The Dream Inspo.

The Life You Deserve

How To Improve Your Time Management Skills

If you want to start prospering, you must improve your time management skills. This might seem like an annoying topic, but I promise, managing your time will increase productivity.

Have you ever felt highly stressed? So, noted that you sit and decide not to do anything on your to-do list because the thought stresses you even more? Then, you wait until the last minute to start. Now, you’re rushing to finish everything. I’m here to tell you that we’ve all been there.

You need to find a process that works for you. One that allows you to get everything done in a timely matter. Some people might say:

What is time management?

“The process of planning and exercising conscious control of time spent on specific activities, especially to increase effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity”

There are many ways to improve this skill, but here is a method that works for me.

What You Need To Improve Your Time Management Skills

How To Improve Your Time Management Skills

Improve Your Effectiveness

  • Write down a list of things you need to do. (It’s always best to see, in order, everything that needs to be done.)
  • Write a due date next to the item. Starting with the closest date to furthest. (It’s always best to do things in whatever order makes sense to you, but if there’s a due date, start with the activity that’s closer to being due.)
  • Pick the first two to three things on your list to get started with.
  • Figure out how much time you want to spend on each. 30 mins to an hour works best for me. (Of course, it depends on how big the project is, but always map out how much time needs to be spent on one project.)
  • Do this daily or weekly, and you’ll feel less overwhelmed. (Not only that, but you’ll also have more energy to finish your entire list and put more effort into completing each item successfully.

Try out this process, and let me know if it works!

5 Things To Do Before You Go To Bed | Clear Your Mind

Did you know that your pre-sleep routine can affect your night’s rest? Here are five things to do before you go to bed to help clear your mind.

If you’re like me, you often find yourself waking up out of your sleep often– even when you’re sleepy. It wasn’t until recently that I thought of asking google, “why can’t I have a good night’s sleep?” because, you know, we ask google everything.

And, google being google showed me the scariest symptoms to my issue. Ignoring google’s suggestions of chopping off my hair, I thought of something else. I knew I wanted to have a clear mind before I slept, but it was just a matter of how I could do that. Then, the imaginary light bulb over my head lit up, and I decided to change my pre-sleep routine.

This routine is not the nightly face wash, and it’s what you do while you’re lying in bed. So, here are five things to do before you go to bed– I’m sharing what helps me in hopes of it helping at least one person.

5 things to do before you go to bed
Just spreading some positivity 🙂

5 things to do before you go to bed

1. Sit your phone on a desk.

Once I sit my phone on a desk or chair by my bed, I do NOT pick it back up when I lay down anymore. I used to find myself on my phone all night, and my eyes would be crying, literally. This helps me focus more on trying to go to sleep.

2. Drink some water.

I don’t know why, but most of the time I’m hot before I go to bed. When I drink water, it chills my body temperature, so when I wrap myself in a blanket (because I can’t sleep without one), it feels like heaven on earth.

5 Things To Do Before You Go To Bed

3. Relax your mind.

I try to push away stressful thoughts when I’m lying down. Whatever happened during the day is now in the past, so I remind myself that tomorrow is a new day.

4. Think of something funny.

Okay, I’m weird. However, I always find myself thinking of something I laughed about a long time ago. You know, one of those hilarious moments that crack you up every time you think about it? That’s what I do.

5 Things To Do Before You Go To Bed

5. Find a “Cool” spot on your pillow.

My pillow needs to be excellent for me to lay on it. So I toss it around several times just to get that “perfect ” spot. Once I do, my head feels like it’s on a cloud.

Here’s an in-depth article I found online from experts because, you know, I’m just a twenty-something-year-old woman navigating through life. What are the five things you do before you go to bed?

Check out our Founder, Lashaunta Shanese, portfolio.

Learn more about “Girl, Just Prosper.”

I Took a Social Media Detox, Here’s What I Learned

There’s a lot we can gain by being on social media. However, there are a lot of social media detox benefits.

Recently, I took a few days away from social media. What exactly does this mean? Well, I didn’t open the apps of Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, which are my usual go-to instant social platforms. Instead, I used the time I would spend on each app working on my brand, resting, and finding out what needs to go in my life.

Why did I take a social media detox?

If you have an iPhone, there’s a recent feature added that gives you a phone usage report. I noticed a massive increase in my time on my device, and the leading apps I spent my time on was social media platforms. Honestly, the percentage of time spent on each app was embarrassing. Yes, since my career is in media, I spend a lot of time on social media looking for news stories, engaging in content discussion, etc. And, I could’ve used this as an excuse for the amount of time spent. But, being honest with yourself is a part of growing. So, I knew I had a real issue.

Since I intend on improving my life this year, I was aware that this detox was imperative, and I was ready to make a change.

social media detox
Photo by Vegan Liftz on Pexels.com

Here’s what I learned during my social media detox

I regained the urge to go out and have fun.

In just those few days, I felt the urge to go out into the real world and enjoy the beautiful streets of my city. Social media took up a lot of my time, which eventually made me lazy. I didn’t want to go anywhere after finishing my homework or articles, but somehow I found the strength to tweet an unhealthy amount of times.

I love baking as a hobby.

My sister and I went to the grocery store with my new spare time and purchased every ingredient we needed for making cookies from scratch. We even ordered custom aprons with our names on them. It was a breath of fresh air and an excellent way to bond with my sister. We’re planning to bake often!

I enjoy cooking and trying new recipes.

As a graduate student and journalist, the most accessible food option is fast food or something quickly put in the microwave. But, since I had some time to spare, I found myself on tasty searching up dinner recipes and cooking with my family.

This social media detox was well needed, and I plan on taking one often to enjoy real life more. What are your thoughts on social media detoxes?

Hey, you made it this far. Check out 5 Things To Do Instead of Being on Your Device

You should follow Lashaunta Shanese on Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram.

Here’s How I Plan to Improve My life in 2022

It’s the second month of the new year, and I still want nothing more than to improve my life in 2022.

Before the year started, I promised myself that 2022 was going to be MY year. Yes, everyone says this. Yes, I said the same thing about 2021. But, you know that feeling of elevation? I’ve been experiencing this since the year started. It might be my determination to make this year better than the last, or I could be in the process of elevating.

Whatever’s the case, it has me even more pumped to see what I can accomplish. Since I’m excited about the future, I’ve decided to share three ways I plan to improve my life in 2022. I hope this can help my readers or people just visiting prepare themselves to spread their wings and soar.

My 3 Way Journey to Improvement

Ways to improve your life in 2022
Photo by Bruno Bueno on Pexels.com

No more sleepless, burnout nights

Nothing prevented me from accomplishing my goals more than sleepless, burnout nights. We’ve all watched success stories of individuals who do nothing but work, work, and work. They preach about how they’ve gone days without sleep to perfect a launch or create content. To improve my life, I choose not to glamourize the ‘all work, no play’ mindset. I’m human, and I need sleep–of course. But, I also need time to relax and have fun. I don’t want to overwork myself and not enjoy the fruits of my labor.

Write/Plan… Organization Matters

This is a very imperative way to improve your life. In 2021, I did not write and plan out my content, organize homework assignments or digital content. This is a significant reason I did not accomplish a lot of my goals last year. Since I started mapping things out–from articles to content– I’ve seen an increase in my consistency. When I write something down, it’s easier for me to complete it and check off my list when I can see it… crazy. Sidenote: I’m currently writing this post at 11 pm. 2021 Lashaunta would’ve never done this!

Morning Affirmations? Yes, please.

Okay, I started getting into affirmations in 2021, but I’ve been deep into it this year. If you’ve been reading my posts for a while, you’ll know that I’d talk negatively about myself when I was younger. And, of course, this is far from a confidence booster. However, now that I’m in my 20’s, I want to love myself more than anyone. Because if I love myself, I can love others properly. Writing and saying morning affirmations set the tone for the day. I always feel like I’m important in this world because I am– and you are too.

How are you improving your life in 2022? We have so much time to get things started.

Hey, you made it this far! Check out. So, you failed? Here’s How To Recharge

You should follow Lashaunta Shanese on Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram

Feature image courtesy of Canva Pro

5 Things To Do Instead of Being on Your Device

In 2022, we’re focusing on the real world. Here are 5 things to do instead of being on your device.

As humanity evolves, we’ve developed an attachment to our cellular devices now more than before. It provides access to jobs, connects us with family and strangers worldwide, and even stores valuable information. The connection with our devices is so strong that it has become a morning ritual to check it as soon as you wake up. With newly addictive devices comes detachment from the real world. Think about it. How many hours do you spend on your electronics per day? Now, how many times have you gone for a walk? Friends, it’s time to put the phone down. Here are five things to do instead.

5 Things To Do Instead of Being on Your Device

5 Things To Do Instead of Being On Your Device
Photo by Tracy Le Blanc on Pexels.com

Read a book

So many phenomenal new books are waiting for you to indulge in its characters. From fantasy to urban fiction, don’t miss the chance to visit your local bookstore and start your bookworm journey. To stay away from the urge of using your phone, stick to hard copies.

At-Home date night with friends

What’s better than a night full of great vibes in the comfort of your own home? Invite some of your closet friends over, reminisce, and enjoy a night full of laughter. Create some ‘boss friends’ goals together and talk about how you all can better support each other.

Take a walk

Life isn’t a walk in the park, but that shouldn’t stop you from taking a walk often. Walking is known to help clear your mind and release negative energy. If you don’t want to take one alone, ask a friend.

Game night with your family

Thanksgiving and Christmas don’t have to be the only time families come together. Have a game night with your loved ones instead of texting or calling them. Talk about those embarrassing times when you were younger. Play spades or claim someone is cheating during a fun game of Uno.

Buy a journal and write your heart out.

Feel like writing a social media post about how you feel? Buy a journal instead. Sometimes we give too much insight into our personal lives to strangers who find amusement in our pain. Use that journal to get your feelings out and keep adverse people out of your business.

If you like this post, you’ll love What To Do In The First Days Of 2022

Follow me on social media: Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram,

6 Affirmations To Start Off Your Day

With these 6 affirmations to start off your day, you’ll feel happy and calm.

As women continue to dominate in every industry, it’s crucial to avoid exhaustion and adverse energy. Affirmations are known to boost the power and mindset of an individual. It’s the exercise of optimistic thinking and self-improvement that many believe helps achieve success and good mental health. Every day we are confronted with challenges that regularly make us question our abilities to succeed. We interrogate ourselves so severely that it eventually halts our growth. It’s time to start uplifting ourselves every day and making sure we comprehend how deserving we are of love, success, and much more. Here are six affirmations to start your day.

6 Affirmations

6 Affirmations To Start Off Your Day
Photo by Tara Winstead on Pexels.com

Today will be wonderful.

Wake up with the mindset of having a great day. Never think about past upsetting events or revenge. Today will be good because your mind is allowing good energy to flow right through.

I am a magnificent piece of art.

You are a walking Van Gogh painting. Pay no attention to societal ‘beauty standards.’ You are one of a kind, and your features are showstopping.

I choose peace and happiness.

Protect your peace and happiness today— and every day. Adverse energy cannot get close to you.

I am worthy of love.

You are worthy of the love you’ve always wanted. You do not have to lower your standards and accept scraps. Give yourself that love until the right person comes along.

I deserve to buy myself something nice.

That new car? You deserved it. That new purse? You deserved it. Always know that you deserve to have nice things, and it’s even more imperative that it was a gift to yourself. You worked hard for your money, and there’s nothing wrong with showering yourself with the best things in life.

I am deserving of career growth and opportunities.

You deserve that new job title and raise. You deserve that six-figure business. Your name deserves to be in rooms where the opportunities will be endless. 

Of course, these 6 affirmations to start off your day can be used by men as well. Let’s uplift ourselves and embrace who we are.

If you love this post, you’ll love My Self-Care Plans For 2022

Read my latest Interview in Sheen Magazine!

To learn more about Lashaunta Shanese visit my about page.

The Key To Having a Productive Day

It’s time we discussed the key to having a productive day.

Every day we wake up with the intention of having a better day than before. Because no one wants their days to be worse, that’s insane.

Of course, in the life we live, there are times where events will happen out of the blue that alters your day. However, it shouldn’t stop you from at least trying to map out what you’d like your day to be like.

As a grad student who’s also a journalist/creative marketer/digital content producer (I wear a lot of hats, I know), I need to create a plan for my days, or else I’d drive myself crazy.

In my opinion, the key to having a productive day starts with realistic planning and allowing yourself time to relax.

Let’s get to it.

The Key To a Productive Day

The Key To Having a Productive Day
Photo by Startup Stock Photos on Pexels.com

Realistic Planning

Let me start by saying planning helps a lot with trying to stay organized. If I didn’t plan what days to do my homework and the number of hours I’d spend on each class, I’d be stressed out. However, sometimes we plan things outrageously.

What do I mean by that?

You should plan realistically, meaning map out things you know you’d for sure have time to do. For example, today is my content day for this week.

I planned to write this blog post and create social media content. For me, this is realistic because I know for sure I could get it done without feeling tired. Outrageous planning would be me planning to write 10 blog posts, 5 social media content, and a youtube production.

Don’t get me wrong, there are people who can plan all of those things and get it done, but for me and all that I have to do, it’s not realistic. Planning this would’ve resulted in me thinking my day was unproductive because I couldn’t get it all done.

woman sleeping
Photo by Ivan Oboleninov on Pexels.com

Allowing Yourself Time To Relax

In order to have the energy to be productive, you have to allow yourself to relax. Yes, you read that correctly. If you go the entire day just working, more than likely you won’t finish all of the tasks you’ve planned. Give yourself a coffee/tea break in between projects, read a book or do something relaxing. I usually read a chapter of my favorite book or have a tea break.

What’s your key to a productive day?

Follow me on social media.

Read my previous blog post.

Featured image courtesy of Canva Pro

The Consequences of Doubting Yourself

There’s always consequences of doubting yourself.

When we doubt ourselves, we limit our chances of winning.

Anonymous

We train our minds into thinking there’s things we can’t do… without even trying. This is the beauty of doubt except there’s no real beauty. It’s true, we can’t be great at everything, but as long as you try, you’re winning. Doubting yourself can come from a plethora of things. It can stem from verbal abuse, low self esteem or from being coy. Sometimes we can be our own worst enemies.

Consequences of doubting
Photo by Yan Krukov on Pexels.com

The consequences of doubting yourself can have both short and long term effects. Many of us do this so often, without even noticing, that we’ve trained our minds to hold off on doing things we’ve always wanted to do. Because, ‘I don’t think I can do it.’ Below are 3 consequences of doubting yourself:

MISSED OPPORTUNITIES

Missing opportunities because you didn’t have access to them is always discouraging. However, when you miss out on them because you doubted yourself, that’s a different type of hurt. You’ll always wonder about what would’ve happened if you believed in yourself. This can be a long term consequence of doubting yourself, because you’re allowing yourself to miss out on things you’ve worked hard to have a chance of getting.

LIMITS ON IMPROVING

In order to improve, personal or career wise, you have to allow yourself to have that time. When you doubt yourself, you’re putting a strain on your personal growth. If you can’t believe that you can do whatever you put your mind to, you’re not going to believe that you can improve. This is also a long term consequence that’ll create a negative impact on your life.

NEGATIVE ENERGY

If there’s one thing every human being can agree on, it’s that we don’t want to be the negative energy in our lives as well as anyone else. When you doubt yourself, you’re bringing negative energy into your life and eventually this expands into the lives of people you’re around. You’ll start to be a ‘Negative Nancy’ and not even notice it. It’ll become the norm for how you act which will lead to some people cutting you off to protect their own energy.

Always remember, ‘I don’t think I can’…’I can,I will, I did.”