Mastering Your Muse: 5 Tips to Stay Productive and Balanced

by Busola Omotoye

Do you know someone who drifts in and out of creative energy?

One day she's fully immersed in designing, the next she’s deep into writing, editing videos, or sometimes, just doing nothing at all. Funny, right? But beneath the surface, she has one pressing question:

How can she keep her muse alive and manage her time to balance all the things she’s involved in while still having time for other aspects of her life?

If you’ve ever felt the same way, you're not alone!

Often, when we start a new skill, we may lose focus at some point and find ourselves interested in something new. The issue isn't necessarily a lack of interest in that first skill—it’s often a lack of discipline to see things through. And trust me, as I write this, I’m speaking to myself too!

It’s easy to understand why we take on many activities, but the key isn’t to make excuses or fall into laziness. The aim is to stay productive and accountable. So, how do we manage our time effectively to balance all our activities?

Here are 5 ways:

1 Write Down Your Daily Activities: Sure, writing things down may sound old-fashioned, but it’s still one of the most helpful ways to plan your day. Listing your tasks helps you stay organized, reduce pressure, and actually enjoy your day. Once you’ve written everything down, prioritize your tasks by importance and assign realistic time slots for each one.

2 Use an App: Thanks to technology, staying on track has never been easier. Find an app that suits you, whether it's for scheduling, reminders, or project management. Set specific days and times for your activities and commit to meeting those daily goals.

3 Limit Distractions: If you get easily distracted (especially by social media), this tip is for you! Social media will always be there, so focus on completing your tasks first. The sooner you finish your work, the sooner you can unwind without stress.

4 Use a Learning Technique: Different productivity methods work for different people. Try using a technique like the Pomodoro method or Spaced Repetition to keep yourself on track. Find what suits you and stick to it.

5 Just Do It—And Early: Procrastinators, take note! The earlier you start, the better. Tackling tasks early in the day allows you to think clearly, leaves room for flexibility and gives you time for other important activities.

In essence, not everyone is born to be a multitasker, and that’s okay. Focus on what you can handle, and be the best at it. Stop making excuses, and start being effective and efficient. Be the person who not only delivers but delivers on time!