FIRST THOUGHT: Get Organized!
I recently came across a letter board displaying what has never felt like a truer statement to me: “I don’t need to write that down. I’ll remember it—and other lies I tell myself.” Sound familiar? When it comes to the management of life’s chores, sometimes I swing hard in either direction. I won’t write a single thing down, or I’ll write too much, both of which are problematic. Finding Post-it notes scattered throughout my home and office scribbled with cryptic messages isn’t helpful (but maybe that should be the theme of this summer’s next big horror flick). Today, we’re talking about being organized. While some people expertly manage staying on top of everything, ladies, let’s be real: Most of us are not those people. And that’s OK. But today, let’s try a little organization on for size.
WOMEN IN NUMBERS: At Least 2
Whatever your situation, we’ve all got that persistent to-do list running through our heads practically every minute of every day. Some of us accomplish our never-ending catalogue of tasks a lot better than others. According to a recent study from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, working moms outperform working women without children at almost every stage of their careers. Furthermore, the study found that working mothers with at least two kids were the most productive workers of all. I guess that’s why they say experience is the mother of wisdom!
WOMAN TO WATCH: Tonya Dalton, Founder of Ink Well Press
One way smart ladies stay organized is by using a planner. That’s where today’s Woman to Watch, Tonya Dalton, comes in. She’s the founder of Ink Well Press, which offers proven productivity tools—including organization planners, meal planners, fitness planners and notepads—as well as helpful productivity training so users can feel less overwhelmed and much happier and successful.
As a mom of two youngsters and an entrepreneur, Tonya knows a lot about feeling overwhelmed by a massive daily to-do list. But she’s also an expert at managing that stress and coming up with inventive solutions.
In 2008, Tonya spent $50 to turn her jewelry-making hobby into a biz. Five years later, she and her husband were able to pursue her pastime as a full-time enterprise. The only problem was that by then, her company no longer fulfilled her, so she closed up shop and went in search of something she was passionate about. Narrowing down her top three passions—empowering women, teaching and organization—gave her insight into her next career chapter, and she soon launched Ink Well in her basement, immediately bringing in 500 orders.
Ink Well is known for its quality. The planners feature thick paper, a sturdy spine and lay-flat construction, and colorful tabs that make the products feel as significant as the life events you add to them. And the “mission boards” invite users to fill out goals, from career aspirations to that all-important me time.
Tonya’s biz also offers productivity training through the LiveWell Method, a course that helps women conquer the overwhelming aspects of life, achieve harmony and create a life they love. It’s all about using the right tools to take planning to the next level.
Tonya has expanded her brand to include a podcast fit to inspire getting your life together called the Productivity Paradox, through which she helps listeners hone in on their own personal priorities. She offers proven tactics to help listeners curate a methodical way of living that works specifically for them.
As Tonya says, “Productivity is not about getting more done; it’s focusing on getting the important things done. It’s about living with intention.” Amen, sister!
QUITE THE QUOTE
Let’s end today’s On The Dot with another wise quote from productivity queen Tonya Dalton. She said:
“People vastly undervalue the beauty of white space in their life.”
This is Melinda Garvey signing off until next time. Remember, ladies, empowered women empower other women. Share On the Dot so more women can have a voice. Thanks for getting ready with us.
To learn more about our conversation, check us out at OnTheDotWoman.com and talk to us @OnTheDotWoman on Twitter and Instagram. We’d love to hear your voice.