Hi, loves! 

Let me be honest with you- I DO NOT HAVE THE LUXURY OF TIME! I hate it because I want to accomplish more every single day- call me a goal digger. 

As you all know, I'm a parent, entrepreneur, social media manager, and virtual assistant. I honestly feel that I have so much going on my plate that sometimes makes me feel exhausted and overwhelmed. I know this is normal, but I can't give up. I know how time is significant in my industry and how much I value every penny that comes into my bank. 

So I made these simple steps for people who are just like me- aiming to do many things in a day and maximize their time. 

1. Start early 

Okay, I have to be honest, I wake up very late, but because I sleep early (does that make any sense?) to give you a context. Here's my sample day-to-day schedule:

10 AM: Wake up
10:30 AM: Work (doing morning VA tasks)
1:00 PM: Lunch
1:30 PM: Social Media Management tasks
2:30 PM: Take a bath
2:45 PM: Back to work
5:00 PM: Rest (while I do entrepreneurial tasks)
6:30 PM: Go back to work
7:30 PM: Dinner
rest of the night until 2 AM: Work

But if I can wake up earlier, I can finish and sleep early, right? The same goes for you, my dear friend. If you wake up earlier, you can accomplish more tasks ahead of time. Plus, you can also insert some leisure tasks in between. I for myself, if I feel exhausted from work, I take an hour, maybe two, to watch Netflix and ease my mind from my work. 

2. Stick with your routine

The key to maximizing your time is to have a proper routine; you should know when to start working, when to rest, and when to call it a day. Don't you feel irritated when you're not doing things on your own schedule? 

The same goes for me; I really hate it when I haven't bathed at around 3 PM; I feel tired, exhausted, and sticky, so I make sure to really stick with my time. I pause everything and go to bathe at exactly 2 PM because if not, everything will fail. 

Here's an exercise:

Start with a work routine and then slowly transition with your body clock; thus, your body and brain won't feel too overwhelmed with your changes. Slowly but surely, they say, but this definitely works. 

3. Hierarchy of tasks

I don't know for some, but I stick with the easiest tasks because they are the easiest to accomplish. Plus, a little check on your to-do list is such a great encouragement that you are doing something productive. 

Learning how to prioritize your tasks plays an essential role in your daily life. Whether you like it or not, it will become an excellent habit to adopt. 

If you want to finish harder jobs first to accomplish things faster, then do it- whatever works for you is definitely the best. 

4. Find your peak hours

They say our mind works better at a specific time; I call it "Peak Hours" that's when our minds are really pumped up to solve critical challenges such as decision making, conceptualizing, etc. 

My peak hours are always in the evening after 6 pm, so I do most of my conceptualizing and analysis because my mind works faster during this time. I also would love to work do my meetings in the evening because I feel more relaxed when the weather is cooled down, and my mind is already at ease. 

However, this doesn't work for everyone. Just like what I have said, find your peak hours. 

5. Invest in multitasking

Okay, I know this may sound a little daunting but believe me, it's always worth it! In the past, I'm working with my 4-year-old laptop, but as the years went by, I realized that my laptop is already tired and sooo worn out. The performance is prolonged, and even though I can accomplish tasks, I know I can do more if I invest in a new gadget. 

Now, I own two laptops, and it has been a lifesaver. 

One laptop is basically used for heavy duties like in-depth photo editing and video editing. The other one is for some administrative tasks like email marketing, scheduling social media posts for clients, and this- blogging. 

But mind you, if you can't afford to purchase one yet, don't worry, you'll eventually save up and buy a new investment real soon. 

Hi Loves,

I know this is not my usual time of posting, but I just can't help but show my gratitude for all the things I had experienced before I became a Freelancer. So I was just cleaning my bedroom (as my normal weekly routine). I have to change the bedsheets and pillowcases and re-arrange them because tomorrow, it's going to be a mess. AGAIN! Haha, mommy things. 

But today is very different. 

Every year we have new year's resolutions and goals, right? My new year's resolution is always to provide a stable life for Edmund- nothing for myself materially but to just have a peaceful and healthier state of mind. But this year, I decided to make a goal for myself. 

I want to buy a new laptop. 

You see, my current laptop is really an old one, it's actually 4 years old, and it was already well used. Now, although I can still use it, its performance is not the best anymore. But being the practical single momma, I shrug off the idea of purchasing a new laptop; instead, I will be allocating my budget to what's more important, like Edmund's schooling- he's an upcoming Kindergarten student, by the way. 

However, there's just a part of me that always says, "Come on, it's time to invest in a new gadget; it will generate income anyways." So here's the big boom- I purchased a laptop using my own salary from my Freelancing. 

I know it's nothing fancy or surprised,, but I would just like to share this experience with you. My heart is overwhelmed with joy and satisfaction that finally, I am slowly making goals and putting action into them. 

The first big achievement was to enroll Edmund in a private school, and now, this and not to mention this happened in a span of just 3 weeks. 

Going back to Day 1

As I am cleaning my room, I noticed how much my room changed. In the past, Edmund and I sleep in a double-sized bed with lots of beddings, and I work just on my bed because I have no office space- but look how much I grew. 

I have a decent computer chair, storage for my product shoot items, and a big ass Orocan box for all my stocks to sell. 

Grabe, ang laki na pala ng pinagbago. 

I remember when I decided to go all-in with freelancing, I converted my old drawing board into an office table- it's very spacious but not sturdy; more so, it's not convenient to use. I also remember using our dining chair as my office chair. After all, I can't buy the office chair once because I was literally broke and unemployed. 

I also remember not having a second monitor and work with my old Acer laptop that has been with me for 6 years (way back in high school) before I switched to my laspag Asus laptop. 

I also remember how hard it is to manage my time because I'm trying to earn my degree, be a mom and a provider all at the same time. 

Looking back before I started freelancing, I was depressed, broke, and very angry with everything and anything that has been happening in my life before. But now, I can provide for Edmund and can finally stand on my own two feet little by little; baby steps. 

Faith can definitely move mountains

I have been bruised, depressed, and was knocked down. I even questioned the Lord "Why me" but God really moves in his mysterious ways. He knows the perfect timing, when, and where he will give the blessings. 

All good things in life, require hard work, faith, and time. Nothing comes very easy. I have always been the person who wants to happen things when I said so but the good Lord, Jerico, Edmund, and my parents taught me to be patient to wait for things at the right time. 

To all single parents, women who are in a middle of a challenging situation, and to all who are asking so many WHYs, 

Always remember, you may not understand everything now but remember, all your questions will be answered in God's perfect time. All your hard work will be repaid with the sweetest victory and success.

Aim high, never fear because we are resillient!