Entrepreneuress 101: How to organize your life & get things done

If you got my VIP love letter on Monday, then you know my year so far has been ridiculously insane and how I have been dealing with that. In just the last month I have learned so much about my new time planning ways. It has completely transformed my organization skills. Last year I used my binded desk diary and while I loved it, it wasn't enough room to keep all the other aspects of my life in check. Then, I decided to get a Filofax to change the way I plan my life. 

I keep getting questions about my planner set up and how I actually use it. So, I wanted to break down my new planner step by step. By the way, I upgraded to a Louis Vuitton agenda, a huge shout out to Tradesy for having the best online marketplace. I am really in love with my planner, its so beautiful! I'm not really a LV girl, but this planner is so chic. 

First thing is first. I like the first page aka "dashboard" of my planner to be my current vision board. I'm a huge believer in affirmations and words to encourage you throughout the day. They make me feel so powerful which is exactly what I need to feel when planning out my days. 

Here is my breakdown, I keep a divider for each section of my life. 

1. PLANNING- my monthly & weekly calendar

2. TO DO- my ongoing list of To-Do's that I cross off when accomplished. 

3. INSPIRATION: magazine tear outs, wallpaper samples, information sheets

4. PROJECTS: brainstorming notes, sketches and ideas

5. WORK: Pages for each client I am working on with all of my notes, records, numbers, receipts, etc.

( My monthly calendar is from Stationary Unicorn )

Before I begin to plan each month, I write down my monthly goals on the left hand side. Say 3-4 things I want to accomplish in the month. Then I take a look at my days and write goals for my days. For example, I plan out my gym time and yoga classes. I make sure to schedule in time in nature like going on a hike or run by the lake. I have found that when you write your top priorities down at the start of the month, you end up planning everything else around that.  NOTE: This helps you actually accomplishing goals. 

Then, each week, I like to plan out my week. On Monday, I write down notes in the top section of each day. Here I put reminders, like call for painting quote or get pricing on that wallpaper. I divide my weekly tasks over the week and give myself approximately 3 a day. This way I don't feel so overwhelmed with so much to do. 

In the INSPIRATION section, I like to put magazine tears that inspire me. I have several. I hold punch them and they fit perfectly. When I go through magazines, which I LOVE, I pull out my favorite pages and place them like this. . .

In the PROJECTS section, I keep lists for each thing I am up to. I have a page for BLOG POSTS, NEWSLETTER LISTS, ARTICLE CONTRIBUTIONS or COLLABORATIONS, etc. What I love about this planner, I can add or throw out pages as I go through them. This way things are neat, clean and clutter free. 

I also have a clear pocket page where I keep business cards, samples, things I need to keep around and not lose. 

When I plan out my days in advance, and keep the information I need organized, I find that I have more time than I even imagined. I'm not keeping everything in my head so when I do something, I do it easily and without distractions. So I get things done more efficiently and in a timely manner which lends to more time for other things. It's blown my mind how much more I can accomplish. I have taken on more clients than I usually do, which means more business and income. 

How powerful is that? Do you have an organization system yet? 

New Year, New Home, New You: How to set up a home altar

The month of New Year, New Home, New You is almost up so I am really excited to share this post with you today. I love to write about my experiences with my clients and friends and I love when they let me share their stories. During the course of 2015 I started to incorporate Glam-shui in all my spaces. A little bit of feng shui, and a LOT of curating with glamour.

My fellow #girlboss and bff Cara  asked me to help her take her work space to the next level. She knew that she needed an office that represented where she saw her brand and business going, fulfilled her mentally and spiritually, a place that inspires her, not what it has been for the last few years. We both are big dreamers and visionaries and knew that by taking her office to the next level, not only could she feel more inspired while she works from her home office but that would probably lead to her business growth too. It's so important to have your home clutter free, full of the things you absolutely love so that it will support you in feeling good and at your best at all times. Being that she lives in Brooklyn and I am always traveling we did all of this through E-design. Which is way fun, I absolutely love working with clients all over the country. 

Ok, so here is her home office before. Pink, bubbly, fun, and oh so girlie just like her brand. 

Once we got CLEAR on exactly who she is and what her brand would be, we could decorate. Here is a peek at her new and improved #girlboss space. Dark. Glamorous. Luxurious. Spiritual. Serene. 

Take a look at how her home office decor translated into her brand. This is the transition from one of her older books to the one she just published. Looks just like her office makeover doesn't it? This is just an example of how your home affects your life and comes through in all aspects. If you are needing a revamp of your life, your business, your brand this is exactly what you want to do. If you haven't changed your decor in a while, this may be just what you need to get re-inspired. P.S. Incase you are wondering we went with Farrow and Ball "off-black" in Estate Emulsion. Estate emulsion is a matte version which I prefer because its not too glossy looking. I used this color in my bedroom years ago and I swear by it. It's magical. 

Now let's take it to the next level. My biggest GLAM-shui must have essentials are that anything and everything must delight one of the 5 senses. You have to have clutter-free vignettes, vision boards, colors that you LOVE, luxe blankets and pillows, fresh flowers, a beautiful mug for tea or coffee, soft music and lighting and delicious candles. 

 Cara asked me to do a GLAM-shui consultation on her main office wall so we could create a spiritual glam success altar. This was her before. . and after.

Creating a success altar is such a perfect thing to have in a home office or bedroom. People typically create home altars for religious and spiritual purposes. I do believe that you should bring a sense of spirituality to your life and especially to your work. However, if you aren't into that just fill with your favorite family photos, quotes, places you want to go to, delicious flowers and candles. 

When I started incorporating meditation into my prayer life, I noticed a WORLD of change. I became calmer, had a better sense of myself and lessened stress and anxiety in a big way. It made me so much better in my work life. I also like to incorporate journaling, vision boards and beautiful things to look at, framed quotes and symbols of things that I am eternally grateful for. Throw out everything else that doesn't ignite something in you or inspire you. 

Here is Cara's personal sanctuary + home office altar:

We started by clearing off the space completely. It's important to start with a fresh canvas. Then as you choose each thing for your altar, pay attention to the intention and placement of it. Does it speak to you? Trust your intuition. If it doesn't feel good to you, you don't have to keep it because you are "supposed to". This is for you to decide. Notice the professionally framed vision board. The intention behind having it professionally framed is key! You want to be committed to your life. She has quotes and images that inspire and calm her in beautiful frames.  A beautiful purple orchid to symbolize abundance and life. Mirrored tray and candle sticks add a bit of glamour and luxury to her altar. Beautiful smells, sprays and candles to enhance her overall work experience. There is nothing that doesn't have a place or a purpose.

Get your GLAM-shui sprays...

You don't have to go all out like this when setting up your home altar. You can make it as small or as large as you choose. The important thing is having a space that calms you, inspires you and allows you to feel like a kid again. Speaking of kids, its fun to let your kids create their own altars too. Their special secret place that is all their own. I used to have one in my closet where I would color as a little girl. Have fun with it. Don't take it too seriously. Allow it to be a fun part of your day. 

Do you have a personal altar? I would love to see it. If you want help setting yours up, I'm happy to assist you.