Good or bad! Whatever you feed your brain is what it starts to believe.

According to Forbes, shifting your beliefs around financial success is one of the biggest mindset blocks entrepreneurs need to overcome.

When you focus more consistently on positive thoughts and beliefs, your brain starts to see them as what is true! This then helps to naturally shape your actions, decisions, and energy to match these new thought patterns.

This is exactly how affirmations shift your focus from fear and doubt to confidence and possibility. And that energetic shift is what creates real results that you can physically feel. 

When it comes to wanting to make big changes in your life, whether it be success and abundance, changes to your body, or improving other areas of your life, mindset is the first thing that needs to change or you will have a massively hard time getting there.

Affirmations help to get your brain to focus in on the positive mindset needed to reach those goals.

That is the basis of the importance of affirmations. 

How to Use Affirmations

Before we get into the affirmations, there’s something to remember….

Just reading affirmations once and hoping for a huge change won’t do much.

Affirmations themselves are an amazing tool, but that’s when used properly.

The real magic happens when you:

  • Repeat them daily. Do this however works best for you! For some ideas, you could say them out loud each morning, read them to yourself during the day, or write them in your journal every night.
  • Feel the words. Don’t just recite them. Imagine what it would feel like if they were already true. The feeling is the important part here.
  • Say them alongside the complementing actions. Affirmations are the things that can help to shift your mindset, but it’s the actual actions that bring results. The two work best together!
  • Be consistent. This is the hardest part! It’s the daily repetition of the affirmations that means the most to you that rewires your thoughts over time, building that belief in yourself and your vision.

The point of repeating affirmations is that your subconscious mind can’t tell the difference between what’s physically real and what is a belief you’ve chosen.

This means you can merge a truth and a belief you’ve chosen that you’ve repeated often enough that your mind starts to believe it.

The more you affirm your wants and your success, the more your mind will look for ways to make it real. 

Let’s get into these 11 affirmations. 

Remember you can modify, change and use these as you need!

11 Powerful Affirmations for Success & Abundance

Each one of these affirmations below is designed to help you feel more confidence, wealth, and alignment to your life and vision.

Say them enough times to really let yourself believe them.

It will probably feel really weird when you first do it, but with a few repetitions you should start to feel it!

Pick and choose the affirmations from this list below and modify them to suit yourself and wants if needed.

1. I am open to receiving unlimited success and abundance

2. Opportunities flow to me effortlessly and in perfect timing

3. I am worthy of the wealth, success, and freedom I desire

4. Every action I take moves me closer to my dreams

5. Money flows to me easily from multiple sources

6. I create my own success story, one aligned step at a time

7. I attract the right people, ideas, and opportunities to grow my income

8. I am deeply grateful for the abundance that surrounds me

9. My success is inevitable and already on its way

10. I choose to believe in my limitless potential

11. I am becoming more confident, capable, and successful every single day

How to Make Affirmations Part of Your Daily Routine

The more easily your affirmations fit into your routine, the more likely you’ll stick with them. Which is the important part lol.

Here are some super easy ways to make them part of your day:

  • Write your top 3 affirmations on sticky notes and place them where you’ll see them often.
  • Record yourself saying your affirmations and play them while you walk, journal, or get ready in the morning.
  • Add affirmations to your phone’s home screen or as daily alarms with motivational reminders.
  • Stacking them with habits you already do is amazing if you’re forgetful or find it hard to find the time to add in new habits. Try saying them while making coffee or brushing your teeth.

Over time and with some practice, these daily affirmation moments will completely shift your mindset and energy.

It won’t feel like much is happening until you realise you start looking forward to them as your mind knows they feel good!

Use these affirmations (or your versions of them) daily to keep your mindset focused on success and abundance. And watch how quickly everything starts shifting for you!

Your Success Is Already On Its Way 💛

Affirmations are more than just nice/positive words.

While they can feel good, they can also do a lot of good.

They’re one of the tools to help you build belief, attract opportunities, and stay aligned with the version of you who already has everything you desire.

Don’t let the feeling of “that would never work” stop you from trying something that’s quick, free and easy, and might just change your life.

Say them with conviction! Feel them in your bones. And most of all, move and take inspired action as if they’re all already true.

Success and abundance are not distant dreams. No matter what they look like for you. If you want them then they’re your destiny, and they’re closer than you think. 

Every affirmation you speak or write down is like planting a seed in your subconscious mind. It won’t bloom overnight, but with consistency, patience and daily nurturing, those seeds will grow into a completely new reality for you.

If you’re also working on improving your money mindset affirmations, here are some really simple ways to make $600 quickly even as a beginner. Perfect if you’re manifesting more financial abundance this year!

The version of you who already has the success, wealth, peace, and abundance you dream of? She isn’t a distant fantasy. She’s you. Just a few steps, a few shifts, and a few bold choices/decisions away.

Each time you repeat an affirmation, you’re choosing your future self.

The one who already has what it is you are aiming and longing for.

With every affirmation you tell yourself and really feeling in your body, you’re reminding yourself what’s possible for you. You are strengthening your belief in yourself and your capabilities, and you’re building the mindset that will carry you straight into your dream life.

Let these affirmations (whether from this list or your modified ones) be your reminder of your potential and capabilities when things feel uncertain. Let them be your fuel and reassurance when your dreams feel too big for you. (Spoiler alert, they aren’t too big.)

Your words (especially to yourself) are responsible for the first step in shaping your future. And your future is going to be absolutely incredible. 

So say them all. Believe them. And then go take the inspired and aligned action that makes them real for you. Your abundance is on its way, faster than you can imagine. 💛

What are your favourite affirmations?

Let me know in the comments below as I would love to hear them!

If you want a list of 101 Inspiring Quotes, check out this post here!

For a full list of quotes, affirmations and blog posts, you can check out my Pinterest Profile!

Speak soon,

Katherine McLee signature black and white

📌 Pin for later 📌

The post 11 Powerful Affirmations for Success & Abundance appeared first on Katherine McLee.

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Achieve More in Less Space: Home Office Ideas for Compact Living https://katherinemclee.com/home-office-ideas-for-compact-living/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=home-office-ideas-for-compact-living https://katherinemclee.com/home-office-ideas-for-compact-living/#comments Fri, 26 Jan 2024 15:30:00 +0000 https://katherinemclee.com/?p=9225 Image: Pexels Guest article written and submitted by Sara Bell of EducatorLabs. Working from home has become the new norm for many people, and having a dedicated workspace is essential for productivity and organization. However, not everyone has the luxury of a separate room for a home office. If you’re living in a small space, here are some ingenious ways to create a functional and stylish home office that won’t take up too much room. Buy the right decor, equipment, and furniture Setting up a home office in a compact space necessitates savvy choices in office products and furniture. Opt for versatile and space-saving items like foldable desks and wall-mounted organizers that maximize utility without compromising style. Compact ergonomic chairs, adjustable desks, and cable organizers are excellent additions to ensure comfort and productivity in limited spaces.  In addition, one of the best ways to maximize your living space is to invest in multipurpose furniture. For example, consider getting a desk that doubles as a dining table or a coffee table with storage compartments. This way, you can have a functional workspace during the day and easily transform it into a relaxing area when work is done. Another idea is to use a sofa bed or a murphy bed, which can free up space for a desk when not in use. Before making any purchases, it’s a good idea to dive into in-depth product reviews from unbiased sources. This research helps in making informed decisions about the functionality, durability, and suitability of these items for your specific space, ensuring that every purchase serves its purpose effectively in your compact home office setup. Make extra space by adding a loft bed If you live in a studio apartment or a small bedroom, a loft bed can be a game-changer. By elevating your sleeping area, you create valuable space underneath for a cozy and private home office. Simply place a desk, chair, and some shelves or storage units under the elevated bed, and you have yourself a dedicated workspace that doesn’t take up any extra square footage. Dedicate a section of your kitchen for work The kitchen may not be the first place you think of when setting up a home office, but it can actually be an excellent spot for a compact workspace. Choose a section of your kitchen counter, preferably away from the sink and stove, and designate it as your work area. Add a comfortable barstool, and you’ll have a convenient place to work while still being able to keep an eye on dinner or grab a snack. Purchase a pull-out desk A pull-out desk is a brilliant solution for those who cannot spare any floor space for a traditional desk. It can be installed on a wall or in a closet and easily pulled out when you need to work. Once you’re done, simply push it back in, and your home office disappears, leaving no trace behind. Add some shelves or wall-mounted storage units to keep your office supplies organized and within reach. Section off space with a folding screen If you want to create a sense of privacy and separation and minimize distractions between your workspace and the rest of your living area, consider using a folding screen. It’s an elegant and flexible solution that allows you to section off a part of the room for your home office while still maintaining an open feel. When you’re not working, fold the screen away to free up space. Utilize a versatile mobile workstation A rolling cart or a small table on wheels can serve as a versatile and mobile workstation. This is particularly useful if you don’t have a dedicated spot for your home office and need to move it around depending on the time of day or other activities. You can easily roll your workstation into a corner or another room when not in use, keeping your living area clutter-free. Keep track of value-boosting improvements you make Creating a home office in a small living space can not only improve your productivity but also add value to your home. If you’re planning on selling your property in the near future, it’s essential to document the improvements you make. Take before-and-after photos of your home office transformation to showcase how you’ve made the most of your limited space. Potential buyers will appreciate seeing the creative solutions you’ve implemented to make your small living space more functional and appealing. Decorate strategically Decorating a small home office area involves maximizing functionality without sacrificing style. Opt for light, neutral colors to create an illusion of space and brightness. Utilize vertical storage solutions like floating shelves or wall-mounted organizers to free up valuable desk space. Incorporate mirrors strategically to reflect light and visually expand the area. Choose furniture with built-in storage to minimize clutter. Personalize the space with inspiring artwork or motivational quotes to create a conducive and inviting work environment. Lastly, integrate plants or greenery to add a touch of nature and freshness to the workspace while keeping the area feeling open and rejuvenating. If all else fails, find a roomier space And finally, keep in mind that sometimes, despite your best efforts, there won’t be enough room to comfortably work in your home. If space constraints persist, consider finding a larger home or apartment, especially one with an extra bedroom that can easily convert into a home office. Online listings provide a convenient platform to search for suitable rentals, allowing you to filter based on various criteria like cost, home type, number of bedrooms, and more. By exploring options that offer an additional room dedicated to your workspace, you can ensure a conducive and productive environment for your professional endeavors within the comfort of your home. Creating a home office in a small living space may seem challenging at first, but with a little ingenuity and resourcefulness, it’s definitely achievable. By implementing these great ideas, you can design a dedicated and stylish workspace that not only meets your professional needs but also blends seamlessly with the rest of your living area. So, embrace the challenge and let your creativity shine as you build the perfect home office oasis in your small abode. Speak soon! Sara Bell of EducatorLabs. Note from Katherine: If you’re looking for more realistic work-from-home tips, I’ve put together my favourite daily habits that keep me motivated and productive from home! If you enjoyed that you may also enjoy my post on How to create your perfect morning routine. 📌 Pin for later 📌

The post Achieve More in Less Space: Home Office Ideas for Compact Living appeared first on Katherine McLee.

]]>
Image: Pexels

Guest article written and submitted by Sara Bell of EducatorLabs.

Working from home has become the new norm for many people, and having a dedicated workspace is essential for productivity and organization. However, not everyone has the luxury of a separate room for a home office. If you’re living in a small space, here are some ingenious ways to create a functional and stylish home office that won’t take up too much room.

Buy the right decor, equipment, and furniture

Setting up a home office in a compact space necessitates savvy choices in office products and furniture. Opt for versatile and space-saving items like foldable desks and wall-mounted organizers that maximize utility without compromising style. Compact ergonomic chairs, adjustable desks, and cable organizers are excellent additions to ensure comfort and productivity in limited spaces. 

In addition, one of the best ways to maximize your living space is to invest in multipurpose furniture. For example, consider getting a desk that doubles as a dining table or a coffee table with storage compartments. This way, you can have a functional workspace during the day and easily transform it into a relaxing area when work is done. Another idea is to use a sofa bed or a murphy bed, which can free up space for a desk when not in use.

Before making any purchases, it’s a good idea to dive into in-depth product reviews from unbiased sources. This research helps in making informed decisions about the functionality, durability, and suitability of these items for your specific space, ensuring that every purchase serves its purpose effectively in your compact home office setup.

Make extra space by adding a loft bed

If you live in a studio apartment or a small bedroom, a loft bed can be a game-changer. By elevating your sleeping area, you create valuable space underneath for a cozy and private home office. Simply place a desk, chair, and some shelves or storage units under the elevated bed, and you have yourself a dedicated workspace that doesn’t take up any extra square footage.

Dedicate a section of your kitchen for work

The kitchen may not be the first place you think of when setting up a home office, but it can actually be an excellent spot for a compact workspace. Choose a section of your kitchen counter, preferably away from the sink and stove, and designate it as your work area. Add a comfortable barstool, and you’ll have a convenient place to work while still being able to keep an eye on dinner or grab a snack.

Purchase a pull-out desk

A pull-out desk is a brilliant solution for those who cannot spare any floor space for a traditional desk. It can be installed on a wall or in a closet and easily pulled out when you need to work. Once you’re done, simply push it back in, and your home office disappears, leaving no trace behind. Add some shelves or wall-mounted storage units to keep your office supplies organized and within reach.

Section off space with a folding screen

If you want to create a sense of privacy and separation and minimize distractions between your workspace and the rest of your living area, consider using a folding screen. It’s an elegant and flexible solution that allows you to section off a part of the room for your home office while still maintaining an open feel. When you’re not working, fold the screen away to free up space.

Utilize a versatile mobile workstation

A rolling cart or a small table on wheels can serve as a versatile and mobile workstation. This is particularly useful if you don’t have a dedicated spot for your home office and need to move it around depending on the time of day or other activities. You can easily roll your workstation into a corner or another room when not in use, keeping your living area clutter-free.

Keep track of value-boosting improvements you make

Creating a home office in a small living space can not only improve your productivity but also add value to your home. If you’re planning on selling your property in the near future, it’s essential to document the improvements you make. Take before-and-after photos of your home office transformation to showcase how you’ve made the most of your limited space. Potential buyers will appreciate seeing the creative solutions you’ve implemented to make your small living space more functional and appealing.

Decorate strategically

Decorating a small home office area involves maximizing functionality without sacrificing style. Opt for light, neutral colors to create an illusion of space and brightness. Utilize vertical storage solutions like floating shelves or wall-mounted organizers to free up valuable desk space. Incorporate mirrors strategically to reflect light and visually expand the area. Choose furniture with built-in storage to minimize clutter. Personalize the space with inspiring artwork or motivational quotes to create a conducive and inviting work environment. Lastly, integrate plants or greenery to add a touch of nature and freshness to the workspace while keeping the area feeling open and rejuvenating.

If all else fails, find a roomier space

And finally, keep in mind that sometimes, despite your best efforts, there won’t be enough room to comfortably work in your home. If space constraints persist, consider finding a larger home or apartment, especially one with an extra bedroom that can easily convert into a home office. Online listings provide a convenient platform to search for suitable rentals, allowing you to filter based on various criteria like cost, home type, number of bedrooms, and more. By exploring options that offer an additional room dedicated to your workspace, you can ensure a conducive and productive environment for your professional endeavors within the comfort of your home.

Creating a home office in a small living space may seem challenging at first, but with a little ingenuity and resourcefulness, it’s definitely achievable. By implementing these great ideas, you can design a dedicated and stylish workspace that not only meets your professional needs but also blends seamlessly with the rest of your living area. So, embrace the challenge and let your creativity shine as you build the perfect home office oasis in your small abode.

Speak soon!

Sara Bell of EducatorLabs.

Note from Katherine: If you’re looking for more realistic work-from-home tips, I’ve put together my favourite daily habits that keep me motivated and productive from home!

If you enjoyed that you may also enjoy my post on How to create your perfect morning routine.

📌 Pin for later 📌

The post Achieve More in Less Space: Home Office Ideas for Compact Living appeared first on Katherine McLee.

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30 Awesome Christmas Gift Ideas For Bloggers https://katherinemclee.com/christmas-gift-ideas-for-bloggers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=christmas-gift-ideas-for-bloggers https://katherinemclee.com/christmas-gift-ideas-for-bloggers/#comments Tue, 07 Nov 2023 13:53:07 +0000 https://katherinemclee.com/?p=1435 30 Awesome Christmas Gift Ideas For Bloggers Here you’ll find a list of 30 Christmas Gift Ideas for Bloggers and Content Creators! We all want to buy the perfect Christmas Gift, but that’s easier said than done! Chances are if you’re reading this you’re either a blogger, content creator, or someone you know is. Finding the perfect Christmas Gift that’s right for the person can be tricky. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of perfect gift ideas for bloggers or those who create content! These ideas range from just a few pounds up to the more extravagant so there’s something for every budget!  1- Domain and/or Hosting This may sound like an unconventional gift, but it’s the one thing anyone who wants a profitable blog NEEDS in their life. To have a profitable blog you need your own website name and someone to host it. As you can see from the image below, it’s cheap as chips for a new website! 2 – Website Theme There are many, many themes out there. Choosing a simple, readable but highly customisable one is key for any new/aspiring blogger! This is the one I would personally recommend due to its features and ease of use. I personally have used this theme for years (and still do as of Nov 2023!) so can absolutely vouch for its ease of use and regular updates! Plus it’s totally affordable and is just one quick one-off payment! Ashe Blog Pro Theme 3 – Keyboard What is a blogger without a decent keyboard? I spoke about this keyboard in this post and you can find a full review here!  WOW. The retro look and feel of this keyboard makes it an absolute dream to look at and type on. A decent keyboard is such an important tool for anyone typing a lot – especially for those longer blog posts! The colours are SO pretty and bright – even after 12 months of constant use! Absolute love. There are so many lighting modes and combinations, anyone can find the patterns they enjoy the most. 4 – Headphones Noise Cancelling Headphones to be more specific! Being able to block out a lot of distraction can be key to productivity. Or you may know someone concious of their neighbours even though they like their music or podcasts loud! Overear, comfy, squishy noise cancelling headphones are just the best. They are the perfect tool to help get/maintain a focus when spending so many hours at the computer! 5 – Smart Speaker There’s a few versions of these now! I love that I can just shout to (at) her to set timers, reminders or play music.  I love it as it makes working easier due to the fact it streamlines certain things without being disruptive! 6 – Wireless Speaker This is one of those perfect gift ideas for bloggers if your blogger doesn’t want a smart speaker and doesn’t need/want headphones.  A cute wireless bluetooth speaker to sit near their computer is perfect!  7 – Curved Monitor A curved monitor is an amazing way to get the space of two screens but without needing to set up two monitors. Whether the blogger in your life is also a gamer, or not, I cannot recommend a curved monitor enough! I ADORE mine. I initially got it on a bit of a whim but it’s honestly been one of the best blogging purchases I ever made! (My one is a few years old now and doesn’t seem to exist anymore but this is the closest I could see at the time for the one I have if anyone is interested in my one.) 8 – Portable Charger You really cannot go wrong with a good portable charger! Not even just for phones but could be to charge the headphones or speaker!  You can also run smaller USB devices/lights off of them!   9 – Electric Blanket Throw This is one of my favourite products I bought this year. It’s the perfect gift for any blogger as sitting down at the desk a lot can make you feel cold! Varying temperature settings means it’s perfect for anyone!  10 – Hot Water Bottle For Feet Sticking with the theme of not wanting to be cold, how cool is this?! It’s literally a hot water bottle with little pockets for your feet. If your feet are warm, you will be so much warmer! Perfect for winter or for anyone with bad circulation!   11 – Planner Ahhh the trusty planner! For a planner that covers all of your personal and work/business needs, you really can’t go far wrong with a Clever Fox Pro!   12 – Notebooks Maybe the blogger in your life isn’t a fan of planners or is very particular in which ones they use? Fear not! Notebooks! Getting pretty notebooks with DECENT paper in them is more of a treat than you would expect!   13 – Posh/Fancy Pen Along these lines, what about a cute pen in a gift box? Choosing from these gift ideas for bloggers doesn’t have to be extravagant and can be super budget friendly. Just think about what they spend a lot of time doing and if that’s writing, a cute pen could be the way to go!  14 – Set of Coloured Fineliner Pens Coloured pens are perfect for the blogger who is either super organised, artsy or just loves stationery (I’m the latter lol). Coloured pens to match the planner or notebooks is a great gift! 15 – Salt Lamp Salt Lamps have a lot of health benefits but honestly I just love the colour of it. If you’re sitting in the same spot at the computer a lot, you want your space to feel/look cute!  Salt lamps are a perfect addition to any desk! (Please just be aware that they are heavy so need a solid surface!) 16 – S.A.D Lamp When on the computer a lot it can be easy to miss out on a lot of daylight. I’m not recommending using one of these lamps to replace natural sunlight! But sometimes we spend more time indoors than is ideal. Getting a S.A.D lamp not only gives you a boost but can help combat S.A.D (Seasonal Affective Disorder – also known as Winter Depression.) 17 – Diffuser Something a little different could be a diffuser! This diffuser not only changes colours but it looks like a mini fire pit on your desk!   18 – Walking Pad We all know we should be aiming for 10,000 steps a day. Often though that’s easier said than done and we spend more time sitting than we mean to! Getting a walking pad/under desk treadmill is an amazing way to get steps in while working or watching a Webinar! 19 – Desk Fairy Lights How cute are these?! They would make any desk look so cute and really make a workspace feel more cosy! 20 – Tripod A tripod is especially important if the blogger in your life is looking to either get more into photography or is venturing into video! I love this desktop tripod as it’s a lot more portable than the big ones! 21 – Ring Light Anyone who takes photos should get a ring light! It can make phone photos look so much more professional and means you don’t need perfect lighting to get the perfect photo! 22 – Book: Million Dollar Blog For any blogger you know who wants to turn their blog into a real business and income stream, this book is a definite must! Following the guidance and wisdom of those already in the position that bloggers are often aiming for is cruical, and also so inspiring! 23 – Water Tumbler With Handle If the blogger in your life is notorious for not drinking drinks due to forgetting about them (guilty) – the solution is an aesthetic and huge water tumbler! Having a large cup to keep water cold is the perfect way to stay hydrated, while the cup itself looks so pretty! 24 – Camera A camera would be so appreciated by any blogger!  Photos are a big part of blogging, even for those of us who use a lot of stock photos, we still need to take our own photos! A lot of bloggers and content creators take a lot of their own photos so a high quality camera is KEY to getting those sharp, clean, aesthetic pictures we all see and love! 25 – Digital Photo Frame Photos are a big part of blogging, even for those of us who use a lot of stock photos, we still always need to take our own inbetween times! How cute is this? This is one of the more unique Christmas gift ideas for bloggers as you can fill it with photos that are special to them!  Picking up an SD card will mean you can fill it with memories, or you can leave it blank and they can fill it themselves with images of their choosing! 26 – Water Bottle While sitting at a desk for long periods of time, we can (too easily) forget to stay hydrated!  Having a cute water bottle to keep handy absolutely helps combat this! Especially if it has motivational sayings on the side too! 27 – Desktop Whiteboard This desktop accessory is a great way to stay organised without  needing a large whiteboard! It’s perfectly shaped to sit behind a keyboard and be easily visible but without being bulky or in the way!   28 – Perfume You can never go wrong with perfume!  Of course perfume is a personal thing as evereyone’s tastes are different but smelling amazing can be such a mood booster! 29 – Blue Light Glasses Blue light glasses are a must for anyone looking at screens for long periods of time! They have clear lenses so don’t distort any vision but really can help to protect eyes! Loads of different styles to choose from too! 30 – Motivational Cards These cards are so cute!  It comes as a little deck of cards and each one has a motivational saying or quote on! They are perfect to give someone that little motivational/mindset boost!   Hopefully you found this helpful! Let me know in the comments which you decided to buy for yourself or for the blogger in your life!  If you are looking for more information on building your own home office, have a look at this post here! Speak soon! 📌 Pin for later 📌

The post 30 Awesome Christmas Gift Ideas For Bloggers appeared first on Katherine McLee.

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30 Awesome Christmas Gift Ideas For Bloggers

Here you’ll find a list of 30 Christmas Gift Ideas for Bloggers and Content Creators!

We all want to buy the perfect Christmas Gift, but that’s easier said than done!

Chances are if you’re reading this you’re either a blogger, content creator, or someone you know is.

Finding the perfect Christmas Gift that’s right for the person can be tricky.

That’s why I’ve compiled a list of perfect gift ideas for bloggers or those who create content!

These ideas range from just a few pounds up to the more extravagant so there’s something for every budget! 

30 Perfect Christmas Gift Ideas For Bloggers Gift List Katherine McLee

1- Domain and/or Hosting

This may sound like an unconventional gift, but it’s the one thing anyone who wants a profitable blog NEEDS in their life.

To have a profitable blog you need your own website name and someone to host it.

As you can see from the image below, it’s cheap as chips for a new website!

2 – Website Theme

There are many, many themes out there.

Choosing a simple, readable but highly customisable one is key for any new/aspiring blogger!

This is the one I would personally recommend due to its features and ease of use.

I personally have used this theme for years (and still do as of Nov 2023!) so can absolutely vouch for its ease of use and regular updates!

Plus it’s totally affordable and is just one quick one-off payment!

Ashe Blog Pro Theme

3 – Keyboard

What is a blogger without a decent keyboard?

I spoke about this keyboard in this post and you can find a full review here

WOW.

The retro look and feel of this keyboard makes it an absolute dream to look at and type on.

A decent keyboard is such an important tool for anyone typing a lot – especially for those longer blog posts!

The colours are SO pretty and bright – even after 12 months of constant use! Absolute love.

There are so many lighting modes and combinations, anyone can find the patterns they enjoy the most.

4 – Headphones

Noise Cancelling Headphones to be more specific!

Being able to block out a lot of distraction can be key to productivity.

Or you may know someone concious of their neighbours even though they like their music or podcasts loud!

Overear, comfy, squishy noise cancelling headphones are just the best. They are the perfect tool to help get/maintain a focus when spending so many hours at the computer!

5 – Smart Speaker

There’s a few versions of these now! I love that I can just shout to (at) her to set timers, reminders or play music. 

I love it as it makes working easier due to the fact it streamlines certain things without being disruptive!

6 – Wireless Speaker

This is one of those perfect gift ideas for bloggers if your blogger doesn’t want a smart speaker and doesn’t need/want headphones. 

A cute wireless bluetooth speaker to sit near their computer is perfect! 

7 – Curved Monitor

A curved monitor is an amazing way to get the space of two screens but without needing to set up two monitors.

Whether the blogger in your life is also a gamer, or not, I cannot recommend a curved monitor enough!

I ADORE mine. I initially got it on a bit of a whim but it’s honestly been one of the best blogging purchases I ever made!

(My one is a few years old now and doesn’t seem to exist anymore but this is the closest I could see at the time for the one I have if anyone is interested in my one.)

8 – Portable Charger

You really cannot go wrong with a good portable charger!

Not even just for phones but could be to charge the headphones or speaker! 

You can also run smaller USB devices/lights off of them!

 

9 – Electric Blanket Throw

This is one of my favourite products I bought this year.

It’s the perfect gift for any blogger as sitting down at the desk a lot can make you feel cold!

Varying temperature settings means it’s perfect for anyone! 

10 – Hot Water Bottle For Feet

Sticking with the theme of not wanting to be cold, how cool is this?!

It’s literally a hot water bottle with little pockets for your feet.

If your feet are warm, you will be so much warmer!

Perfect for winter or for anyone with bad circulation!

 

11 – Planner

Ahhh the trusty planner!

For a planner that covers all of your personal and work/business needs, you really can’t go far wrong with a Clever Fox Pro!

 

12 – Notebooks

Maybe the blogger in your life isn’t a fan of planners or is very particular in which ones they use?

Fear not!

Notebooks!

Getting pretty notebooks with DECENT paper in them is more of a treat than you would expect!

 

13 – Posh/Fancy Pen

Along these lines, what about a cute pen in a gift box?

Choosing from these gift ideas for bloggers doesn’t have to be extravagant and can be super budget friendly.

Just think about what they spend a lot of time doing and if that’s writing, a cute pen could be the way to go! 

14 – Set of Coloured Fineliner Pens

Coloured pens are perfect for the blogger who is either super organised, artsy or just loves stationery (I’m the latter lol). Coloured pens to match the planner or notebooks is a great gift!

15 – Salt Lamp

Salt Lamps have a lot of health benefits but honestly I just love the colour of it.

If you’re sitting in the same spot at the computer a lot, you want your space to feel/look cute! 

Salt lamps are a perfect addition to any desk!

(Please just be aware that they are heavy so need a solid surface!)

16 – S.A.D Lamp

When on the computer a lot it can be easy to miss out on a lot of daylight.

I’m not recommending using one of these lamps to replace natural sunlight!

But sometimes we spend more time indoors than is ideal.

Getting a S.A.D lamp not only gives you a boost but can help combat S.A.D (Seasonal Affective Disorder – also known as Winter Depression.)

17 – Diffuser

Something a little different could be a diffuser!

This diffuser not only changes colours but it looks like a mini fire pit on your desk!

 

18 – Walking Pad

We all know we should be aiming for 10,000 steps a day.

Often though that’s easier said than done and we spend more time sitting than we mean to!

Getting a walking pad/under desk treadmill is an amazing way to get steps in while working or watching a Webinar!

19 – Desk Fairy Lights

How cute are these?!

They would make any desk look so cute and really make a workspace feel more cosy!

20 – Tripod

A tripod is especially important if the blogger in your life is looking to either get more into photography or is venturing into video!

I love this desktop tripod as it’s a lot more portable than the big ones!

21 – Ring Light

Anyone who takes photos should get a ring light!

It can make phone photos look so much more professional and means you don’t need perfect lighting to get the perfect photo!

22 – Book: Million Dollar Blog

For any blogger you know who wants to turn their blog into a real business and income stream, this book is a definite must!

Following the guidance and wisdom of those already in the position that bloggers are often aiming for is cruical, and also so inspiring!

23 – Water Tumbler With Handle

If the blogger in your life is notorious for not drinking drinks due to forgetting about them (guilty) – the solution is an aesthetic and huge water tumbler!

Having a large cup to keep water cold is the perfect way to stay hydrated, while the cup itself looks so pretty!

24 – Camera

A camera would be so appreciated by any blogger! 

Photos are a big part of blogging, even for those of us who use a lot of stock photos, we still need to take our own photos!

A lot of bloggers and content creators take a lot of their own photos so a high quality camera is KEY to getting those sharp, clean, aesthetic pictures we all see and love!

25 – Digital Photo Frame

Photos are a big part of blogging, even for those of us who use a lot of stock photos, we still always need to take our own inbetween times!

How cute is this?

This is one of the more unique Christmas gift ideas for bloggers as you can fill it with photos that are special to them! 

Picking up an SD card will mean you can fill it with memories, or you can leave it blank and they can fill it themselves with images of their choosing!

26 – Water Bottle

While sitting at a desk for long periods of time, we can (too easily) forget to stay hydrated! 

Having a cute water bottle to keep handy absolutely helps combat this! Especially if it has motivational sayings on the side too!

27 – Desktop Whiteboard

This desktop accessory is a great way to stay organised without  needing a large whiteboard!

It’s perfectly shaped to sit behind a keyboard and be easily visible but without being bulky or in the way!

 

28 – Perfume

You can never go wrong with perfume! 

Of course perfume is a personal thing as evereyone’s tastes are different but smelling amazing can be such a mood booster!

29 – Blue Light Glasses

Blue light glasses are a must for anyone looking at screens for long periods of time!

They have clear lenses so don’t distort any vision but really can help to protect eyes!

Loads of different styles to choose from too!

30 – Motivational Cards

These cards are so cute! 

It comes as a little deck of cards and each one has a motivational saying or quote on!

They are perfect to give someone that little motivational/mindset boost!

 

Hopefully you found this helpful!

Let me know in the comments which you decided to buy for yourself or for the blogger in your life! 

If you are looking for more information on building your own home office, have a look at this post here!

Speak soon!

Katherine McLee signature black and white

📌 Pin for later 📌

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How To Avoid Feeling Overwhelmed As A New Blogger https://katherinemclee.com/overwhelmed-as-a-new-blogger/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=overwhelmed-as-a-new-blogger https://katherinemclee.com/overwhelmed-as-a-new-blogger/#comments Wed, 24 May 2023 18:11:31 +0000 https://katherinemclee.com/?p=6672 In this post we will go over how to avoid feeling overwhelmed as a new blogger. Blogger overwhelm is a real thing!  No matter if you are a new or more experienced blogger, no doubt you will have felt overwhelmed at some point. It’s all too easy to feel overwhelmed and lose focus on your blogging goals within the chaos of daily life. There’s a lot more to growing a successful blog than you may initially realise. This isn’t to say it’s not worth it – it 100% is – it’s just the reality of having your own blog! Let’s dive in and look at how to avoid feeling overwhelmed as a blogger. Feeling overwhelmed with tasks as a blogger is so common. I am yet to meet another blogger who hasn’t felt this way at one point while growing their blog.  The first step to combating overwhelm is to identify what’s causing it. Take a moment to really think about the aspects of blogging that contribute to the feeling of being overwhelmed. Is it a seemingly never ending to-do list? A lack of clear priorities? Or constant distractions?  Pinpointing the root causes will allow you to address them more effectively! As an example in my own life, I feel overwhelmed when I can’t get myself to concentrate and the to-do list keeps on growing! The good news is that there are several strategies you can implement to help you manage your blog workload effectively and reduce stress! Regaining your focus and stopping feeling overwhelmed as a new blogger is something you can overcome with the right strategies.   At the bottom of this post I will explain the best trick I’ve found to focus on the tasks I need to do. Below we will go over actionable steps that can help you stop feeling overwhelmed and unfocused. This will empower you to achieve a greater sense of balance and productivity! Steps You Can Take As A New Blogger To Stop Feeling Overwhelmed Prioritise Important Tasks Once you’ve identified the sources of overwhelm, you can simplify and prioritise your tasks. Break down your tasks into manageable chunks. Focus on the essential tasks that align with your long-term goals and values. Start by creating a to-do list or using a task management tool to prioritise your tasks. This step is so important! Identify the most important and urgent ones to help your blog and focus on completing those first. Breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps can also make them feel less overwhelming. Set Achievable Goals Often, overwhelm stems from unrealistic expectations and a failure to establish clear boundaries – even with ourselves! I am all for setting massive, dream worthy goals. But to stop any feelings of overwhelm, you need to set smaller, achievable goals you can work towards on a daily basis. Be realistic about what you can accomplish within any given time frame. Try to avoid overcommitting yourself and work on the tasks that align with your goals and priorities.  Establish Effective Systems And Routines Creating effective systems and routines can greatly help you not to feel overwhelmed while blogging. Developing a work schedule that allows for focused work, breaks, and time for relaxation is key. If you don’t give your mind a break, you will start to feel burnt out. You can use organisational tools, such as a calendar or planner, to keep track of what tasks need completed by which date. Implementing systems for task management and prioritisation can also help you stay on top of your responsibilities and prevent feelings of overwhelm! Create A Work Schedule Alongside Your Blog Content Schedule A Blog content schedule is your schedule for when specific posts are getting published. A work schedule will help you keep on top of all blogging tasks.  Where possible, allocating specific time slots for different blogging tasks can make a huge difference. By organising your time effectively, you can ensure that you have dedicated periods of time for writing, editing, promoting, and other necessary blog related activities. A schedule helps create a sense of structure and prevents tasks from piling up.  Knowing exactly when you are focusing on (for example keyword research, writing content, or creating Pinterest pins) takes the feeling of being overwhelmed away, as you know exactly what you are working on at any given time.  You can use Google Calendar or any other calendar that suits you. Seek Out Support And Connect With Other Bloggers Reaching out to fellow bloggers or joining blogging communities where you can share your experiences, ask for advice, and gain support can make such a difference. Connecting with others (especially in your niche) can provide a sense of community and help you realise that you’re not alone in facing any challenges you will inevitably come across in your blogging journey. Learn To Say No It’s important to recognise your personal limits and not take on more than you can handle. (I think we are all guilty of doing this!) Learn to say no to requests or opportunities that don’t align with your current blogging priorities, or that exceed the time or energy you have. Prioritising your own well-being and workload is crucial for your long-term success. Boundaries protect your time and energy, allowing you to focus on what truly matters. On the back of saying no, you can also… Delegate Or Outsource Blogging Tasks If possible, you can choose to delegate some tasks to others. You can consider outsourcing certain aspects of your blogging work if this takes the pressure off of your day. For example, you could hire a virtual assistant or a freelance writer to help with administrative tasks or content creation for your blog. Delegating can free up your time and mental energy for tasks that require your personal attention. Take Breaks And Practise Self Care This one is an absolute must. Regular breaks are essential for maintaining your productivity and preventing burnout. Set aside time for short breaks throughout your work time to rest and recharge. Additionally, make time for self care activities outside of blogging, such as exercise, spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or simply relaxing. Truly relaxing, not just not working but feeling guilty for taking a break! Taking care of your physical and mental well-being helps alleviate any potential overwhelm. Practise Stress Management Techniques Try out some stress management techniques that work for you. This can be things such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, mindfulness, or journaling. These practices can help calm your mind, reduce anxiety, and improve your focus. Remember, overwhelm is a really common feeling. It’s important to be patient and kind to yourself. Give yourself grace. By implementing these strategies and finding what works best for you, you can regain control and find a better balance in your blogging journey. Feeling overwhelmed as a new blogger and struggling to stay focused is a common experience in the blogging world. However, by implementing the strategies outlined above, you can regain control over your life and restore clarity in your own mind! Remember to identify the sources of overwhelm, simplify and prioritise, practise self-care and mindfulness, set realistic goals and boundaries, establish effective systems, and seek support when needed. By taking intentional steps towards balance and focus, you can grow your blog with greater ease and achieve a more fulfilling and productive existence. As mentioned at the beginning of this post, there’s one trick I find works more than any other for helping the feeling of overwhelm. Of course we are talking about how to avoid feeling overwhelmed as a new blogger but this works amazingly for any aspect of life where you feel overwhelmed.  I learned this trick from Mel Robbins and it truly works wonders.  Brain Dump. What Is A Brain Dump? A brain dump is a technique used to externalise and organise thoughts, ideas, or information that may be cluttering your mind. It involves taking the jumble of thoughts in your head and transferring them onto paper or a digital notepad. (I would recommend pen and paper but do whichever works for you.) The purpose of a brain dump is to clear mental space, reduce overwhelm, and gain clarity. How To Do An Effective Brain Dump? To do a brain dump to reduce racing thoughts and overwhelm, follow these steps: Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can preferably be alone without distractions for a short while. Decide how much time you want to dedicate to the brain dump session. It can be as short as 10 minutes or it can be longer. It will depend on the amount of information you need to offload. You don’t have to set an exact time limit, but the idea is to get it out as soon as possible and not let it drag on. Start writing or typing without judgement or concern for keeping things in order. Let your thoughts flow freely and write them down as they come to you. Include tasks, ideas, worries, plans, or any other thoughts that are occupying your mind. Literally any thoughts or words that come to your mind, write it down. Resist the urge to edit or hold back on what you’re writing. The purpose is to get everything out of your head and onto the page in front of you. Allow yourself to be completely honest and non-judgmental during this process. Just keep writing. That’s it! Whether it’s words, sentences, random thoughts or anything else, if it comes to mind, write it down. It Helps Clear Your Mind Emptying your mind of thoughts and ideas frees up mental space and reduces mental clutter. This can lead to increased focus and improved decision-making. Offloading your thoughts onto paper can help alleviate stress and anxiety. It allows you to release all of your worries and concerns, making them feel more manageable. It may not solve the issues, but it can get them out of your brain and put them more into perspective in front of you. Once you’re done writing, rip it up! Brain dumps provide a visual representation of your thoughts. The idea is to get all thoughts out and then destroy the paper, thus eliminating the insignificant and bad thoughts from your mind. The main reason why a brain dump helps you to avoid feeling overwhelmed as a new blogger is that it clears your mind. This means that you can plan out tasks with better focus and can tackle them with a higher level of productivity. You’ll have a clearer picture of what you need to do as you’ve cleared your mind of the clutter. This means you can allocate your time and energy accordingly! This post was written to help you to avoid feeling overwhelmed as a new blogger – or as a blogger in general! Have you ever struggled with overwhelm as a blogger? Or even in life? What techniques do you use to help combat this and regain focus on the important tasks? Have you ever tried doing a brain dump? Let me know in the comments below! If you are looking for more blogging info, try this post here on The Top 19 Questions New Bloggers Have – Answered! Speak soon! 📌 Pin for later 📌

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In this post we will go over how to avoid feeling overwhelmed as a new blogger.

Blogger overwhelm is a real thing! 

No matter if you are a new or more experienced blogger, no doubt you will have felt overwhelmed at some point. It’s all too easy to feel overwhelmed and lose focus on your blogging goals within the chaos of daily life.

There’s a lot more to growing a successful blog than you may initially realise. This isn’t to say it’s not worth it – it 100% is – it’s just the reality of having your own blog!

Let’s dive in and look at how to avoid feeling overwhelmed as a blogger.

Feeling overwhelmed with tasks as a blogger is so common. I am yet to meet another blogger who hasn’t felt this way at one point while growing their blog. 

The first step to combating overwhelm is to identify what’s causing it. Take a moment to really think about the aspects of blogging that contribute to the feeling of being overwhelmed. Is it a seemingly never ending to-do list? A lack of clear priorities? Or constant distractions? 

Pinpointing the root causes will allow you to address them more effectively!

As an example in my own life, I feel overwhelmed when I can’t get myself to concentrate and the to-do list keeps on growing!

The good news is that there are several strategies you can implement to help you manage your blog workload effectively and reduce stress! Regaining your focus and stopping feeling overwhelmed as a new blogger is something you can overcome with the right strategies.  

At the bottom of this post I will explain the best trick I’ve found to focus on the tasks I need to do.

Below we will go over actionable steps that can help you stop feeling overwhelmed and unfocused. This will empower you to achieve a greater sense of balance and productivity!

Steps You Can Take As A New Blogger To Stop Feeling Overwhelmed

Prioritise Important Tasks

Once you’ve identified the sources of overwhelm, you can simplify and prioritise your tasks. Break down your tasks into manageable chunks. Focus on the essential tasks that align with your long-term goals and values.

Start by creating a to-do list or using a task management tool to prioritise your tasks. This step is so important! Identify the most important and urgent ones to help your blog and focus on completing those first. Breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps can also make them feel less overwhelming.

Set Achievable Goals

Often, overwhelm stems from unrealistic expectations and a failure to establish clear boundaries – even with ourselves!

I am all for setting massive, dream worthy goals. But to stop any feelings of overwhelm, you need to set smaller, achievable goals you can work towards on a daily basis. Be realistic about what you can accomplish within any given time frame. Try to avoid overcommitting yourself and work on the tasks that align with your goals and priorities. 

Establish Effective Systems And Routines

Creating effective systems and routines can greatly help you not to feel overwhelmed while blogging. Developing a work schedule that allows for focused work, breaks, and time for relaxation is key. If you don’t give your mind a break, you will start to feel burnt out. You can use organisational tools, such as a calendar or planner, to keep track of what tasks need completed by which date. Implementing systems for task management and prioritisation can also help you stay on top of your responsibilities and prevent feelings of overwhelm!

Create A Work Schedule Alongside Your Blog Content Schedule

A Blog content schedule is your schedule for when specific posts are getting published. A work schedule will help you keep on top of all blogging tasks. 

Where possible, allocating specific time slots for different blogging tasks can make a huge difference. By organising your time effectively, you can ensure that you have dedicated periods of time for writing, editing, promoting, and other necessary blog related activities. A schedule helps create a sense of structure and prevents tasks from piling up. 

Knowing exactly when you are focusing on (for example keyword research, writing content, or creating Pinterest pins) takes the feeling of being overwhelmed away, as you know exactly what you are working on at any given time. 

You can use Google Calendar or any other calendar that suits you.

Seek Out Support And Connect With Other Bloggers

Reaching out to fellow bloggers or joining blogging communities where you can share your experiences, ask for advice, and gain support can make such a difference. Connecting with others (especially in your niche) can provide a sense of community and help you realise that you’re not alone in facing any challenges you will inevitably come across in your blogging journey.

Learn To Say No

It’s important to recognise your personal limits and not take on more than you can handle. (I think we are all guilty of doing this!) Learn to say no to requests or opportunities that don’t align with your current blogging priorities, or that exceed the time or energy you have. Prioritising your own well-being and workload is crucial for your long-term success.

Boundaries protect your time and energy, allowing you to focus on what truly matters.

On the back of saying no, you can also…

Delegate Or Outsource Blogging Tasks

If possible, you can choose to delegate some tasks to others. You can consider outsourcing certain aspects of your blogging work if this takes the pressure off of your day. For example, you could hire a virtual assistant or a freelance writer to help with administrative tasks or content creation for your blog. Delegating can free up your time and mental energy for tasks that require your personal attention.

Take Breaks And Practise Self Care

This one is an absolute must. Regular breaks are essential for maintaining your productivity and preventing burnout. Set aside time for short breaks throughout your work time to rest and recharge. Additionally, make time for self care activities outside of blogging, such as exercise, spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or simply relaxing. Truly relaxing, not just not working but feeling guilty for taking a break! Taking care of your physical and mental well-being helps alleviate any potential overwhelm.

Practise Stress Management Techniques

Try out some stress management techniques that work for you. This can be things such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, mindfulness, or journaling. These practices can help calm your mind, reduce anxiety, and improve your focus.

Remember, overwhelm is a really common feeling. It’s important to be patient and kind to yourself. Give yourself grace. By implementing these strategies and finding what works best for you, you can regain control and find a better balance in your blogging journey.

Feeling overwhelmed as a new blogger and struggling to stay focused is a common experience in the blogging world. However, by implementing the strategies outlined above, you can regain control over your life and restore clarity in your own mind!

Remember to identify the sources of overwhelm, simplify and prioritise, practise self-care and mindfulness, set realistic goals and boundaries, establish effective systems, and seek support when needed. By taking intentional steps towards balance and focus, you can grow your blog with greater ease and achieve a more fulfilling and productive existence.

As mentioned at the beginning of this post, there’s one trick I find works more than any other for helping the feeling of overwhelm.

Of course we are talking about how to avoid feeling overwhelmed as a new blogger but this works amazingly for any aspect of life where you feel overwhelmed. 

I learned this trick from Mel Robbins and it truly works wonders. 

Brain Dump.

What Is A Brain Dump?

A brain dump is a technique used to externalise and organise thoughts, ideas, or information that may be cluttering your mind.

It involves taking the jumble of thoughts in your head and transferring them onto paper or a digital notepad. (I would recommend pen and paper but do whichever works for you.)

The purpose of a brain dump is to clear mental space, reduce overwhelm, and gain clarity.

How To Do An Effective Brain Dump?

To do a brain dump to reduce racing thoughts and overwhelm, follow these steps:

Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can preferably be alone without distractions for a short while.

Decide how much time you want to dedicate to the brain dump session. It can be as short as 10 minutes or it can be longer. It will depend on the amount of information you need to offload. You don’t have to set an exact time limit, but the idea is to get it out as soon as possible and not let it drag on.

Start writing or typing without judgement or concern for keeping things in order. Let your thoughts flow freely and write them down as they come to you. Include tasks, ideas, worries, plans, or any other thoughts that are occupying your mind. Literally any thoughts or words that come to your mind, write it down.

Resist the urge to edit or hold back on what you’re writing. The purpose is to get everything out of your head and onto the page in front of you. Allow yourself to be completely honest and non-judgmental during this process.

Just keep writing.

That’s it!

Whether it’s words, sentences, random thoughts or anything else, if it comes to mind, write it down.

It Helps Clear Your Mind

Emptying your mind of thoughts and ideas frees up mental space and reduces mental clutter. This can lead to increased focus and improved decision-making.

Offloading your thoughts onto paper can help alleviate stress and anxiety. It allows you to release all of your worries and concerns, making them feel more manageable. It may not solve the issues, but it can get them out of your brain and put them more into perspective in front of you.

Once you’re done writing, rip it up! Brain dumps provide a visual representation of your thoughts. The idea is to get all thoughts out and then destroy the paper, thus eliminating the insignificant and bad thoughts from your mind.

The main reason why a brain dump helps you to avoid feeling overwhelmed as a new blogger is that it clears your mind. This means that you can plan out tasks with better focus and can tackle them with a higher level of productivity. You’ll have a clearer picture of what you need to do as you’ve cleared your mind of the clutter. This means you can allocate your time and energy accordingly!


This post was written to help you to avoid feeling overwhelmed as a new blogger – or as a blogger in general!

Have you ever struggled with overwhelm as a blogger? Or even in life?

What techniques do you use to help combat this and regain focus on the important tasks?

Have you ever tried doing a brain dump?

Let me know in the comments below!

If you are looking for more blogging info, try this post here on The Top 19 Questions New Bloggers Have – Answered!

Speak soon!

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8 Simple Daily Habits That Can Make You More Successful! https://katherinemclee.com/daily-habits-of-highly-successful-people/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=daily-habits-of-highly-successful-people https://katherinemclee.com/daily-habits-of-highly-successful-people/#comments Thu, 27 Apr 2023 15:21:13 +0000 https://katherinemclee.com/?p=6330 This post is all about 8 Daily Habits That Can Make You More Successful! Success is no accident to those who achieve it. What success means to you may be different to what success means to someone else. To some, success may mean a monetary goal. To others it may mean financial freedom, to have found true love or true happiness, or to be able to run their own business. There are so many meanings of what success means to different people, but success is no accident. Success is strived and worked for. There are habits, systems and disciplines put in place to achieve their chosen level of success. Those who are highly successful in their lives have certain daily habits that help them achieve their goals and maintain their success. That’s what we will go over in this post! Habits can vary depending on the individual, but there are certain commonalities. These commonalities are present throughout daily routines of the highly successful. If you’re looking for an amazing read on the power of habits, both Atomic Habits and The Power Of Habit are amazing! Both James Clear and Charles Duhigg really delve deep into the world of habit setting and why it’s crucial for growth in all aspects of life. James Clear also talks a lot about how small habits compound over time, and his work is a great resource if you want to read into it all even further. If you are intrigued into the world of habits, definitely give these two a read! 8 Daily Habits Of Highly Successful People Successful People Wake Up Early This first point is one I know you’ll have heard many times! But there’s a reason for it. When you read success stories from anyone who has achieved a high level of success in their business, this is a common habit throughout. Many successful people start their day early to maximise their productivity and get a head start on the day. Not only does it give you hours back in the day that you may not otherwise have had, but by waking up early you have uninterrupted time before anyone else is awake.  Of course not everyone will have fully uninterrupted time no matter what time they wake up. The difference though is that you’re a lot less likely to have distractions before the majority of others are awake for their day. For the highly successful, waking up early allows them to have time to take their time in the morning. It allows them the time to sit and plan out their goals and their day. Most highly successful people have a morning routine they follow and by waking up early it allows them to complete this in their own time. If you need help in creating your own morning routine, check out this post! Successful People Set Goals Goals are one of the best tools you can use when achieving success. You would be hard pushed to find someone who has achieved high levels of success in their life who never sets goals! How would anyone ever know where they are going if they don’t have a destination in mind? Successful people set clear goals for themselves, both short-term and long-term, and work towards them consistently. To be successful in any area of life, goals are an absolute must. It includes a mix of long term goals, right down to daily and weekly goals. Consistently working towards those big, life changing goals. Instead of long, drawn out to-do lists, successful people use their long and short term goals to craft their daily to-do lists. This helps focus their minds on the tasks that are most important and that will help them achieve their goals. You can read my post on setting SMART goals here! Why Self Assessing Regularly Is Important For High Achievers This point follows on directly from the goal setting point above. As mentioned, you need to know where you are going to be able to get there. On the flip side of this, it also means you need to know where you are now.  Every destination has a start and end point. Just as all goals have a starting and end point to achieve that specific goal! Those who are highly successful are masters of self assessment. This could be as frequently as after each working day, they reassess where they are at. This will help keep them on track for hitting those goals. The other benefit of self assessing regularly is that it shows them if any tasks haven’t been worked on or prioritised that should have been!  Self assessing at the end of the month or even the end of the year may feel like enough for some people, but for those who have achieved high levels of success in their lives, you will find that a common habit is that they really up the frequency of how often they self assess. Regular self assessment is one of the greatest tools to staying on your chosen path. People often don’t realise how far off track they have gotten until it becomes large enough to notice and in retrospect then also need fixed. Catching yourself early can prevent you diverting too far off course and therefore prevent you needing to backtrack and re-do things that potentially shouldn’t have needed re-doing or fixing in the first place! Regular Exercise Is One Of The Most Common Daily Habits For Successful People Exercising regularly helps to maintain not just physical health but also mental health. Most highly successful people prioritise exercise and their fitness by making sure they get their daily workouts in. No matter who you are, exercise is an essential part of a daily lifestyle.  Exercise helps to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and increase energy levels. A healthy diet is of course important also, as this keeps the mind and body alert, awake and healthy. Whether the chosen exercise is walking, HIIT workouts, Yoga or Swimming, exercise is an important daily habit of successful people. An enjoyable daily exercise habit can have a huge impact on your daily life. This is why successful people swear by it! When you exercise your brain receives endorphins which make your mind feel good. This is an amazing trick to tap into your mind as the better you feel, the more productive you will be! This point was probably one of the more obvious ones, but there’s a reason it’s well known! Definitely isn’t one to skip if a high level of success is your goal.  Successful People Are Strict With Time Management Successful people are often very organised and manage their time effectively to ensure that they can accomplish all their tasks and goals. Effective time management is key to productivity and success! Successful people are often very organised and manage their time effectively to ensure they can accomplish all their tasks and goals.  They use tools such as calendars, timers, and apps to stay on track and avoid distractions. Time blocking is an amazing way to practise good time management. This is where you take your time and break it down into blocks of time, with each block being assigned to a specific task or activity. Elon Musk has stated he blocks his time right down to 5 minute increments! While this may be extreme for most people, time blocking on the whole is an amazing way to really make sure all important tasks are scheduled into your day. It also helps things feel less overwhelming as you can see when things are going to be completed – rather than worrying over a never-ending to-do list. Blocking out time for meetings, business growth tasks, personal development, exercise, family time etc makes sure each area of life can get completed – but only if the time blocking schedule has been followed. Successful people always set a timer or alarm to keep them on track!  One of the huge positives of time blocking is that you can also see exactly where there’s wasted time in your day. This way you can really utilise and make the most of your time. We are all on limited time – learning to use your time wisely is key for success! Grab yourself a decent planner and timer and watch your productivity skyrocket! For ideas and help as to getting and staying focused, read here! Successful People Are Always Learning Successful people are always looking for opportunities to learn and grow. They attend seminars, and seek out mentors to help them gain new knowledge and insights. This could be in the form of books, audio books, webinars, online courses, in person seminars, coaching etc just to name a few! Learning is essential to staying ahead in today’s fast-paced world, and successful people know that investing in their education and skills is key to maintaining their success. For example, Bill Gates is an avid reader, and Warren Buffet spends 80% of his day reading! Everyone learns differently. Finding the ways that you learn best and utilising those will be the key to your own learning and success.  Growth is the key to anything positive in life. Learning is a huge part of that! There’s always new skills and information to learn. You will never find a highly successful person who feels they know it all and have closed themselves off to learning! You can be an expert/highly knowledgeable in a topic but still have a lot to learn. Successful People Are Always Networking Highly Successful people understand the importance of building relationships and networking with others.  Nearly every single area of life runs off of people. People go to people.  Businesses need customers, content creators need readers/watchers, charities need donations etc. People are what make the world go round. This is not lost on the successful! Having an ever growing network of people, friendships and relationships is one of the best things to have for yourself and your business. Networking can open up new opportunities and help you stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. Practising Gratitude Is Important For Successful People Gratitude is an important mindset practised by the successful because it helps to shift the focus from what we lack to what we have. Focusing on the positives instead of the negatives! Instead of dwelling on the negative or what is missing, practising gratitude allows us to recognise and appreciate the positive aspects of our lives. This can lead to a more positive outlook, increased resilience, and a greater sense of well-being.  Here are some ways gratitude can help you achieve success: Gratitude helps to reduce stress and anxiety. When we focus on what we are grateful for, it can help to reduce stress and anxiety by shifting our attention away from negative thoughts. Studies have shown that practising gratitude can increase feelings of relaxation and improve overall well-being. Daily gratitude helps to increase our resilience. By cultivating a mindset of gratitude, we can become more resilient in the face of challenges and setbacks. When we focus on what we are grateful for, we can maintain a positive outlook and find the strength to persevere through difficult times. Practising gratitude helps to increase motivation and productivity. When you feel grateful for what you already have, it can increase your motivation and productivity. By focusing on the positive, you are more likely to approach tasks and challenges with enthusiasm and energy. Gratitude helps to attract more positivity into our lives. By practising gratitude, we can attract more positivity into our lives. When we focus on the good things in our lives, we are more likely to attract positive opportunities and experiences. Practising gratitude may seem unnecessary but it’s truly one of the biggest “hacks” out there for a positive mindset and success! You can express gratitude in various ways, including writing down things you are grateful for, or practising meditation. No matter how you do it, as long as you truly FEEL grateful, you’re...

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This post is all about 8 Daily Habits That Can Make You More Successful!

Success is no accident to those who achieve it.

What success means to you may be different to what success means to someone else. To some, success may mean a monetary goal. To others it may mean financial freedom, to have found true love or true happiness, or to be able to run their own business. There are so many meanings of what success means to different people, but success is no accident.

Success is strived and worked for. There are habits, systems and disciplines put in place to achieve their chosen level of success.

Those who are highly successful in their lives have certain daily habits that help them achieve their goals and maintain their success. That’s what we will go over in this post!

8 Habits for success

Habits can vary depending on the individual, but there are certain commonalities. These commonalities are present throughout daily routines of the highly successful.

If you’re looking for an amazing read on the power of habits, both Atomic Habits and The Power Of Habit are amazing!

Both James Clear and Charles Duhigg really delve deep into the world of habit setting and why it’s crucial for growth in all aspects of life.

James Clear also talks a lot about how small habits compound over time, and his work is a great resource if you want to read into it all even further.

If you are intrigued into the world of habits, definitely give these two a read!

8 Daily Habits Of Highly Successful People

Successful People Wake Up Early

This first point is one I know you’ll have heard many times! But there’s a reason for it.

When you read success stories from anyone who has achieved a high level of success in their business, this is a common habit throughout.

Many successful people start their day early to maximise their productivity and get a head start on the day.

Not only does it give you hours back in the day that you may not otherwise have had, but by waking up early you have uninterrupted time before anyone else is awake. 

Of course not everyone will have fully uninterrupted time no matter what time they wake up. The difference though is that you’re a lot less likely to have distractions before the majority of others are awake for their day.

For the highly successful, waking up early allows them to have time to take their time in the morning. It allows them the time to sit and plan out their goals and their day. Most highly successful people have a morning routine they follow and by waking up early it allows them to complete this in their own time.

If you need help in creating your own morning routine, check out this post!

Successful People Set Goals

Goals are one of the best tools you can use when achieving success.

You would be hard pushed to find someone who has achieved high levels of success in their life who never sets goals!

How would anyone ever know where they are going if they don’t have a destination in mind?

Successful people set clear goals for themselves, both short-term and long-term, and work towards them consistently.

To be successful in any area of life, goals are an absolute must. It includes a mix of long term goals, right down to daily and weekly goals. Consistently working towards those big, life changing goals.

Instead of long, drawn out to-do lists, successful people use their long and short term goals to craft their daily to-do lists.

This helps focus their minds on the tasks that are most important and that will help them achieve their goals.

You can read my post on setting SMART goals here!

Why Self Assessing Regularly Is Important For High Achievers

This point follows on directly from the goal setting point above.

As mentioned, you need to know where you are going to be able to get there. On the flip side of this, it also means you need to know where you are now. 

Every destination has a start and end point. Just as all goals have a starting and end point to achieve that specific goal!

Those who are highly successful are masters of self assessment.

This could be as frequently as after each working day, they reassess where they are at. This will help keep them on track for hitting those goals. The other benefit of self assessing regularly is that it shows them if any tasks haven’t been worked on or prioritised that should have been! 

Self assessing at the end of the month or even the end of the year may feel like enough for some people, but for those who have achieved high levels of success in their lives, you will find that a common habit is that they really up the frequency of how often they self assess.

Regular self assessment is one of the greatest tools to staying on your chosen path.

People often don’t realise how far off track they have gotten until it becomes large enough to notice and in retrospect then also need fixed. Catching yourself early can prevent you diverting too far off course and therefore prevent you needing to backtrack and re-do things that potentially shouldn’t have needed re-doing or fixing in the first place!

Regular Exercise Is One Of The Most Common Daily Habits For Successful People

Exercising regularly helps to maintain not just physical health but also mental health. Most highly successful people prioritise exercise and their fitness by making sure they get their daily workouts in.

No matter who you are, exercise is an essential part of a daily lifestyle. 

Exercise helps to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and increase energy levels.

A healthy diet is of course important also, as this keeps the mind and body alert, awake and healthy.

Whether the chosen exercise is walking, HIIT workouts, Yoga or Swimming, exercise is an important daily habit of successful people.

An enjoyable daily exercise habit can have a huge impact on your daily life. This is why successful people swear by it!

When you exercise your brain receives endorphins which make your mind feel good. This is an amazing trick to tap into your mind as the better you feel, the more productive you will be!

This point was probably one of the more obvious ones, but there’s a reason it’s well known!

Definitely isn’t one to skip if a high level of success is your goal. 

Successful People Are Strict With Time Management

Successful people are often very organised and manage their time effectively to ensure that they can accomplish all their tasks and goals.

Effective time management is key to productivity and success! Successful people are often very organised and manage their time effectively to ensure they can accomplish all their tasks and goals. 

They use tools such as calendars, timers, and apps to stay on track and avoid distractions.

Time blocking is an amazing way to practise good time management. This is where you take your time and break it down into blocks of time, with each block being assigned to a specific task or activity.

Elon Musk has stated he blocks his time right down to 5 minute increments!

While this may be extreme for most people, time blocking on the whole is an amazing way to really make sure all important tasks are scheduled into your day. It also helps things feel less overwhelming as you can see when things are going to be completed – rather than worrying over a never-ending to-do list.

Blocking out time for meetings, business growth tasks, personal development, exercise, family time etc makes sure each area of life can get completed – but only if the time blocking schedule has been followed.

Successful people always set a timer or alarm to keep them on track! 

One of the huge positives of time blocking is that you can also see exactly where there’s wasted time in your day. This way you can really utilise and make the most of your time.

We are all on limited time – learning to use your time wisely is key for success!

Grab yourself a decent planner and timer and watch your productivity skyrocket!

For ideas and help as to getting and staying focused, read here!

Successful People Are Always Learning

Successful people are always looking for opportunities to learn and grow. They attend seminars, and seek out mentors to help them gain new knowledge and insights. This could be in the form of books, audio books, webinars, online courses, in person seminars, coaching etc just to name a few!

Learning is essential to staying ahead in today’s fast-paced world, and successful people know that investing in their education and skills is key to maintaining their success. For example, Bill Gates is an avid reader, and Warren Buffet spends 80% of his day reading!

Everyone learns differently. Finding the ways that you learn best and utilising those will be the key to your own learning and success. 

Growth is the key to anything positive in life. Learning is a huge part of that!

There’s always new skills and information to learn.

You will never find a highly successful person who feels they know it all and have closed themselves off to learning!

You can be an expert/highly knowledgeable in a topic but still have a lot to learn.

Successful People Are Always Networking

Highly Successful people understand the importance of building relationships and networking with others. 

Nearly every single area of life runs off of people. People go to people. 

Businesses need customers, content creators need readers/watchers, charities need donations etc.

People are what make the world go round. This is not lost on the successful!

Having an ever growing network of people, friendships and relationships is one of the best things to have for yourself and your business.

Networking can open up new opportunities and help you stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.

Practising Gratitude Is Important For Successful People

Gratitude is an important mindset practised by the successful because it helps to shift the focus from what we lack to what we have. Focusing on the positives instead of the negatives!

Instead of dwelling on the negative or what is missing, practising gratitude allows us to recognise and appreciate the positive aspects of our lives. This can lead to a more positive outlook, increased resilience, and a greater sense of well-being. 

Here are some ways gratitude can help you achieve success:

Gratitude helps to reduce stress and anxiety. When we focus on what we are grateful for, it can help to reduce stress and anxiety by shifting our attention away from negative thoughts. Studies have shown that practising gratitude can increase feelings of relaxation and improve overall well-being.

Daily gratitude helps to increase our resilience. By cultivating a mindset of gratitude, we can become more resilient in the face of challenges and setbacks. When we focus on what we are grateful for, we can maintain a positive outlook and find the strength to persevere through difficult times.

Practising gratitude helps to increase motivation and productivity. When you feel grateful for what you already have, it can increase your motivation and productivity. By focusing on the positive, you are more likely to approach tasks and challenges with enthusiasm and energy.

Gratitude helps to attract more positivity into our lives. By practising gratitude, we can attract more positivity into our lives. When we focus on the good things in our lives, we are more likely to attract positive opportunities and experiences.

Practising gratitude may seem unnecessary but it’s truly one of the biggest “hacks” out there for a positive mindset and success!

You can express gratitude in various ways, including writing down things you are grateful for, or practising meditation. No matter how you do it, as long as you truly FEEL grateful, you’re doing it right!

So those are the 8 daily habits of successful people and the key to their success! 

Incorporating these habits into your own life can help you achieve your goals, boost your productivity, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Remember, success is not achieved overnight, but through consistent effort and dedication to your goals. By adopting these habits, you can set yourself on the path to success!

Do you do any of these daily habits already?

Which ones do you feel you could implement into your own daily routine?

Let me know in the comments below!

If you’d like a bit more motivation while you’re building your habits, this list of quotes is something I come back to often and find really encouraging.

Speak soon!

Katherine McLee signature black and white

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Monotasking vs Multitasking: Productivity Simplified https://katherinemclee.com/monotasking-vs-multitasking/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=monotasking-vs-multitasking https://katherinemclee.com/monotasking-vs-multitasking/#comments Sun, 12 Feb 2023 18:35:30 +0000 https://katherinemclee.com/?p=4168 Monotasking vs Multitasking – The Best Trick For Productivity We have all heard the phrase “Work Smarter Not Harder”, but there’s a second phrase that is just as relevant which says “Don’t Be Busy, Be Productive”. Productivity is one of those terms where we all understand the concept. We have so many reasons to want to be more productive in our lives! But how do we actually become more productive?  You may be starting a blog or your own business and need to be more focused. You may want to be more productive as a student, a parent or just needing to get your life a little more organised working from home. Learning how to utilise monotasking can make such a difference to how much work you are able to get done.   Monotasking is such an amazing tool for anyone who wants to improve their concentration and focus.   It is key for those who wants to get more done in less time and for anyone who wants to stay consistently productive, but without the feeling of overwhelm. If you find you are unable to focus at work, unable to concentrate on your own tasks at home, and are wanting to get more work done in less time and be consistently productive, then monotasking may just be for you!  Finding yourself unable to focus on work can be so frustrating! Knowing how to get more done in less time and make your day productive can be a game changer.  If you have a hard time staying focused on work or find that you jump between tasks – even without meaning to – then I completely understand as I struggle with this too.  I wrote a post not too long ago on ways to stay focused and those absolutely still apply, the trick may be to use those ideas while also trying out monotasking! Check that post out here! Everyone works differently and has different things that work for them, if you’re one of those people that need extra help to focus (like myself), utilising the tools mentioned in that post and in this one may help a lot as it did me!   What Is Monotasking Monotasking is also known as single-tasking – both of which are good descriptors! The definition of monotasking literally means to do one task at a time.  It’s where you focus on one thing at a time and once you have given full focus to one task, only then do you move onto the second task. This could be until this one task is fully completed, or until the time allotted to that specific task has elapsed. At any point in time during your working hours (or studying hours if you are a student), you will only put your focus on one task at a time.   It sounds simple and in theory, it is! As with anything though, it can take time to really be able to monotask efficiently and effectively.    The key with monotasking though is that you dedicate all your focus to this task (or as much focus as is possible depending on your situation).   In this day and age nearly everything is a distraction – including other tasks!  We are all striving to get as much done as possible. Most of us probably think we are better at multitasking than we realistically are (in terms of tasks that require a lot of focus). It’s been proven that people often are a lot more productive and get a lot more finished when they are able to focus on one task at a time. The important part of monotasking (to do it properly), is to minimise as many distractions as possible.  A lot of people believe that they are expert multitaskers but research has shown that attempting to multitask has a huge impact on productivity. It can decrease your productivity by up to 40%!  Keeping your focus on just that one task and eliminating external distractions lets your mind get fully absorbed into it and can really help the amount of internal distractions. In turn this means you can get that task completed and can then move on.   What Are The Benefits Of Monotasking? The main difference between monotasking and multitasking is that with monotasking you focus on one task until completed/a set time has passed. Multitasking is trying to complete all tasks simultaneously. Even just written down, monotasking sounds like the ideal way to be more productive and get more done in a day!  When we multitask it’s not often that we are physically actually doing more than one thing at once. What we are actually doing is jumping between different tasks, without finishing one before moving on to the next one. We aren’t as focused when multitasking as our attention is split between all tasks. You are so much more likely to miss details and make mistakes when multitasking. Giving your full attention to one task means your mind is focused on that one task, so you’re much less likely to make mistakes or miss out any important details. Some benefits of monotasking vs multitasking would:  It helps you to improve concentration and focus. You are able to focus at work more – be it at a job or on your own business/tasks. Monotasking allows you to get more done in less time. It helps you to be more consistently productive and become a more productive person overall.   Monotasking vs Multitasking – Why Does Monotasking Work? Often through no real fault of our own, our default mode is to try and either do lots of different tasks at once, or get distracted with various things going on around us. It’s how we have been programmed to work and behave, constantly jumping between tasks, feeling like we are getting loads done but actually achieving very little.  By the end of your working/school day you may feel you have been really productive, and that’s great! But how much more could you have gotten done today by monotasking instead of multitasking and giving each task your undivided attention?   Internal vs External Distractions I wanted to add this point in as it’s relevant to the above points on getting distracted. We all get distracted – that is a part of life – but some people get more easily distracted than others. The difference between internal and external distractions is that external distractions are the things that catch our attention, while internal distractions are the things that distract from inside ourselves, e.g. emotions, feelings and thoughts.   Ways to help with external distractions could be; Telling those in your home that you’re going to be busy for X amount of time and only to disturb you if it’s urgent. Putting your phone onto “do not disturb” or turning off notifications. Walking your dog before starting your task so that they will (hopefully) be asleep. Getting a big bottle of water to keep yourself hydrated. Internal distractions can be a little tricker, especially for anyone with things on their mind.   Some ways you can help internal distractions could be things like; Practising meditation before starting your task. Reminding yourself how much better you will feel once this task is completely done. Using things like fidget rings as a small outlet but that doesn’t take over. (Some fidget type toys may be too distracting so stick to smaller objects like the rings.) The key to monotasking successfully is setting yourself up for your success.  Get your environment and surroundings sorted (as much as possible) to give yourself the best chance for uninterrupted work time.   How To Use Monotasking To Have A Productive Day You may have gotten to this point and thought that monotasking sounds like it would be an amazing tool for you to be more productive, but how does it work in a real day-to-day scenario? This of course will look different for everyone depending on if you work in or out of the home, if you work for yourself or for someone else, if you have children or pets etc. Your day may look a little different when you conciously choose monotasking vs multitasking. The main things to focus on here are the times in the day where you can put as much focus as possible on one task at a time.   Write Down The Main Tasks You Need To Complete Either that morning or the night before, make yourself a list of the top few tasks you want to accomplish the next day. The ones that are non-negotiables. Don’t try to put 14 things on this list! Aim for around 3-6 things depending on the time you have and the size of the tasks.   Block Out Time To Complete These Tasks You will most likely have a rough idea how long tasks will take you, so make sure you block out a suitable amount of time. If you aren’t sure at all how long they will take, block out a set amount of time. If you get the task completed – amazing. On the other hand if you don’t get it completed, you have still worked on it for the set amount of time you allocated and are now that much closer to having it be completed.  You can either block out small amounts of time over the day, or you can plan your whole day out into different blocks of time, depending on what you are working to accomplish that day. Adapting it to suit yourself and your life is key, but the ideal behind it is the same – to be more productive and be able to focus more with work.   Meditate For 5-10 Minutes Before Starting If you really struggle keeping focus, you may find that meditating can really help to clear and calm your mind before you start. You can find lots of short, guided meditations on YouTube. Let The People In Your Office/Home Know You Need Time To Focus  This may well be trickier if you have small children, a puppy, or work in an environment where you can’t shut yourself away to focus for that set amount of time.  You will find you can get a lot more completed in 30 mins of complete undisturbed focus than of 2 hours disturbed focus where you try and multitask.   Listen To Music If you are able to put headphones on to zone out to the outside world, this can also help so much. This was one of the huge tips talked about in the post: How To Get a Killer Blog Post Written In 1 Hour Or Less You will know what sort of music helps you to be more productive and focus more at work. It may be something upbeat/with a good beat, it may be classical music, or even heavy metal! The genre of music is a personal choice, the important part is that it helps you to focus on the tasks in front of you.   Things to help you focus Monotasking is an amazing tool to help you be more productive, but as with anything, it takes practice.  As mentioned above the key is preparing yourself BEFORE you sit down to complete your tasks. In this post there are ways to help you stay focused overall, but the items below are more specific to helping you stay focused while monotasking. There are amazing things you can get to help you to improve your focus! Try one or a combination of these ideas to help you focus and become a lot more productive:   A Visual Timer Timers like these are perfect for those that need a visual note of the time in front of them! If having the time counting down in front of you helps, these would be perfect.       Cube Timer A different type of timer is a cube timer. Cube timers are perfect as they have different set times on each...

The post Monotasking vs Multitasking: Productivity Simplified appeared first on Katherine McLee.

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Monotasking vs Multitasking – The Best Trick For Productivity

We have all heard the phrase “Work Smarter Not Harder”, but there’s a second phrase that is just as relevant which says “Don’t Be Busy, Be Productive”.

Productivity is one of those terms where we all understand the concept. We have so many reasons to want to be more productive in our lives! But how do we actually become more productive? 

You may be starting a blog or your own business and need to be more focused. You may want to be more productive as a student, a parent or just needing to get your life a little more organised working from home. Learning how to utilise monotasking can make such a difference to how much work you are able to get done.

 

Monotasking is such an amazing tool for anyone who wants to improve their concentration and focus.

 

It is key for those who wants to get more done in less time and for anyone who wants to stay consistently productive, but without the feeling of overwhelm.

If you find you are unable to focus at work, unable to concentrate on your own tasks at home, and are wanting to get more work done in less time and be consistently productive, then monotasking may just be for you! 

Finding yourself unable to focus on work can be so frustrating!

Knowing how to get more done in less time and make your day productive can be a game changer. 

If you have a hard time staying focused on work or find that you jump between tasks – even without meaning to – then I completely understand as I struggle with this too. 

I wrote a post not too long ago on ways to stay focused and those absolutely still apply, the trick may be to use those ideas while also trying out monotasking!

Check that post out here!

Everyone works differently and has different things that work for them, if you’re one of those people that need extra help to focus (like myself), utilising the tools mentioned in that post and in this one may help a lot as it did me!

 

What Is Monotasking

Monotasking is also known as single-tasking – both of which are good descriptors!

The definition of monotasking literally means to do one task at a time. 

It’s where you focus on one thing at a time and once you have given full focus to one task, only then do you move onto the second task.

This could be until this one task is fully completed, or until the time allotted to that specific task has elapsed.

At any point in time during your working hours (or studying hours if you are a student), you will only put your focus on one task at a time.  

It sounds simple and in theory, it is!

As with anything though, it can take time to really be able to monotask efficiently and effectively. 

 

The key with monotasking though is that you dedicate all your focus to this task (or as much focus as is possible depending on your situation).

 

In this day and age nearly everything is a distraction – including other tasks! 

We are all striving to get as much done as possible.

Most of us probably think we are better at multitasking than we realistically are (in terms of tasks that require a lot of focus).

It’s been proven that people often are a lot more productive and get a lot more finished when they are able to focus on one task at a time.

The important part of monotasking (to do it properly), is to minimise as many distractions as possible. 

A lot of people believe that they are expert multitaskers but research has shown that attempting to multitask has a huge impact on productivity. It can decrease your productivity by up to 40%! 

Keeping your focus on just that one task and eliminating external distractions lets your mind get fully absorbed into it and can really help the amount of internal distractions. In turn this means you can get that task completed and can then move on.

 

What Are The Benefits Of Monotasking?

The main difference between monotasking and multitasking is that with monotasking you focus on one task until completed/a set time has passed. Multitasking is trying to complete all tasks simultaneously.

Even just written down, monotasking sounds like the ideal way to be more productive and get more done in a day! 

When we multitask it’s not often that we are physically actually doing more than one thing at once. What we are actually doing is jumping between different tasks, without finishing one before moving on to the next one.

We aren’t as focused when multitasking as our attention is split between all tasks.

You are so much more likely to miss details and make mistakes when multitasking.

Giving your full attention to one task means your mind is focused on that one task, so you’re much less likely to make mistakes or miss out any important details.

Some benefits of monotasking vs multitasking would: 

It helps you to improve concentration and focus.

You are able to focus at work more – be it at a job or on your own business/tasks.

Monotasking allows you to get more done in less time.

It helps you to be more consistently productive and become a more productive person overall.

 

Monotasking vs Multitasking – Why Does Monotasking Work?

Often through no real fault of our own, our default mode is to try and either do lots of different tasks at once, or get distracted with various things going on around us.

It’s how we have been programmed to work and behave, constantly jumping between tasks, feeling like we are getting loads done but actually achieving very little. 

By the end of your working/school day you may feel you have been really productive, and that’s great! But how much more could you have gotten done today by monotasking instead of multitasking and giving each task your undivided attention?

 

Internal vs External Distractions

I wanted to add this point in as it’s relevant to the above points on getting distracted.

We all get distracted – that is a part of life – but some people get more easily distracted than others.

The difference between internal and external distractions is that external distractions are the things that catch our attention, while internal distractions are the things that distract from inside ourselves, e.g. emotions, feelings and thoughts.

 

Ways to help with external distractions could be;

Telling those in your home that you’re going to be busy for X amount of time and only to disturb you if it’s urgent.

Putting your phone onto “do not disturb” or turning off notifications.

Walking your dog before starting your task so that they will (hopefully) be asleep.

Getting a big bottle of water to keep yourself hydrated.

Internal distractions can be a little tricker, especially for anyone with things on their mind.

 

Some ways you can help internal distractions could be things like;

Practising meditation before starting your task.

Reminding yourself how much better you will feel once this task is completely done.

Using things like fidget rings as a small outlet but that doesn’t take over. (Some fidget type toys may be too distracting so stick to smaller objects like the rings.)

The key to monotasking successfully is setting yourself up for your success. 

Get your environment and surroundings sorted (as much as possible) to give yourself the best chance for uninterrupted work time.

 

How To Use Monotasking To Have A Productive Day

You may have gotten to this point and thought that monotasking sounds like it would be an amazing tool for you to be more productive, but how does it work in a real day-to-day scenario?

This of course will look different for everyone depending on if you work in or out of the home, if you work for yourself or for someone else, if you have children or pets etc.

Your day may look a little different when you conciously choose monotasking vs multitasking.

The main things to focus on here are the times in the day where you can put as much focus as possible on one task at a time.

 

Write Down The Main Tasks You Need To Complete

Either that morning or the night before, make yourself a list of the top few tasks you want to accomplish the next day. The ones that are non-negotiables.

Don’t try to put 14 things on this list!

Aim for around 3-6 things depending on the time you have and the size of the tasks.

 

Block Out Time To Complete These Tasks

You will most likely have a rough idea how long tasks will take you, so make sure you block out a suitable amount of time.

If you aren’t sure at all how long they will take, block out a set amount of time.

If you get the task completed – amazing.

On the other hand if you don’t get it completed, you have still worked on it for the set amount of time you allocated and are now that much closer to having it be completed. 

You can either block out small amounts of time over the day, or you can plan your whole day out into different blocks of time, depending on what you are working to accomplish that day.

Adapting it to suit yourself and your life is key, but the ideal behind it is the same – to be more productive and be able to focus more with work.

 

Meditate For 5-10 Minutes Before Starting

If you really struggle keeping focus, you may find that meditating can really help to clear and calm your mind before you start.

You can find lots of short, guided meditations on YouTube.

Let The People In Your Office/Home Know You Need Time To Focus 

This may well be trickier if you have small children, a puppy, or work in an environment where you can’t shut yourself away to focus for that set amount of time. 

You will find you can get a lot more completed in 30 mins of complete undisturbed focus than of 2 hours disturbed focus where you try and multitask.

 

Listen To Music

If you are able to put headphones on to zone out to the outside world, this can also help so much.

This was one of the huge tips talked about in the post: How To Get a Killer Blog Post Written In 1 Hour Or Less

You will know what sort of music helps you to be more productive and focus more at work.

It may be something upbeat/with a good beat, it may be classical music, or even heavy metal!

The genre of music is a personal choice, the important part is that it helps you to focus on the tasks in front of you.

 

Things to help you focus

Monotasking is an amazing tool to help you be more productive, but as with anything, it takes practice. 

As mentioned above the key is preparing yourself BEFORE you sit down to complete your tasks.

In this post there are ways to help you stay focused overall, but the items below are more specific to helping you stay focused while monotasking.

There are amazing things you can get to help you to improve your focus!

Try one or a combination of these ideas to help you focus and become a lot more productive:

 

A Visual Timer

Timers like these are perfect for those that need a visual note of the time in front of them!

If having the time counting down in front of you helps, these would be perfect.

blue visual timer image amazon

 

 

 

Cube Timer

A different type of timer is a cube timer.

Cube timers are perfect as they have different set times on each side and you can just flip it over to the time needed at any given time. 

 

Blue cube timer amazon blog katherine mclee

 

 

Planner

Planners are perfect for anyone trying to be more organised and get more done in a day.

They allow you to not only map out what needs done, but also when things can get done.

If you’re looking to become more productive, a planner is an ideal tool to help.

teal and gold planner katherine mclee blog

 

Noise Cancelling Headphones

A pair of noise cancelling headphones can help you focus more on the music than anything going on around you.

It allows you to absorb the sort of music that motivates you, but blocks out external distractions, making them the ideal work item!

 

Do Not Disturb Sign

This one is a little gimmicky but also may make people think twice before disturbing you, but getting a little “do not disturb” sign may just help in giving you that time to really focus. 

genius at work do not disturb silver door sign blog katherine mclee

 

 

Fidget Rings

Fidget rings (and fidget toys in general) can really help in providing that mild focus that in turn helps you focus on the task at hand.

It can work in a similar way to music, in that if you need that bit of distraction/stimulation but without it taking over, getting small fidget toys can help this.

My fidget toy of choice for keeping my mind focused are fidget rings, as they are small and not overly distracting, but do provide that movement which can really help.

 

 

Large Water Bottle 

Staying hydrated will definitely help to keep your mind focused.

Having a large water bottle next to you while you work can really help remind you to drink and can help not give you any excuse to have to leave whichever task you’re working on.

large water bottle blue and pink ombre blog katherine mclee

 

Those are the main differences between monotasking vs multitasking. Hopefully you now also see why monotasking is the best way to be the most productive in the day.

Monotasking is ideal for either short amounts of time or you can carry monotasking through your entire day. 

Have you heard of monotasking before?

Do you think you can add monotasking into your daily routine instead of always multitasking?

Do you find any of the above products helped you?

Let me know in the comments below! 

 

Speak soon! 

Katherine McLee signature black and white

 

📌 Pin for later 📌

26 - Monotasking vs Multitasking – The Best Trick For Productivity (3) link to pinterest pin blog katherine mclee

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Royal Kludge Retro Backlit Keyboard: Ultimate Review https://katherinemclee.com/royal-kludge-backlit-retro-typewriter-gaming-keyboard-review/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=royal-kludge-backlit-retro-typewriter-gaming-keyboard-review https://katherinemclee.com/royal-kludge-backlit-retro-typewriter-gaming-keyboard-review/#comments Sun, 08 Jan 2023 12:17:10 +0000 https://katherinemclee.com/?p=2424 This is a review/personal opinion of the Royal Kludge Backlit Retro Typewriter Gaming Keyboard. This keyboard here. Update as of December 2025 – still using it, still loving it, still going strong! As someone who types a lot, having a decent keyboard is SO important. For years I’ve had so many keyboards – since I discovered backlit/gaming keyboards I’ve been hooked! Gaming keyboards are honestly such a game changer as they are designed to look good and to be so responsive!    Whether you game, are a blogger, author of any sort or work from home and type a lot – you need a decent keyboard!  If you think of it as like any other hobby or profession – you need the right tools for whatever you are trying to achieve.  Especially if it’s something you use every day!   Up until recently I’ve always had ones at the lower end of the scale price wise. To be fair (up until recently) they have all done me well – until recently.  Of course over time they stop working, lights fade, keys become less responsive etc.   This year I decided to invest in a decent (and beautiful) new keyboard. Especially as my job requires so much typing!  I honestly didn’t think there would be SO much of a difference between a really good keyboard as opposed to a more budget one.   After my last keyboards keys started to stick and I realised it was putting me off wanting to type, I realised an upgrade was in order!  I spent a lot of researching and looking into different keyboards. In the end I decided on this Royal Kludge Backlit Retro Typewriter Gaming Keyboard.         That turned out to be such a good decision! I’ve broken this review down into categories so it’s easy to locate whichever pieces of information you’re looking for! For reference, I bought this in November 2022 so will update if necessary, but have been using it a lot over the past couple of months.   I knew I was loving it when I mentioned it in this post but I wanted to give it a good shot before reviewing!   Aesthetic This keyboard is literally beautiful.   Its base is black metal with matching wrist rest. I love the fact it can look a lot more streamlined if you fold the wrist rest in under itself!  The round keys absolutely resemble a typewriter as it states, and each key has a silver/chrome ring around each one.      Each key is quite high from the board itself which I personally prefer as it makes it a lot easier to clean and there’s more space for the lights to shine out!  (For cleaning I use a can of compressed air and it works perfectly with these more open keys). One thing to be aware of is that on some lighting modes, some of the letters/symbols don’t stand out overly well.   If you’re like me and touch type then this won’t be an issue, but just something to be aware of!   Sound Due to the nature of this keyboard having a typewriter resemblance, this is by no means a silent keyboard!  If the sound of typing annoys you, this is not the right choice for you lol.   It’s not as loud as a typewriter would be but has a good click to each key!  I personally really enjoy mechanical keyboards and love the noise this one makes – but it’s all personal preference!    Typing This is by far the most responsive/sensitive keyboard I’ve owned. It actually took a few days to really get used to typing on it but once used to it it’s a dream to type on.   I love the fact that this keyboard is so responsive. It takes any strain out of trying to type for long periods of time as there’s no force needed on the keys.   Lights The lights in this keyboard are so bright! It states there are up to 168 different lighting modes!  I’d be lying if I said I had found them all haha, but it does come with instructions!   To name a few there are your standard colour options, fading colours going varying directions or “breathing” colours.  You’ve also got all the extra functions!   You can have the keys light up as you press them, or having light shoot across the row of the key you’ve just pressed! I certainly haven’t found/used all of the options yet! My favourites are the colours fading across the keyboard, and the option where each key is a different colour and is rotating through the other colours.     As the colour behind each key rotates, the lights reflect off of the chrome key surrounds so it looks like there’s a carousel of colours changing all the time! As mentioned earlier, the fact these keys are taller and have more space under them, it really helps the lights to shine out.   The colours make it so fun to use. I much prefer it when I have coloured lights in my working area, so having the bright coloured lights was something I was specifically wanting. There are sections on the side of the keyboard that also light up, and you can change lighting mode for these too! The side section you can choose any of the static colours or choose the rainbow/colour fading option.           Wrist rest This keyboard has a detachable wrist rest! It makes the keyboard look quite a bit bigger but is actually really comfy to use. It’s not cushioned but sits at a lovely angle if you find this helps.   I personally prefer keeping it folded under itself and folding the standard keyboard feet out as it puts the keyboard at a lovely position to speed type at. I don’t feel this rest is a necessity, but it’s a nice touch!   One note I will say, if you choose to have the rest out, the hinges can feel a little sharp against the desk underneath. If you find this, you may want to pop a desk mat or something under it in case it scratches!        Weight I’ll admit I didn’t look at the weight when I bought this as it really didn’t matter much to me!  As long as it was sturdy and reliable, it didn’t matter. One of the cheaper keyboards I’d been using used to bend so badly in the middle I was always worried it would break!   So I was wanting to avoid that, especially when paying more. This keyboard comes in at just shy of 1kg! It’s metal construction and the metal wrist rest mean that this keyboard feels STURDY.   The beauty of the weight (albeit unexpected when I opened it), is that it doesn’t move at all when you’re typing on it!  I’ve been known to fidget and having a keyboard that just stays in place is amazing lol.     Price This is by far the most I’ve ever spent on a keyboard, but honestly it’s been so worth it and you really do see and feel the difference. It retails for around £100, but for the amount of £20 keyboards I’ve been through, it’s worth it for that alone as it’s still going strong and the lights are as bright as the day I bought it! That probably doesn’t feel like a lot to any hardcore gamers lol but for me it was a lot to spend on a keyboard! Was it worth it and would I absolutely pay that again if needed? Yes!   Mouse As I decided was going to splurge on a good keyboard, I decided to get a new mouse too! I wanted one that matched but not one that was going to cost a fortune so picked this one up for just £10 or so.   Can get any mouse you like, but this is the one I got! Black and changes lighting colour so matches the keyboard really well.  It has a really low profile so feels a lot better in my hand than a standard bulky mouse. My hand feels at a much more natural angle.    Super quiet and very responsive. Does need to be recharged as it’s wireless. It can be used while plugged in so hasn’t been a problem at all.     Summary of Pros and Cons of the Royal Kludge Backlit Retro Typewriter Gaming Keyboard  Pros Amazing design Bright LED lights with so many lighting options Fold out wrist rest is handy for when needed Weighty so stays put A dream to type on Easy to keep clean   Cons Hinges may scratch if wrist rest is unfolded (hasn’t happened to me but it may) It is quite loud if you prefer a quieter keyboard this isn’t the one for you I will put the price in the cons section, but only because it’s a lot of money, not because it isn’t worth it! I adore this keyboard and I’m so happy I chose it. (Still am, 3 years later as of Dec 2025!)     Don’t panic if you receive yours and the picture on the box looks nothing like the keyboard you’re expecting!  I’ve included a photo to show the square keys on the box picture, but the right one was inside so it didn’t matter!      After getting used to how responsive and sensitive the keys are, it’s such a breeze to type on! It’s also just so cool with all the bright coloured lights shining through, with any colour mode option to suit your want/mood!   What do you look for in a keyboard?  Royal Kludge also share more detailed product information and specifications on their website if you’d like to compare models or check technical details. If you are looking for related gifts for yourself or others (this keyboard features again as it’s so worth it!), then you will enjoy this post of 30 Gift Ideas!   Speak soon!   📌 Pin for later 📌  

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This is a review/personal opinion of the Royal Kludge Backlit Retro Typewriter Gaming Keyboard.

This keyboard here.

Update as of December 2025 – still using it, still loving it, still going strong!

As someone who types a lot, having a decent keyboard is SO important.

For years I’ve had so many keyboards – since I discovered backlit/gaming keyboards I’ve been hooked!

Gaming keyboards are honestly such a game changer as they are designed to look good and to be so responsive! 

Whether you game, are a blogger, author of any sort or work from home and type a lot – you need a decent keyboard! 

If you think of it as like any other hobby or profession – you need the right tools for whatever you are trying to achieve. 

Especially if it’s something you use every day!

Up until recently I’ve always had ones at the lower end of the scale price wise.

To be fair (up until recently) they have all done me well – until recently. 

Of course over time they stop working, lights fade, keys become less responsive etc.

This year I decided to invest in a decent (and beautiful) new keyboard.

Especially as my job requires so much typing! 

I honestly didn’t think there would be SO much of a difference between a really good keyboard as opposed to a more budget one.

After my last keyboards keys started to stick and I realised it was putting me off wanting to type, I realised an upgrade was in order! 

I spent a lot of researching and looking into different keyboards.

In the end I decided on this Royal Kludge Backlit Retro Typewriter Gaming Keyboard.

That turned out to be such a good decision!

I’ve broken this review down into categories so it’s easy to locate whichever pieces of information you’re looking for!

For reference, I bought this in November 2022 so will update if necessary, but have been using it a lot over the past couple of months.

I knew I was loving it when I mentioned it in this post but I wanted to give it a good shot before reviewing!

Aesthetic

This keyboard is literally beautiful.

Its base is black metal with matching wrist rest.

I love the fact it can look a lot more streamlined if you fold the wrist rest in under itself! 

The round keys absolutely resemble a typewriter as it states, and each key has a silver/chrome ring around each one. 

Royal Kludge Backlit Retro Typewriter Gaming Keyboard Review Katherine McLee

Each key is quite high from the board itself which I personally prefer as it makes it a lot easier to clean and there’s more space for the lights to shine out! 

(For cleaning I use a can of compressed air and it works perfectly with these more open keys).

One thing to be aware of is that on some lighting modes, some of the letters/symbols don’t stand out overly well.

If you’re like me and touch type then this won’t be an issue, but just something to be aware of!

Sound

Due to the nature of this keyboard having a typewriter resemblance, this is by no means a silent keyboard! 

If the sound of typing annoys you, this is not the right choice for you lol.

It’s not as loud as a typewriter would be but has a good click to each key! 

I personally really enjoy mechanical keyboards and love the noise this one makes – but it’s all personal preference! 

Typing

This is by far the most responsive/sensitive keyboard I’ve owned.

It actually took a few days to really get used to typing on it but once used to it it’s a dream to type on.

I love the fact that this keyboard is so responsive.

It takes any strain out of trying to type for long periods of time as there’s no force needed on the keys.

Lights

The lights in this keyboard are so bright!

It states there are up to 168 different lighting modes! 

I’d be lying if I said I had found them all haha, but it does come with instructions!

To name a few there are your standard colour options, fading colours going varying directions or “breathing” colours. 

You’ve also got all the extra functions!

You can have the keys light up as you press them, or having light shoot across the row of the key you’ve just pressed!

I certainly haven’t found/used all of the options yet!

My favourites are the colours fading across the keyboard, and the option where each key is a different colour and is rotating through the other colours.  

As the colour behind each key rotates, the lights reflect off of the chrome key surrounds so it looks like there’s a carousel of colours changing all the time!

As mentioned earlier, the fact these keys are taller and have more space under them, it really helps the lights to shine out.

The colours make it so fun to use.

I much prefer it when I have coloured lights in my working area, so having the bright coloured lights was something I was specifically wanting.

There are sections on the side of the keyboard that also light up, and you can change lighting mode for these too!

The side section you can choose any of the static colours or choose the rainbow/colour fading option.

Royal Kludge Backlit Retro Typewriter Gaming Keyboard Review Katherine McLee

 

Wrist rest

This keyboard has a detachable wrist rest!

It makes the keyboard look quite a bit bigger but is actually really comfy to use.

It’s not cushioned but sits at a lovely angle if you find this helps.

I personally prefer keeping it folded under itself and folding the standard keyboard feet out as it puts the keyboard at a lovely position to speed type at.

I don’t feel this rest is a necessity, but it’s a nice touch!

One note I will say, if you choose to have the rest out, the hinges can feel a little sharp against the desk underneath.

If you find this, you may want to pop a desk mat or something under it in case it scratches! 

Royal Kludge Backlit Retro Typewriter Gaming Keyboard Review Katherine McLee

 

Weight

I’ll admit I didn’t look at the weight when I bought this as it really didn’t matter much to me! 

As long as it was sturdy and reliable, it didn’t matter.

One of the cheaper keyboards I’d been using used to bend so badly in the middle I was always worried it would break!

So I was wanting to avoid that, especially when paying more.

This keyboard comes in at just shy of 1kg!

It’s metal construction and the metal wrist rest mean that this keyboard feels STURDY.

The beauty of the weight (albeit unexpected when I opened it), is that it doesn’t move at all when you’re typing on it! 

I’ve been known to fidget and having a keyboard that just stays in place is amazing lol.

 

Price

This is by far the most I’ve ever spent on a keyboard, but honestly it’s been so worth it and you really do see and feel the difference.

It retails for around £100, but for the amount of £20 keyboards I’ve been through, it’s worth it for that alone as it’s still going strong and the lights are as bright as the day I bought it!

That probably doesn’t feel like a lot to any hardcore gamers lol but for me it was a lot to spend on a keyboard!

Was it worth it and would I absolutely pay that again if needed? Yes!

Mouse

As I decided was going to splurge on a good keyboard, I decided to get a new mouse too!

I wanted one that matched but not one that was going to cost a fortune so picked this one up for just £10 or so.

Can get any mouse you like, but this is the one I got!

Black and changes lighting colour so matches the keyboard really well. 

It has a really low profile so feels a lot better in my hand than a standard bulky mouse. My hand feels at a much more natural angle. 

Super quiet and very responsive.

Does need to be recharged as it’s wireless.

It can be used while plugged in so hasn’t been a problem at all.

 

Summary of Pros and Cons of the Royal Kludge Backlit Retro Typewriter Gaming Keyboard 

Pros

Amazing design

Bright LED lights with so many lighting options

Fold out wrist rest is handy for when needed

Weighty so stays put

A dream to type on

Easy to keep clean

Cons

Hinges may scratch if wrist rest is unfolded (hasn’t happened to me but it may)

It is quite loud if you prefer a quieter keyboard this isn’t the one for you

I will put the price in the cons section, but only because it’s a lot of money, not because it isn’t worth it!

I adore this keyboard and I’m so happy I chose it. (Still am, 3 years later as of Dec 2025!)

Don’t panic if you receive yours and the picture on the box looks nothing like the keyboard you’re expecting! 

I’ve included a photo to show the square keys on the box picture, but the right one was inside so it didn’t matter! 

Royal Kludge Backlit Retro Typewriter Gaming Keyboard Review Katherine McLee

After getting used to how responsive and sensitive the keys are, it’s such a breeze to type on!

It’s also just so cool with all the bright coloured lights shining through, with any colour mode option to suit your want/mood!

What do you look for in a keyboard? 

Royal Kludge also share more detailed product information and specifications on their website if you’d like to compare models or check technical details.

If you are looking for related gifts for yourself or others (this keyboard features again as it’s so worth it!), then you will enjoy this post of 30 Gift Ideas!

Speak soon!

Katherine McLee signature black and white

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5 SMART Blogging Goals For New Bloggers https://katherinemclee.com/5-smart-blogging-goals-for-new-bloggers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=5-smart-blogging-goals-for-new-bloggers https://katherinemclee.com/5-smart-blogging-goals-for-new-bloggers/#comments Sun, 06 Nov 2022 12:11:29 +0000 https://katherinemclee.com/?p=1372 Follow my blog with Bloglovin 5 SMART Blogging Goals For New Bloggers I think we can all be guilty of setting fairly bad goals. Not bad in the sense they weren’t good things to aim for, but either really weren’t achievable, or were so vague I had no idea what I was supposed to be doing daily to actually achieve them!   My focus can be shocking at times lol. I touched on this (and the things that help me) in my last post:   17 Ways To Stay Focussed While Working From Home   Mix that with not having specific goals to work towards and I basically flailed around a lot in the early years. Goals should motivate you, but also be something to keep you on track you can work towards every day. Then I came across the idea of SMART Goals. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound.   When I initially heard about SMART goals I thought you were to set one goal per letter. This doesn’t always work as it can be vague. The easiest way to use the SMART goals system is to set goals that match ALL of the 5 points in each letter. Having attainable goals as a new blogger is so important.  It not only keeps you motivated to keep going, but it helps you stay on track, and track your progress. If you are newer to blogging, you may find yourself flapping a bit, jumping from task to task without really having much of a plan. This is exactly what I did. Assuming your plan is to have a successful blogging business here, how many businesses do you know became successful without a real plan/direction? None? Exactly lol. I’ll be going over how to make a Business Plan for your blog in an upcoming post, but goals are an amazing starting point. Everyone’s blog/goals will be different but I want to help you work out some good baseline goals to begin with. These SMART blogging goals for new bloggers should help you stay on the right path in the early stages of blogging.   Why Set Goals? Goals are so important. Not just in business but in life. They show us not only where we want to be, but they highlight to ourselves where we are now. Goals usually can get broken down into 3 categories: Short term goals – Within the next 6 months Medium term goals – Roughly 1-3 years Long term goals – Anything over 3 years! Some people may decide over 5 years is long term or under 3 months is short term – decide what works for you! What’s important though is to set goals in all 3 categories. There’s no point in setting amazing long term goals, but no short or medium term ones. How will you achieve the long term goals if you have no initial goals/plan to follow? Short and medium term goals are more like stepping stones to the big goals. Take a big life goal, break it down into smaller chunks – these are the medium term goals.  Break the medium term goals and break those down again – those are the short term goals! Set goals in all 3 categories, but make them SMART goals! What Are SMART Goals? As mentioned earlier, SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound.     Quick breakdown of each: S – Specific – You need to make sure that any goals you are setting are specific to what you want to achieve. Be as specific as you can be. Ask yourself what you need to see in order to decide that the goal has been achieved.  M – Measurable – How are you able to see if this goal has been met or how close you are? You need to make sure your goal is one you can definitely measure and see progress as you work towards it. A – Attainable – You need to make sure the goals you are setting can actually be achieved in your current timeframe and circumstances. We all have different levels of urgency, skills, knowledge and access to different resources. Make sure you are being “realistic”. I hate that word as it sounds limiting lol but for this point you do need to make it realistic to achieve. R – Relevant – Goals are amazing to work towards and keep you on track to achieve whatever your longer term goals are. Ask yourself, is this current goal I’m setting going to get me closer to my long term goals/plans? Make sure these goals are relevant to your big plans. T – Time-bound – Goals should be set within a timeframe. That timeframe could be a month, 6 months or maybe a year. But they should have a deadline attached to them. Leaving goals open ended is asking for a pace in which things may never really get done!     Why Goals Need To Be Specific To You Goals are very specific to each person and their situation. You can absolutely take these and modify them to suit yourself and your blog! There is a HUGE difference between a “new blogger” who has just set up their first blog and is getting used to writing posts, to a “new blogger” who has had decent blogs in the past but this is their new blog and they now want to monetise it. Set your own goals to reflect yourself and your situation. Make them realistic and attainable for you, but make them slightly harder than “easy”, so that you do have to work towards them. What I mean by making them slightly harder is, for example: Say the goal was about walking a certain amount of steps in a day. This person walks an average of 5000 steps a day normally. A goal being made from making the same task “slightly harder”, would be to aim for 10,000 steps a day. This takes into consideration their current “easy” step count, and makes it slightly harder so they have to purposefully work towards it. If that same person decided to aim for 25,000 steps a day, what’s the likelihood they keep that up? Not likely, as it’s a hell of a lot harder than 5,000 steps. I’m not saying never to aim for the much harder goals, but they can take a tremendous amount more work. Your goals are there to keep you motivated and you know that with some extra work, you can achieve them. Setting huge, unrealistic goals may be amazing motivation to begin with, until you realise it’s not attainable at your current situation. Fix the goal, keep going. Another example would be someone who reads an average of 12 books a year. 12 books a year is already amazing! But if this is their baseline, a goal here would be to aim for 20 books in the next year. Not 50… Having goals you consciously need extra work to achieve is what keeps the momentum going, without feeling discouraged. This may be a personal thing but I always feel more motivated to keep going if I know I can “catch up”. Imagine you only read 4 books in the first three months. If your goal was 20, you’ve still got 8 months to read the next 16. If it was 50, you’d have to read 46 books in 8 months!!  One will help kick your motivation up a notch, the other you will feel you’ve failed before the time is anywhere near up. Keep goals personal to you and your situation. Make them things you want to achieve, without trying to make a million overnight. Follow the SMART system and set yourself up for the success you deserve!   Make Your Goals Be Purposeful If this is your first time making goals for your blog then there’s one more thing I would recommend. Set goals that are purposeful to you and your blog. Make goals that actually matter. By matter I mean will make a difference in growing your blog into a business. By all means measure some of the less-relevant stats, but I wouldn’t make these into a specific goal. An example of this would be getting comments on your posts. Comments are amazing in terms of getting feedback and engaging your audience. They are exciting and fun to receive, but what do they actually mean? Would you rather have 20 new comments or 100 more pageviews? Pageviews are key, eyes on your blog are the base you need. Comments are lovely, but in the grand scheme of things, mean very little. Focus on the things you want to go up. Focus less on the added bonuses – like comments. This is the planner I use to keep track of my goals – along with life lol. (Correct on December 2022)   What Are Some Smart Blogging Goals For New Bloggers?  5 examples of SMART (short term) goals for new bloggers would be things such as:   Goal 1 – To have 50 blog posts on your blog. Specific – It’s specific to the number of posts you want live and posts are key to having a successful blog Measurable – Easily measurable as you can keep track with how many posts you’ve published and how many more you have to go to reach that goal Attainable – Posting quality content one after the other will be easily attainable for any new blogger Relevant – Absolutely relevant to have new blog posts on a blog! Plus is a major plus to keep your blog fresh and full of quality content Time-bound – This one will vary person to person as to whether you post once or 3 times a week. Choose a timeline that fits your lifestyle that you can be consistent with.   Goal 2 – To have a list of another 50 blog post ideas saved Specific – Very specific. Note down a list of 50 different blog post ideas for future posts. Remember you can have similar topics for blog posts as different people are searching for different things. Measurable – Super easy to measure! Create a list and have them numbered. An online spreadsheet is the easiest way to do this but keep track however suits you!  Attainable – It may take a little time to come up with 50 extra ideas, but it’s very attainable as they will all be relevant topics to your passion/niche. It may take some extra thought but that’s okay! Relevant – Definitely relevant. At the time it may feel pointless, but it means you will never run out of ideas. It gives you a large selection of things to write about as some days you may want to write about one thing over another. Time-bound – I’d aim to have this list done within the first month. It can always be added to. You will find it will always be evolving and changing. As you write a post and it comes off the list, aim to add one more to keep it topped up.   Goal 3 – To have 3000 pageviews in a month Specific – Good specific number to aim for in terms of pageviews for your new blog Measurable – Super easy to measure as your analytics will show you! Attainable – Absolutely! This is aiming for 100 pageviews a day – averaged out over a month. Very attainable for newer bloggers. Relevant – Of course! Pageviews are one of the biggest metrics you will be wanting to grow. Time-bound – Again you will need to pick your own timeline here. For someone brand brand new I’d say aim for this within a 3 month period. If you are newer but a little more experienced – you can aim for this in one month.   Goal 4 – Do one guest post on someone else’s blog Specific – Nice and specific, once done you can tick it...

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5 SMART Blogging Goals For New Bloggers

I think we can all be guilty of setting fairly bad goals.

Not bad in the sense they weren’t good things to aim for, but either really weren’t achievable, or were so vague I had no idea what I was supposed to be doing daily to actually achieve them!

 

My focus can be shocking at times lol. I touched on this (and the things that help me) in my last post:

 

17 Ways To Stay Focussed While Working From Home

 

Mix that with not having specific goals to work towards and I basically flailed around a lot in the early years.

Goals should motivate you, but also be something to keep you on track you can work towards every day.

Then I came across the idea of SMART Goals.

SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound.

 

When I initially heard about SMART goals I thought you were to set one goal per letter.

This doesn’t always work as it can be vague.

The easiest way to use the SMART goals system is to set goals that match ALL of the 5 points in each letter.

Having attainable goals as a new blogger is so important. 

It not only keeps you motivated to keep going, but it helps you stay on track, and track your progress.

If you are newer to blogging, you may find yourself flapping a bit, jumping from task to task without really having much of a plan.

This is exactly what I did.

Assuming your plan is to have a successful blogging business here, how many businesses do you know became successful without a real plan/direction?

None?

Exactly lol.

I’ll be going over how to make a Business Plan for your blog in an upcoming post, but goals are an amazing starting point.

Everyone’s blog/goals will be different but I want to help you work out some good baseline goals to begin with.

These SMART blogging goals for new bloggers should help you stay on the right path in the early stages of blogging.

 

Why Set Goals?

Goals are so important.

Not just in business but in life.

They show us not only where we want to be, but they highlight to ourselves where we are now.

Goals usually can get broken down into 3 categories:

Short term goals – Within the next 6 months

Medium term goals – Roughly 1-3 years

Long term goals – Anything over 3 years!

Some people may decide over 5 years is long term or under 3 months is short term – decide what works for you!

What’s important though is to set goals in all 3 categories.

There’s no point in setting amazing long term goals, but no short or medium term ones.

How will you achieve the long term goals if you have no initial goals/plan to follow?

Short and medium term goals are more like stepping stones to the big goals.

Take a big life goal, break it down into smaller chunks – these are the medium term goals. 

Break the medium term goals and break those down again – those are the short term goals!

Set goals in all 3 categories, but make them SMART goals!

What Are SMART Goals?

As mentioned earlier, SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound.

 

SMART GOALS COLOURS LOGO PICTURE KATHERINE MCLEE (1)

 

Quick breakdown of each:

S – Specific – You need to make sure that any goals you are setting are specific to what you want to achieve. Be as specific as you can be. Ask yourself what you need to see in order to decide that the goal has been achieved. 

M – Measurable – How are you able to see if this goal has been met or how close you are? You need to make sure your goal is one you can definitely measure and see progress as you work towards it.

A – Attainable – You need to make sure the goals you are setting can actually be achieved in your current timeframe and circumstances. We all have different levels of urgency, skills, knowledge and access to different resources. Make sure you are being “realistic”. I hate that word as it sounds limiting lol but for this point you do need to make it realistic to achieve.

R – Relevant – Goals are amazing to work towards and keep you on track to achieve whatever your longer term goals are. Ask yourself, is this current goal I’m setting going to get me closer to my long term goals/plans? Make sure these goals are relevant to your big plans.

T – Time-bound – Goals should be set within a timeframe. That timeframe could be a month, 6 months or maybe a year. But they should have a deadline attached to them. Leaving goals open ended is asking for a pace in which things may never really get done!

 

 

Why Goals Need To Be Specific To You

Goals are very specific to each person and their situation.

You can absolutely take these and modify them to suit yourself and your blog!

There is a HUGE difference between a “new blogger” who has just set up their first blog and is getting used to writing posts, to a “new blogger” who has had decent blogs in the past but this is their new blog and they now want to monetise it.

Set your own goals to reflect yourself and your situation.

Make them realistic and attainable for you, but make them slightly harder than “easy”, so that you do have to work towards them.

What I mean by making them slightly harder is, for example:

Say the goal was about walking a certain amount of steps in a day.

This person walks an average of 5000 steps a day normally.

A goal being made from making the same task “slightly harder”, would be to aim for 10,000 steps a day.

This takes into consideration their current “easy” step count, and makes it slightly harder so they have to purposefully work towards it.

If that same person decided to aim for 25,000 steps a day, what’s the likelihood they keep that up?

Not likely, as it’s a hell of a lot harder than 5,000 steps.

I’m not saying never to aim for the much harder goals, but they can take a tremendous amount more work.

Your goals are there to keep you motivated and you know that with some extra work, you can achieve them.

Setting huge, unrealistic goals may be amazing motivation to begin with, until you realise it’s not attainable at your current situation.

Fix the goal, keep going.

Another example would be someone who reads an average of 12 books a year.

12 books a year is already amazing! But if this is their baseline, a goal here would be to aim for 20 books in the next year. Not 50…

Having goals you consciously need extra work to achieve is what keeps the momentum going, without feeling discouraged.

This may be a personal thing but I always feel more motivated to keep going if I know I can “catch up”.

Imagine you only read 4 books in the first three months.

If your goal was 20, you’ve still got 8 months to read the next 16.

If it was 50, you’d have to read 46 books in 8 months!! 

One will help kick your motivation up a notch, the other you will feel you’ve failed before the time is anywhere near up.

Keep goals personal to you and your situation.

Make them things you want to achieve, without trying to make a million overnight.

Follow the SMART system and set yourself up for the success you deserve!

 

Make Your Goals Be Purposeful

If this is your first time making goals for your blog then there’s one more thing I would recommend.

Set goals that are purposeful to you and your blog.

Make goals that actually matter.

By matter I mean will make a difference in growing your blog into a business.

By all means measure some of the less-relevant stats, but I wouldn’t make these into a specific goal.

An example of this would be getting comments on your posts.

Comments are amazing in terms of getting feedback and engaging your audience.

They are exciting and fun to receive, but what do they actually mean?

Would you rather have 20 new comments or 100 more pageviews?

Pageviews are key, eyes on your blog are the base you need.

Comments are lovely, but in the grand scheme of things, mean very little.

Focus on the things you want to go up.

Focus less on the added bonuses – like comments.

This is the planner I use to keep track of my goals – along with life lol.

(Correct on December 2022)

 

What Are Some Smart Blogging Goals For New Bloggers? 

5 examples of SMART (short term) goals for new bloggers would be things such as:

 

Goal 1 – To have 50 blog posts on your blog.

Specific – It’s specific to the number of posts you want live and posts are key to having a successful blog

Measurable – Easily measurable as you can keep track with how many posts you’ve published and how many more you have to go to reach that goal

Attainable – Posting quality content one after the other will be easily attainable for any new blogger

Relevant – Absolutely relevant to have new blog posts on a blog! Plus is a major plus to keep your blog fresh and full of quality content

Time-bound – This one will vary person to person as to whether you post once or 3 times a week. Choose a timeline that fits your lifestyle that you can be consistent with.

 

Goal 2 – To have a list of another 50 blog post ideas saved

Specific – Very specific. Note down a list of 50 different blog post ideas for future posts. Remember you can have similar topics for blog posts as different people are searching for different things.

Measurable – Super easy to measure! Create a list and have them numbered. An online spreadsheet is the easiest way to do this but keep track however suits you! 

Attainable – It may take a little time to come up with 50 extra ideas, but it’s very attainable as they will all be relevant topics to your passion/niche. It may take some extra thought but that’s okay!

Relevant – Definitely relevant. At the time it may feel pointless, but it means you will never run out of ideas. It gives you a large selection of things to write about as some days you may want to write about one thing over another.

Time-bound – I’d aim to have this list done within the first month. It can always be added to. You will find it will always be evolving and changing. As you write a post and it comes off the list, aim to add one more to keep it topped up.

 

Goal 3 – To have 3000 pageviews in a month

Specific – Good specific number to aim for in terms of pageviews for your new blog

Measurable – Super easy to measure as your analytics will show you!

Attainable – Absolutely! This is aiming for 100 pageviews a day – averaged out over a month. Very attainable for newer bloggers.

Relevant – Of course! Pageviews are one of the biggest metrics you will be wanting to grow.

Time-bound – Again you will need to pick your own timeline here. For someone brand brand new I’d say aim for this within a 3 month period. If you are newer but a little more experienced – you can aim for this in one month.

 

Goal 4 – Do one guest post on someone else’s blog

Specific – Nice and specific, once done you can tick it straight off

Measurable – As above.

Attainable – Absolutely. To begin with you may not expect to be guest posting on huge websites, but find some other fairly-new bloggers and see who’s blog you’d like to guest post on and reach out.

Relevant – Creating a network of bloggers in the same space is more important than you realise. It can also be a great way to get backlinks in. 

Time-bound – Once you’re comfortable writing posts on your own blog, aim to do a guest post within a month of that!

 

Goal 5 – Set up a Business Pinterest account and create at least 10 boards with keyword rich descriptions

Specific – Pinterest is – for me – the best platform to share your content with. Setting yourself up for success means getting a good foundation made in Pinterest. You’ll need to do research and come up with good board names and descriptions but it’s so worth it to grow your blog.

Measurable – Absolutely as you can continue adding boards and pins to them, but you can easily measure when you’ve created your goal amount initially.

Attainable – Easily. Keyword research and a basic knowledge of Pinterest is all you need here.

Relevant – You’ll have heard how amazing Pinterest can be for bloggers. As it’s a search engine it helps get your blog out there! Definitely relevant.

Time-Bound – This one I would say to get done asap, but you can set your own time on this.

Don’t take any of these as gospel!

If you want to aim for 1,000 pageviews instead of 3,000, that’s okay!

On the flip side, if you want to aim for 10,000 instead of 3,000 – that’s perfectly okay too!

Adapt your goals to suit you and your blog.

We all have different things going on in our lives.

None of us have the same experiences or skills as anyone else.

We all have different resources and timelines for ourselves.

This is why it’s important to choose goals that we are comfortable with, that suit our own needs.

Make them SMART

Make them achievable, but make it so you have to work a bit harder to do them.

If you can “easily” do something in 6 months, try aiming to do it in 4.

If you already have a larger social media following, aim for 6,000 monthly pageviews instead of 3,000.

These sorts of things!

Likewise, if you are a complete beginner, take things back a notch!

There is absolutely no shame in setting small goals.

If they are still things you are needing to put in work to achieve – then that’s still a win!

Goals are personal.

Make them personal to you.

What are some goals you have set as a new blogger?

Did any exceed your expectations with what you could achieve? 

Let me know in the comments!

Speak soon!

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17 Ways To Stay Focused While Working From Home https://katherinemclee.com/17-ways-to-stay-focused-while-working-from-home/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=17-ways-to-stay-focused-while-working-from-home https://katherinemclee.com/17-ways-to-stay-focused-while-working-from-home/#comments Tue, 01 Nov 2022 19:40:33 +0000 https://katherinemclee.com/?p=1322 17 Ways to Stay Focused While Working From Home This post is a personal one as it comes from experience! It can help anyone, but will be especially helpful to my fellow neurodivergent readers. My focus can be shocking to non-existent at times. Like, really really bad! No matter how much I want to do something, I sometimes just cannot get my head to focus. On anything! We all have our wants and reasons for doing things, but that doesn’t mean we can all automatically focus when we need it. I’ve compiled a list of things that have helped me. They are by no means miracle workers, but may just help you get some focus! These aren’t in a specific order, just ideas that may help you! Here’s my list of 17 ways to stay focused while working from home:   1 – Put Bouncy Running Shoes On This tip is first as it’s one of my favourites. Good old fashioned brain trickery! I personally find that having a pair of bouncy running shoes on, inside the house can make the world of a difference! People don’t always like wearing shoes inside the house, which is totally cool, you can just skip this one! I’m not talking about mucky old dog-walking trainers. More the sort you would wear to the gym. Imagine that feeling of being a little kid, getting brand new shoes and suddenly having that feeling that you can run really fast. It’s like that!  But for the brain. With “running” shoes on, you will automatically feel less inclined to relax, and keeping your mind “on the go” may just work wonders for you too! If you have trouble staying focused, try it, you never know how well it may work.   2 – Get some Exercise Outside There are a couple of tips here that will take a little more effort to do. Sometimes you may feel up to them, other times not. This is one of those tips. If you can’t get yourself to get out for a walk, try an indoor workout! If you can though, going outside for a walk/some exercise can feel amazing. It can get the endorphins going and getting fresh air into your lungs, and give you that boost to keep the momentum going when you get back inside. If you’re finding you can’t focus due to having too much on your mind, a long walk in fresh air may just be the thing to help. Even lay out clothes the night before, so they are ready to go! Leaving yourself with fewer decisions at the time can be the difference between doing something or not! Having your clothes laid out the evening before is one less decision for the next morning.   3 – Happy/Good Feeling Songs No matter your music preference, we all have those songs that give us a boost. Find the ones you love to sing to, dance to, or just get a boost of serotonin from – you will know the ones. Putting these songs on while working may help to focus your mind enough to get some good concentration in!  I personally can find music alone isn’t always enough to keep my focus going while working, but a couple of the tunes on before starting can set me up well! There is one way where music/those feel good tunes can absolutely work for me though…   4 – Noise Cancelling Headphones When I found out I was neurodivergent, I was recommended some noise cancelling headphones to help with focusing. They help. So much. More than I expected! I wanted a reasonably priced pair as I wasn’t sure they would work, so even on a budget you can get some amazing quality headphones. The ones I got are no longer available but these ones are the closest I can find to the style, rating and price of the ones I got!   If I’m really struggling to focus at all, my noise cancelling headphones are an absolute godsend. Chuck them on, good tunes on, and I can usually get my head to focus on whatever it is I’m trying to focus on!   5 – Caffeine This one probably isn’t the best tip, and may be controversial, but, caffeine. To be clear – I’m talking about coffee – not energy drinks!! Now I’m not saying to have 14 coffees in a day, but having a strong coffee at a time when you need to focus, may work wonders.  Even if I’m not tired, having a coffee can really help kick my brain into gear and get my focus going. Not the ideal solution, but realistic!  I find it helps – in moderation of course!   6 – Have Multiple Goals On the Go at Once I have a tendency to get discouraged if things either don’t go to plan, or if progress is slow. My patience with myself/things I’m working on, can be shocking lol. If I was working on one goal at a time, and that one goal was either not progressing, or was progressing slowly, I would get discouraged. When discouragement sets in, the motivation and focus disappears. We can combat this by having multiple goals on the go, all progressing at the same time! This way if one isn’t moving too quickly, we have a few to focus on, which in turn keeps spirits up. When our spirits are up, we are a lot more likely to be able to focus and carry on working towards those goals. I would advise picking at least 3 goals to be working on simultaneously so that you still see progress even if some are slow progress!   7 – Create a Structured Day/Week I love a planner but for my daily work tasks the best method I’ve found is to make a checklist sheet for the whole working week. Now this may be different for you depending on your working situation. For me with the blog, I can choose which to do on what days (to a point). As with the lack of patience above, I can also get overwhelmed if I feel there is too much to do in what feels like no time. What we don’t want to do is get to that point of feeling overwhelmed.  But things still need to be done! I created a sheet with all weekly tasks on, broken up into days, but all as check box tasks. This way if I really can’t get my focus to kick in for a specific task (it happens), then I pick a different one from one of the other days. Complete that one. Tick that one off instead. When it comes to that task to be completed (but already is), I pick the one from the first day I couldn’t focus on the first time around! This may not work for everyone, but works well for me! I made this quick example of the sort of sheet I use which hopefully will clarify what I mean! This gives me things to tick off as I go, and still gets all tasks done in the week, even if the order is a little different some days.   8 – Get Your Space Sorted Making sure your working space is set up how you like it can be a game changer. Often we need to make the most of what we have in our current situation. Never let your current situation stop you from setting yourself up for success. Whether your working space is a home office, or a desk in your bedroom, make your space functional, and feel like your ideal working space. Keep that room clean, tidy and organised. Tidy Space is a Tidy Mind! Get yourself some desk decor, and have a “focus zone”, with whatever sort of setup you find inspires you and helps you focus. Here’s some examples of things I have/have had on mine!   Light up Humidifier   Motivational Cards   Multicoloured Moon Light   Headphone holder with USB ports   Light up Keyboard (Unsure how long the keyboard will last as it does feel a bit like a budget keyboard, but the lights are so colourful and bright and there’s loads of colour/light options so I love it! For the price you really can’t go wrong.) UPDATE: That keyboard is a great budget option but in all honesty wasn’t the best fit for me with typing so much, so I splurged a bit and bought this one and the difference is world’s apart! If you are a serious typer/type for a living, definitely check this one out!     Having a space you enjoy being in, that you can feel both calm and inspired in, really can work wonders. If my working space is messy, I have no urge to work! Make it cute and personalised to what you like. You’re making your dreams come true, so make it somewhere special to be!   9 – Atmosphere Following on from the above, the feel of the room/work space is so important. For me that means a space that is clean and tidy, organised, cosy and full of lights. Like full. I have so many things that light up and it just gives me serotonin. As mentioned above I have the humidifier, the moon lamp and my new keyboard. What I didn’t mention were all the rest and all the ones around this room. There’s something about fairy lights and multicoloured lights that just makes me happy. When I’m happy, I find it so much easier to stay focused. Win Win! As the winter rolls in, I’m aware I can become somewhat lacking in motivation at times, and this perks me up. Whatever it is that perks you up – do that! If you want to make everything in your space purple and glittery – do that! You may want your entire desktop to be made up of photos under a glass top – if so, do that! If you want 167 plants in your working room – do this! Do what makes you happy and makes you feel focused and motivated. The feel of your work space is just as – if not more important – than what it looks like.     10 – Get “Dressed” for the Day You will absolutely have heard this before. Dress how you want to feel. Does this work? Yes. Is this easier said than done? Also yes. This one goes along with tip number 2 about going out for a walk. Some days it just won’t happen. If you are really struggling to find the focus though, I would seriously give this one a try. Dressing how you want to dress, to fit whichever style you are going for, is a powerful thing. Putting on a certain outfit can give you the mental inspiration to be able to focus. I don’t get dressed up to work every day (I’m working on it lol), but on the days I do I definitely do notice a difference in how I feel.   11 – Smell Good A super quick way to make yourself feel good is putting on a perfume. Perfume itself may not make you focus, but will make you feel good! As I mentioned before, feeling good is often closely linked to being able to focus. Whether you can face/have the time to get “dressed up” or not, perfume takes just seconds. Even leave a favourite bottle on your desk so it’s ready when you are! Perfume can really boost your mood. This is always a good thing! It doesn’t have to be an expensive fragrance, just one you like!    12 – Get Yourself the Right Temperature This one sounds odd – I know lol. Turns out, I don’t work/focus well if I’m cold! My brain likes things to “feel right” for me to be able to focus and be at my most productive. Turns out...

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17 Ways to Stay Focused While Working From Home

This post is a personal one as it comes from experience!

It can help anyone, but will be especially helpful to my fellow neurodivergent readers.

My focus can be shocking to non-existent at times.

Like, really really bad!

No matter how much I want to do something, I sometimes just cannot get my head to focus.

On anything!

We all have our wants and reasons for doing things, but that doesn’t mean we can all automatically focus when we need it.

I’ve compiled a list of things that have helped me.

They are by no means miracle workers, but may just help you get some focus!

These aren’t in a specific order, just ideas that may help you!

Here’s my list of 17 ways to stay focused while working from home:

 

1 – Put Bouncy Running Shoes On

This tip is first as it’s one of my favourites.

Good old fashioned brain trickery!

I personally find that having a pair of bouncy running shoes on, inside the house can make the world of a difference!

People don’t always like wearing shoes inside the house, which is totally cool, you can just skip this one!

I’m not talking about mucky old dog-walking trainers.

More the sort you would wear to the gym.

Imagine that feeling of being a little kid, getting brand new shoes and suddenly having that feeling that you can run really fast.

It’s like that! 

But for the brain.

With “running” shoes on, you will automatically feel less inclined to relax, and keeping your mind “on the go” may just work wonders for you too!

If you have trouble staying focused, try it, you never know how well it may work.

 

2 – Get some Exercise Outside

There are a couple of tips here that will take a little more effort to do.

Sometimes you may feel up to them, other times not.

This is one of those tips.

If you can’t get yourself to get out for a walk, try an indoor workout!

If you can though, going outside for a walk/some exercise can feel amazing.

It can get the endorphins going and getting fresh air into your lungs, and give you that boost to keep the momentum going when you get back inside.

If you’re finding you can’t focus due to having too much on your mind, a long walk in fresh air may just be the thing to help.

Even lay out clothes the night before, so they are ready to go!

Leaving yourself with fewer decisions at the time can be the difference between doing something or not! Having your clothes laid out the evening before is one less decision for the next morning.

 

3 – Happy/Good Feeling Songs

No matter your music preference, we all have those songs that give us a boost.

Find the ones you love to sing to, dance to, or just get a boost of serotonin from – you will know the ones.

Putting these songs on while working may help to focus your mind enough to get some good concentration in! 

I personally can find music alone isn’t always enough to keep my focus going while working, but a couple of the tunes on before starting can set me up well!

There is one way where music/those feel good tunes can absolutely work for me though…

 

4 – Noise Cancelling Headphones

When I found out I was neurodivergent, I was recommended some noise cancelling headphones to help with focusing.

They help.

So much.

More than I expected!

I wanted a reasonably priced pair as I wasn’t sure they would work, so even on a budget you can get some amazing quality headphones.

The ones I got are no longer available but these ones are the closest I can find to the style, rating and price of the ones I got!

 

If I’m really struggling to focus at all, my noise cancelling headphones are an absolute godsend.

Chuck them on, good tunes on, and I can usually get my head to focus on whatever it is I’m trying to focus on!

 

5 – Caffeine

This one probably isn’t the best tip, and may be controversial, but, caffeine.

To be clear – I’m talking about coffee – not energy drinks!!

Now I’m not saying to have 14 coffees in a day, but having a strong coffee at a time when you need to focus, may work wonders. 

Even if I’m not tired, having a coffee can really help kick my brain into gear and get my focus going.

Not the ideal solution, but realistic! 

I find it helps – in moderation of course!

 

6 – Have Multiple Goals On the Go at Once

I have a tendency to get discouraged if things either don’t go to plan, or if progress is slow.

My patience with myself/things I’m working on, can be shocking lol.

If I was working on one goal at a time, and that one goal was either not progressing, or was progressing slowly, I would get discouraged.

When discouragement sets in, the motivation and focus disappears.

We can combat this by having multiple goals on the go, all progressing at the same time!

This way if one isn’t moving too quickly, we have a few to focus on, which in turn keeps spirits up.

When our spirits are up, we are a lot more likely to be able to focus and carry on working towards those goals.

I would advise picking at least 3 goals to be working on simultaneously so that you still see progress even if some are slow progress!

 

7 – Create a Structured Day/Week

I love a planner but for my daily work tasks the best method I’ve found is to make a checklist sheet for the whole working week.

Now this may be different for you depending on your working situation.

For me with the blog, I can choose which to do on what days (to a point).

As with the lack of patience above, I can also get overwhelmed if I feel there is too much to do in what feels like no time.

What we don’t want to do is get to that point of feeling overwhelmed. 

But things still need to be done!

I created a sheet with all weekly tasks on, broken up into days, but all as check box tasks.

This way if I really can’t get my focus to kick in for a specific task (it happens), then I pick a different one from one of the other days.

Complete that one.

Tick that one off instead.

When it comes to that task to be completed (but already is), I pick the one from the first day I couldn’t focus on the first time around!

This may not work for everyone, but works well for me!

I made this quick example of the sort of sheet I use which hopefully will clarify what I mean!

This gives me things to tick off as I go, and still gets all tasks done in the week, even if the order is a little different some days.

 

Weekly to do checklist katherine mclee 17 ways to stay focused

8 – Get Your Space Sorted

Making sure your working space is set up how you like it can be a game changer.

Often we need to make the most of what we have in our current situation. Never let your current situation stop you from setting yourself up for success.

Whether your working space is a home office, or a desk in your bedroom, make your space functional, and feel like your ideal working space.

Keep that room clean, tidy and organised.

Tidy Space is a Tidy Mind!

Get yourself some desk decor, and have a “focus zone”, with whatever sort of setup you find inspires you and helps you focus.

Here’s some examples of things I have/have had on mine!

 

Light up Humidifier

 

Motivational Cards

 

Multicoloured Moon Light

 

Headphone holder with USB ports

 

Light up Keyboard

(Unsure how long the keyboard will last as it does feel a bit like a budget keyboard, but the lights are so colourful and bright and there’s loads of colour/light options so I love it! For the price you really can’t go wrong.)

UPDATE: That keyboard is a great budget option but in all honesty wasn’t the best fit for me with typing so much, so I splurged a bit and bought this one and the difference is world’s apart! If you are a serious typer/type for a living, definitely check this one out!

 

 

Having a space you enjoy being in, that you can feel both calm and inspired in, really can work wonders.

If my working space is messy, I have no urge to work!

Make it cute and personalised to what you like.

You’re making your dreams come true, so make it somewhere special to be!

 

9 – Atmosphere

Following on from the above, the feel of the room/work space is so important.

For me that means a space that is clean and tidy, organised, cosy and full of lights.

Like full.

I have so many things that light up and it just gives me serotonin.

As mentioned above I have the humidifier, the moon lamp and my new keyboard.

What I didn’t mention were all the rest and all the ones around this room.

There’s something about fairy lights and multicoloured lights that just makes me happy.

When I’m happy, I find it so much easier to stay focused.

Win Win!

As the winter rolls in, I’m aware I can become somewhat lacking in motivation at times, and this perks me up.

Whatever it is that perks you up – do that!

If you want to make everything in your space purple and glittery – do that!

You may want your entire desktop to be made up of photos under a glass top – if so, do that!

If you want 167 plants in your working room – do this!

Do what makes you happy and makes you feel focused and motivated.

The feel of your work space is just as – if not more important – than what it looks like.

 

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10 – Get “Dressed” for the Day

You will absolutely have heard this before.

Dress how you want to feel.

Does this work?

Yes.

Is this easier said than done?

Also yes.

This one goes along with tip number 2 about going out for a walk.

Some days it just won’t happen.

If you are really struggling to find the focus though, I would seriously give this one a try.

Dressing how you want to dress, to fit whichever style you are going for, is a powerful thing.

Putting on a certain outfit can give you the mental inspiration to be able to focus.

I don’t get dressed up to work every day (I’m working on it lol), but on the days I do I definitely do notice a difference in how I feel.

 

11 – Smell Good

A super quick way to make yourself feel good is putting on a perfume.

Perfume itself may not make you focus, but will make you feel good!

As I mentioned before, feeling good is often closely linked to being able to focus.

Whether you can face/have the time to get “dressed up” or not, perfume takes just seconds.

Even leave a favourite bottle on your desk so it’s ready when you are!

Perfume can really boost your mood.

This is always a good thing!

It doesn’t have to be an expensive fragrance, just one you like! 

 

12 – Get Yourself the Right Temperature

This one sounds odd – I know lol.

Turns out, I don’t work/focus well if I’m cold!

My brain likes things to “feel right” for me to be able to focus and be at my most productive.

Turns out temperature can play a huge part in getting our brains in gear to focus on work.

Too hot, we can feel lethargic.

Too cold, we want to shut down and cuddle up.

Neither of which are great if you’re trying to get yourself to focus!

I live in the UK so it’s not often “too hot” here, but here’s some ideas on what can help if you’re too cold.

My three go-to items to get myself up to the right temperature are these:

Wheat bag

 

 

Hot water bottle for your feet

 

 

Electric blanket

 

I also have arm warmers which do work to keep me warm and still allow me to type!

The ones I got aren’t great quality though so not linking those! 

The electric blanket is a little pricier than the other 2 options but is magical if you get cold easily!

I have the one listed above, I just pop it on and it keeps me so cosy while at my desk!

Getting yourself to a comfortable temperature can be crucial for being the most productive.

Your brain is a lot more likely to focus if you feel comfortable and feel good.

 

13 – Do Chores First

When trying to focus, you may find it easier to focus on one thing, if you aren’t thinking about doing another.

If you have any chores/errands you want to do, try doing these first.

Obviously home and work life doesn’t always permit this – but it can help!

As mentioned earlier, I don’t work well in a messy space.

I find tidying the space the night before/first thing can set myself up for the day.

Same would go for if I needed to run to the Post Office or vacuum the house.

If I leave things like this on my to-do list, I find myself “waiting” to do them.

Getting them done and out the way first, frees up brain space to allow myself to properly focus!

This may not work for you, but I wanted to share it as I know it definitely helps me.

 

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14 – Stay Hydrated

We all know to stay hydrated!

The question is, do we actually do it?

We should! 

Staying hydrated is so important.

It will help you feel refreshed and awake. 

It will also help you focus, as you will feel more alert and less groggy.

You may end up peeing a lot, but it’s worth it to keep your brain awake and your body hydrated!

Grab a 2 litre bottle, fill it in the morning and your entire water intake for the day is in one place!

This is the one I use (correct on December 2022) – it’s huge but reminds me to drink as it has little quotes on to keep you going!

 

 

15 – Get a Planner That You Love

Planners.

I love planners.

Planners are such a personal thing, and it can be hard finding the right one that works for you.

You need one that will inspire you, that you love to fill out, and that has everything you need.

I’ll link mine for anyone curious but planners are so personal, this style may not work for you!

This is my current one! 

(Dec 2022)

 

I got the Navy one!

I’ve tried so many planners and it can take a few goes to get one that’s right for you, but is so worth it.

If you are arty you can absolutely make it into a work of art too! 

A planner will not only keep you on track, but makes it easy to lay out exactly what you want to accomplish that day.

It also can keep track of other tasks coming up, so you don’t feel overwhelmed if you have lots of ideas and plans bouncing about in your head!

If you love pen and paper as opposed to a digital planner, I would highly recommend getting yourself one that suits you and your needs.

If you’re like me, the perfect planner will make a huge difference!

 

16 – Find Quick Systems That Speed Up Processes

One of the perks of struggling with focus (if perks is even the right word), is that you can find quicker/more streamlined ways of doing things which gets the job done quicker! 

I personally can’t always face tasks that I know in advance are going to take a lot of time or focus.

That’s partly why I learned how to write a blog post in one hour! 

Read that post here.

Finding ways to complete tasks in a short amount of time has been key to my productivity.

One of my bigger examples is Pinterest pins!

I will make an entire post on this in the fairly near future for anyone wanting to speed up their Pinterest pinning/scheduling speed. 

Scheduling pinterest pins for the week in advance used to take me hours and hours.

Now I’ve created a way to get 2 weeks worth of pins scheduled in just one 2 hour slot.

For context, I pin 5 fresh pins, every single day.

This is my Pinterest profile if you want to check it out!


https://www.pinterest.co.uk/katherinemclee/

Finding systems that work for you which speed up your daily/weekly tasks, helps a lot. 

These systems will be different depending on your needs and website niche.

It’s finding those systems that will make your life a lot easier!

It’s a hell of a lot easier putting your headphones on and focusing for a 2 hour stint than trying to focus on one task for hours and hours on end!

That may happen sometimes.

But, if you’re like me, that’s not the best way to get things done if you struggle with focus!

 

17 – Try and Keep Stress to a Minimum

I’ve left this one to last as it can be one of the hardest to do.

It is also one of the biggest factors in productivity and being able to focus on any given task!

Stress is so bad for the body, as well as the mind.

Some things in life are stressful and we can’t always get away from those.

What may be possible though is cutting down on the minor stresses.

Even minor stresses can add up and can make things feel overwhelming.

My ability to focus can be fairly non-existent if I feel overly stressed.

Here’s a task to try to cut down the stress in your life:

Write down everything that you feel is causing you stress.

Take an objective look at the list as to which ones you can change to lower your stress levels. 

 

Are you able to eliminate some completely?

Can you work on some others so that they aren’t as stressful anymore?

Could you adopt a new mindset to help with any?

 

Practising self care is so important, if not only to deal with the minor stresses in daily life.

You may find that being able to lower your daily life stress – even a little – makes a big difference in your ability to focus.

I really hope some of these tips help  you to be a little more focused!

What are some other tips you use to help you focus when you need it?

If you find any of the above help – let me know!

Speak soon!

Katherine McLee signature black and white

 

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17 ways to stay focused working from home - tips to stay focussed as a blogger. woman typing at laptop pink asthetic pin

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101 Powerful Quotes to Keep You Inspired https://katherinemclee.com/101-quotes-to-motivate-you-in-life-and-business/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=101-quotes-to-motivate-you-in-life-and-business https://katherinemclee.com/101-quotes-to-motivate-you-in-life-and-business/#comments Mon, 30 May 2022 20:29:51 +0000 https://katherinemclee.com/?p=1030 101 Quotes to Motivate You in Life and Business

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Below you will find a list of 101 Quotes to Motivate You in Life and Business.

Sometimes a litte extra motivation is necessary. They can be the perfect accompaniment for mindset work and vision boards.

Bookmark this page so you can reference back any time you need that extra boost!

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  1. “When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” – HENRY FORD
  2. “Do what you have to do until you can do what you want to do.” – OPRAH WINFREY
  3. “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.” – HENRY DAVID THOREAU
  4. “Opportunities don’t happen, you create them.” – CHRIS GROSSER
  5. Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” – OSCAR WILDE
  6. “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – WAYNE GRETZKY
Quote - "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."

  1. “The elevator to success is out of order. You’ll have to use the stairs, one step at a time.” – JOE GIRARD
  2. “If you can dream it, you can do it.” – WALT DISNEY
  3. “We generate fears while we sit. We overcome them by action.” – DR. HENRY LINK
  4. “When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” – PAULO COELHO
  5. “Give light and people will find the way.” – ELLA BAKER
  6. “What you do today can improve all your tomorrows.” – RALPH MARSTON
  7. “The only one who can tell you “you can’t win” is you and you don’t have to listen.” – JESSICA ENNIS
  8. “Dare to dream, but even more importantly, dare to put action behind your dreams.” – JOSH HINDS
  9. “Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” – ROALD DAHL
Quote - "Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it."

  1. “Make sure your worst enemy doesn’t live between your own two ears.” – LAIRD HAMILTON
  2. “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” – GEORGE ELIOT
  3. “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is a quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.”” – MARY ANNE RADMACHER
  4. “With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” – ELEANOR ROOSEVELT
  5. “Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” – NAPOLEON HILL
  6. “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” – CHARLES R. SWINDOLL
  7. “Instead of complaining about your circumstances, get busy and create some new ones.” – RALPH MARSTON
  8. “You become what you believe.” – OPRAH WINFREY
Quote - "You become what you believe."

  1. “You can’t cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water.” – RABINDRANATH TAGORE
  2. “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” – ZIG ZIGLAR
  3. “The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” – AYN RAND
  4. “The secret of success is to do the common thing uncommonly well.” – JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER JR.
  5. “The only thing that’s keeping you from getting what you want is the story you keep telling yourself.” – TONY ROBBINS
  6. “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” – ANNE FRANK
  7. “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” – E.E. CUMMINGS
  8. “Too many people spend money they haven’t earned, to buy things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like.” – WILL ROGERS
  9. “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. LEWIS
Quote - You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.

Continue reading 101 Quotes to Motivate You in Life and Business…
  1. “Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” – EARL NIGHTINGALE
  2. “Do something wonderful, people may imitate it.” – ALBERT SCHWEITZER
  3. “One day the people that don’t even believe in you will tell everyone how they met you.” – JOHNNY DEPP
  4. “Don’t let someone else’s opinion of you become your reality” – LES BROWN
  5. “If you genuinely want something, don’t wait for it — teach yourself to be impatient.” – GURBAKSH CHAHAL
  6. “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing” – WALT DISNEY
  7. “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist.” – OSCAR WILDE
  8. “Accept responsibility for your life. Know that it is you who will get you where you want to go, no one else.” – LES BROWN
  9. “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” – DR. SEUSS
  10. “By being yourself you put something wonderful in the world that was not there before.” – EDWIN ELLIOT
  11. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” – LAO TZU
Quote - The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

  1. “Sometimes magic is just someone spending more time on something than anyone else might reasonably expect.” – RAYMOND JOSEPH TELLER
  2. “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples” – MOTHER TERESA
  3. “Success is a journey not a destination.” – BEN SWEETLAND
  4. “Either you run the day or the day runs you.” – JIM ROHN
  5. “The path to success is to take massive, determined actions.” – TONY ROBBINS
  6. “I realized that I don’t have to be perfect. All I have to do is show up and enjoy the messy, imperfect, and beautiful journey of my life.” – KERRY WASHINGTON
  7. “We cannot solve problems with the kind of thinking we employed when we came up with them.” – ALBERT EINSTEIN
  8. “Success only comes to those who dare to attempt.” – MALLIKA TRIPATHI
  9. “Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.” – GLORIA STEINEM
  10. “Stay away from those people who try to disparage your ambitions. Small minds will always do that, but great minds will give you a feeling that you can become great too.” – MARK TWAIN
  11. “Every moment is a fresh beginning.” – T.S ELIOT
101 Quotes to Motivate You in Life and Business - Every moment is a fresh beginning.

  1. “If you are working on something that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed. The vision pulls you.” – STEVE JOBS
  2. “If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.” – TONY ROBBINS
  3. “If you really look closely, most overnight successes took a long time.” – STEVE JOBS
  4. “Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.” – OPRAH WINFREY
  5. “Miracles happen everyday, change your perception of what a miracle is and you’ll see them all around you.” – JON BON JOVI
  6. “Commitment is an act, not a word.” – JEAN-PAUL SARTRE
  7. “Live out of your imagination, not your history.” – STEPHEN COVEY
Quotes Live out of your imagination, not your history

Continue reading 101 Quotes to Motivate You in Life and Business…
  1. “Believe in yourself. Stay in your own lane. There’s only one you.” – QUEEN LATIFAH
  2. “Never give up. There are always tough times, regardless of what you do in anything in life. Be able to push through those times and maintain your ultimate goal.” – NATHAN CHEN
  3. “Become addicted to constant and never-ending self-improvement.” – ANTHONY J. D’ANGELO
  4. “The individual who says it is not possible should move out of the way of those doing it.” – TRIVIA CUNNINGHAM
  5. “Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.” – MARILYN MONROE
  6. “Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable.” – JOHN WOODEN
  7. “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” – STEVE JOBS
  8. “Don’t be distracted by criticism. Remember — the only taste of success some people get is to take a bite out of you.” – ZIG ZIGLAR
  9. “Be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.” – JUDY GARLAND
  10. “Fear of what other people will think is the single most paralyzing dynamic in business and in life. The best moment of my life was the day I realized that I no longer give a damn what anybody thinks. That’s enormously liberating and freeing, and it’s the only way to live your life and do your business” – CINDY GALLOP
  11. “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – THEODORE ROOSEVELT
Quote - Believe you can and you're halfway there.

  1. “The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.” – AMELIA EARHART
  2. “Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.” – J.M. BARRIE
  3. “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” – MAHATMA GANDHI
  4. “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” – THEODORE ROOSEVELT
  5. “Commitment is what transforms a promise into a reality.” – ABRAHAM LINCOLN
  6. “I have standards I don’t plan on lowering for anybody, including myself.” – ZENDAYA
  7. “There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.” – ARISTOTLE
  8. “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” – HENRY FORD
  9. “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” – GEORGE BERNARD SHAW
  10. “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – NELSON MANDELA
  11. “Ambition is enthusiasm with a purpose.” – FRANK TYGER
Quote - Ambition is enthusiasm with a purpose.

  1. “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” – JOHN WOODEN
  2. “If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.” – JIM ROHN
  3. “Encourage yourself, believe in yourself, and love yourself. Never doubt who you are.” – STEPHANIE LAHART
  4. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – NELSON MANDELA
  5. “Goal setting is the secret to a compelling future.” – TONY ROBBINS
  6. “It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.” – HERMAN MELVILLE
  7. “You can’t be hesitant about who you are.” – VIOLA DAVIS
  8. “You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” – ZIG ZIGLAR
  9. “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” – RALPH WALDO EMERSON
  10. “Don’t go through life, grow through life.” – ERIC BUTTERWORTH
Quote - Don’t go through life, grow through life.

  1. “Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.” – ZIG ZIGLAR
  2. “The only person you should strive to be better than, is the person you were yesterday.” – MATTY MULLINS
  3. “It’s what you practice in private that you’ll be rewarded for in public.” – TONY ROBBINS
  4. “Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” – NEIL GAIMAN
  5. “Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.” – DALAI LAMA
  6. “Be brave to stand for what you believe in even if you stand alone.” – ROY T. BENNETT
  7. “Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.” – OPRAH WINFREY
  8. “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” – SUZY KASSEM
101 Quotes to Motivate You in Life and Business - Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will

It was tricky to choose my favourive 101 Quotes to Motivate You in Life and Business but love all of the quotes listed above!

If you’re looking for 11 Powerful Affirmations for Success and Abundance, have a look here!

Looking for extra motivation while working from home? Check this post out!

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