How To Be More Productive During Quarantine

With the beaming light from my phone and a distinct “ding”, I received a message from my friend. She was up until the wee hours to finish her Interior Design plates. She asked my professional advice regarding the root of her need to procrastinate.

Productivity is premium at this time. It is usually expressed as a ratio of input to output. You may illustrate it as the number of products produced per working hour. Given the cost of the working hours, productivity can also measure the efficiency of a business.

Productivity matters because there is so much that needs to get done in a day. In most business models, profitability is a function of productivity, price, and volume. Interestingly, productivity can be seen as subjective. You define how productive you are. Often, there is a gap between reality and perceived productivity. Combat this by following these tips.

1. SET BITE-SIZED TASKS
2. FOCUS THEN PAUSE
3. KNOW WHY YOU PROCRASTINATE
4. BE PRESENT
5. ALLOW YOURSELF TO FAIL

#1: SET BITE-SIZED TASKS

You do not have to finish everything in one consumption. For instance, I have taken the Google Digital Garage Digital Marketing course for three days. Initially, I have the choice to finish everything in one day or to follow the rhythm of my pacing. I chose the latter. It is healthier that way!

Create a schedule for tasks that need to be completed and break these down into tiny parts. Segmentation allows you to celebrate the completion of each task. This boosts your confidence and helps increase your motivation to continue on.

#2: FOCUS THEN PAUSE

Create a schedule following a specific time-slot to guide your work from home. Focus for periods spanning from 90 to 120 minutes. Then, pause and walk within your flat or nearby. This will help you refresh your mind.

You may also indulge yourself in distractions. It does not hurt to play a game for 10 to 20 minutes. Do the things you were told not to do at the workplace. You deserve this short break. Afterwards, go back to the task at hand.

#3: KNOW WHY YOU PROCRASTINATE

Going back to my friend, I analyzed her need to procrastinate. In her case, it is because she is a perfectionist. She feels the pressure of designing her plates right to get the approval of her supervisor. People envision outcomes so outstanding that their expectations become more intimidating than inspirational.

“Perfectionists aren’t people who do something perfectly. Perfectionists are people who fantasize about doing something perfectly.” – Mr. John Perry, a Philosophy Professor at Stanford University

For entrepreneurs who hold accountability for everything, procrastination is a problem. It usually happens when they have no experience or are not familiar with the topic at hand. Knowing why you procrastinate is the first step!

#4: BE PRESENT

Oh, mindfulness! I have completed 11 days of my mindfulness meditation journey. In my path, I realized that being present is a great way to be productive.

A mindful person knows how to differentiate what is “important” and what is “urgent”. Knowing these labels can help you prioritize certain tasks. Moreover, you will be able to lessen the time spent on unimportant tasks.

#5: ALLOW YOURSELF TO FAIL

Productivity does not equate to perfection! Allow yourself to abandon the plan for the day. Sometimes, things do not go the way you want it to. With the uncertainty knocking in our doors, it is helpful to focus on the progress and allow yourself to fail once in a while.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Technology can either help or distract you. Does it mean that you will quit using it entirely? Of course not! Allow your brain to move from one task to another whenever it pleases. After all, the circuit breaker period is teaching us the importance of slowing down and focusing on what is important.

Sources: 1 & 2

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4 Websites Where You Can Get Online Jobs In Singapore

A boiling water that can harden the egg is the same element that can soften a potato! One thing that I have learned during this pandemic is that we must make the most out of our circumstance. Being on a “circuit breaker” entails that we have control over our schedules. Hence, consider enrolling in an online class or searching for an online job.

The Internet has a plethora of online job listings. Where do you start? Well, I have gathered 4 websites that offer legitimate jobs.

#1: CULTJOBS

Website: https://www.cultjobs.com

For specialized jobs that focus on the creative field, look no further than CultJobs. It rejects any potential listing that does not fit the “creative jobs that are based in Singapore” bill. Thus, you will be able to check the jobs that will make use of your talent.

If you are coming from a non-creative field then, you must move on to the next website. If you are a creative freelancer then, you best bookmark this website.

#2: FREELANCER

Website: https://www.freelancer.sg

Freelancer is one of the most well-established freelancing portal around the world. You might have heard of it from your friends. Freelancer works by letting the freelancers bid publicly for jobs posted by the clients. Job does not automatically go to the lowest bidder. Instead, other factors such as qualifications and length of work will be considered.

Competition is fierce! You may strengthen your profile by completing different “exams” that offer skill certifications within the website.

#3: STARTUPJOBS

Website: https://startupjobs.asia

It is no one’s fault that we are currently being thrown in our homes. Instead of whinning, consider embracing the jobs offered by start-ups. Help the community by going to StartUpJobs.

The start-up world is different from JobsDB. Its categories are more refined. You will not look for “F&B” as a category. You will be given “data analysis” or “front-end development” as job categories.

#4: MYCAREERSFUTURE

Website: https://www.mycareersfuture.sg

Last but not the least is the job portal ran by the Singapore government to help Singaporeans find jobs. It is called MyCareersFuture. Unlike other job portals, MyCareersFuture allows you to state the skills that you have. After this, you will be shown relevant listings that require your skills. It enhances the “goodness of fit”.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

You may be surprised that some job posts on MyCareersFuture are marked as “Government support available”. Please check if this is available for freelancers too.

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5 Free Classes To Take During Circuit Breaker Period

Learning new skills often take a toll on your time, effort, and money. Fortunately for you, the current circumstance has put time in your favor. Put it to good use by taking up one or two free online classes that will enrich your skills. Moreover, you can add this newly acquired information to your resume and get more chances of moving ahead.

#1: ACQUIRE A GOOGLE CERTIFICATE

Website: https://learndigital.withgoogle.com/digitalgarage

Did you know that you can get a be a Google-certified digital marketer without paying a cent? Well, Google’s Digital Garage allows you to take 26 structured topics from how to build your online shop to the meaning of web analytics. It is an online academy that lets you dive into the ABCs of digital marketing. Each topic has several videos that give you a run-down of the topic and short quizzes to test your understanding of each one.

You must complete every topic to attain the 26 badges. Then, you must pass the final MCQ quiz to become a Google-certified digital marketer! Having “Google” on your resume sure sounds beautiful in the eyes of any Singaporean office. Give it a try!

#2: BROWSE THROUGH COURSERA

Website: https://www.coursera.org/collections/popular-free-courses

Coursera has a plethora of free and paid classes taught by top instructors from some of the world’s best universities and educational institutions including Stanford, Penn, Johns Hopkins, Duke, Columbia, and Yale. You can earn degrees and certifications through this website.

Topics range from personal development to data science. Each course consists of videos, quizzes, projects, and more. You can earn certificates to qualify for your work or an upcoming promotion. Nonetheless, it is an efficient way to pass time.

#3: TRAIN IN MICROSOFT

Website: https://support.office.com

How many of you have put “proficient in Microsoft Office” in your resume? I am guilty myself. Howeover, there is a legitimate training grounds for Microsoft Office. Training includes unlocking functions of Word, Powerpoint, and Excel.

Simply watch the video lessons that will give you a step-by-step guide through all the possible functions of the Microsoft Office. This way, you can be a wiz at Microsoft Office.

#4: EARN A FACEBOOK BLUEPRINT

Website: https://www.facebook.com/business

Interestingly, Facebook has its own online course. Facebook Blueprint allows you to get a crash course on Facebook and Instagram advertising.

These courses span a variety of topics, so you can get your pick from knowing more about Facebook ads to knowing more about Facebook Live. Worry not about the length of the course as all topics are divided into bite-sized information explained through paragraphs and photographs. You will be rewarded with a downloadable certificate upon completion of each course.

#5: LEARN HOW TO ANIMATE

Website: https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/pixar

Last but not the least is Pixar In A Box. We are all familiar with the heartwarming animation films produced by Pixar. However, are you familiar with what goes on behind the scenes? In this free course, you will be able to learn the art of storytelling, animation, and hair stimulation directly from Pixar staff.

In a series of online video lessons, you will get to digest topics in simple language. You will be able to animate bouncing balls, build a swarm of robots, and make virtual fireworks explode. This collaboration between Pixar Animation Studios and Khan Academy is sponsored by Disney.

BONUS: NTUC LearningHub has partnered with GO1 to offer Singaporeans free online courses until May 31, 2020. This initiative was launched last April 11. Courses vary from Change Management to Data Analytics. These are designed for bite-sized learning, so you will not be overwhelmed. Learn at your own pace and your own schedule by visiting ntuc.mygo1.com.

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8 Cheap Ways To Feng Shui Your Home

The Ancient practice of Feng Shui highlights the harmony between he individuals and their surroundings. It can help you create a happy home, a productive working space, and a beautiful garden. The usage of energy forces is within your hands!

Start improving your life while you are in quarantine by practicing these Feng Shui tips.

#1: TIDY UP

De-cluttering must be on top of your list as Feng Shui relies on free-flowing energy (chi). Let the chi flow smoothly without disruptions by clearing out the entryway of your home. Clean the dirt behind your front door so that you can open it all the way. Tidy up your space by getting rid of your dead plants, old newspapers, expired cosmetics, broken toys, and so on.

#2: FIX IT

Feng Shui focuses on well-functioning things around your house. Ensure that you fix the broken things inside your house to encourage good energy. Start checking your doors, windows, lights, floors, and furniture. Repair and revamp anything that needs to be tweaked.

Let us focus on your door. Tighten your doorknobs and fix your squeaks. Does your entry door squeak whenever you open or close it? It is helpful to put some oil into the door hinges to prevent this sound and to create more positive energy. Moreover, it reduces your frustrations upon coming in.

#3: COVER IT

Cover the television inside your bedroom to create a tranquil environment for sleeping. If you have trouble sleeping, it is a good idea to cover your television with a beautiful scarf or a patterned fabric. The active energy of your television may be disruptive to your sleep. Create a calming energy by reducing the electronic stimulation.

#4: SPICE UP

To spice up your love life, you may consider adding plants to your love nest. Create hope and cheer to your bedroom by addin three indoor plants. Moreover, you must position your beed in such a way that you can see whoever approaches your bedroom door. A bed in a “commanding position” attracts strength, love, safety, and calmness.

#5: ADD PLANTS

Indoor plants are known to bring positive health effects to people, while colorful flowers brighten up rooms. These home elements are believed to improve a home’s chi. One of the lucky charms that you may incorporate to your home is a bamboo. Beyond its Feng Shui effect, it adds character to your interiors. Bamboo is a stylish plant that works well at promoting peace and tranquility.

#6: ARRANGE IT

Arranging your pieces of furniture in a circular formation encourages the smooth flow of energy. You can attract positive energy in your bedroom by strategically placing your bed so that it stands diagonally from your bedroom door. Avoid letting your bed face away from the toilet.

#7: COUNTER IT

Flowing water is believed to drain the luck from your home according to Feng Shui. To counter this, you must introduce earth elements. Add accessories in warm tones such as yellow and gold accents. You may also put a fresh coat of paint in your walls or add yellow towels or gold rugs to lessen the elemental imbalance.

#8: BURN IT

Dollar stores have a wealth of incense in their counters. Cleanse your home by burning incense. Ideal types of incense for this purpose are sandalwood and rosemary. Not only will the smoke clear your space of the negativity, but your home will also smell heavenly. You will love how the incense will create a cozy ambiance, while inviting positive energy in!

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Sources: 1 & 2

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How To Stretch Your Dollar When Decorating Your Flat

With the rising real estate prices and fast-paced lifestyle, people opt to live in HDB flats or apartments. Individuals find it convenient to live in these types of residences given that these are easily accessible to workplaces and commercial areas, offers facilities and amenities, and provides better security. Despite all these advantages, living in a flat means having to deal with a limited space in comparison to house.

In my quest to find ways to maximize the functionality and design of my space, I tapped my Interior Designer friend. Here are some tips that Interior Designer Krishna L. generously shared to me.

#1: PLAN THE SPACE

Having a small space requires identifying the distribution of areas. It is important to recognize the functions and activities that take place in each zone. Adequate planning makes it easier to know what types of furnishings are needed within the space. This helps save time and money for the owners. Personally, I love watching Never Too Small on YouTube as this channel shows how to plan space sections within micro-apartments.

#2: REMEMBER – LESS IS MORE

Given the space available, it is necessary to make use of the space wisely. Having too many things going on in a small space makes it cramped and chaotic. Avoid overcrowding the space and know which items are essential in order to conserve more space.

#3: ELEVATE FURNISHINGS

One way of giving an illusion of spaciousness is keeping things off the floor. Make furniture pieces and fixtures “float” – opt for sofa and tables with exposed legs and mount shelves on wall – to achieve an illusion of a bigger space. Not only does this make the space larger but also provides a room for additional storage.

#4: INVEST IN MULTI-FUNCTIONAL PIECES

A limited space requires flexibility in terms of utility and functionality. Looking for furniture pieces that provide more than one function can save money and space.

#5: MAXIMIZE VERTICAL SPACE

Condominiums and apartments often less square footage than a traditional residential space. Thus, it is better to take advantage of the walls. Use floor-to-ceiling cabinets or shelves for storage and display, mount wall decors and art or add tall plants to make the room appear larger.

Image Credits: 3aces.ph

#6: ADD MIRRORS

It is a well-known fact that mirrors can make a small space appear grander. Mirrors not only give the illusion of a greater square footage but also reflects natural and artificial light, thereby creating an impression of a bigger space.

#7: CONSIDER THE LIGHTING

Natural lighting provides a healthier well-being but also helps open up a room. However, condominiums have limited access to natural light since there are less windows. It can be useful to have a variety of artificial lighting to achieve a great atmosphere and warm ambiance within a space. Lighting placement can either make or break a space, so it must be thoroughly planned.

#8: FIND THE RIGHT COLOR THEME

Colors can influence the way we view spaces – lighter colors reflect light and give an illusion of space, whereas darker colors absorb light and diminish a space. In order to make a room feel larger, it is good to have the right color palette for the floor, wall, and ceiling. This does not necessarily mean limiting your options with an all-white interior; rather, use a color scheme that create cohesion and unity. Choosing monochromatic or neutral colors, for instance, can make the space feel airy, open, and visually bigger. Applying dark or bold color or pattern sparingly to accent wall, furniture, or decors can create depth, contrast, and personality to the space.

#9: CHOOSE THE FLOORING WISELY

Like color schemes, flooring surfaces can greatly impact the size of a space. It is better to avoid using a contrasting color for the flooring. Choose hues for carpets, tiles, and wood flooring that would complement the walls and ceiling to achieve continuity. Light-colored wooden floor planks that are either wide or long can make a space look bigger.

#10: ADD GREENERY

Plants greatly benefits one’s health. Having indoor plants can make the space brighter and lively. Moreover, it gardening is a good hobby to dwell on as you work from home or obey the stay-at-home notice.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

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