My Daily Work Tips + Favorite Work Bags

work bags to love

My Daily Work Tips + My Favorite Work Bags

Ah, the life of the entrepreneur. Though it’s been my reality for nearly 7 years, entrepreneurship is now something we can all relate to a little more these days. During the pandemic, more than 4.4 million new businesses were created in the U.S. during 2020, which is the highest total on record, according to the Census Bureau. Major losses opened doors for new opportunities–new products, better prices, virtual solutions. I’ve offered my ongoing business tips for as long as I’ve been in the entrepreneurship game. I’m back again for few more work productivity tips and my favorite work bags to get me through my work days. This list of work tips stands for anyone, whether you’re in the office or working for yourself.

Identify Your Top 3 Targets For the Day

Running a business by yourself or tackling tasks for your boss leads to a neverending to-do list. Like, literally, we always have more to do no matter the day, the week, or the year. It’s overwhelming whatever your profession is.  This overwhelm leads to anxiety, procrastination, and a cluttered mind. One of the simplest work tips I use to avoid this blockage is to identify my top three work priorities for the day. I may have 10 items on my full to-do list, but I circle three of them the day before or in the morning. These are three goals I KNOW I can accomplish that day. Alternately, they may be goals I MUST achieve during the workday. Your mind can more clearly focus with just a few major goals rather than a bunch. You’ll waste less time and accomplish more long-term goals.

Use The Right Work Bags

If you’re on the go like me, your bags matter, ladies. Knowing where our things are and ensuring they are protected is vital. They should be made from high-quality materials so you aren’t worrying about them while you’re getting shit done. Your work bags should also have organization features to keep things flowing for you throughout the day. I have two work bags that I love. They are both from Italic and I get complimented all the time. We’ll start with the nylon and leather backpack. It is sleek, but can carry everything including a laptop, water bottle, an extra pair of shoes, makeup, and whatever else weird things I need clsoe by. It’s kind of amazing what I can fit inside! Everything has its rightful place, too! Even though the backpack has it all, I still like to have a more typical “purse” so I can leave my backpack at my desk or in my trunk for a lunch or dinner meeting. That’s there the sturdy leather bucket bag comes in. What makes this leather work bag so perfect for my work day is the flat bottom. I can set it down anywhere and it stays just the way it is, just like my stuff inside. There’s an extra pouch inside for lipglosses, passports, and more. I feel more polished and nothing is ever lost.

work bag and work backpack for laptop

Put Your Phone Away For Focused Work Times

I work on social media. It is my job to be on it for my clients at Sweet Talk Strategy and for my blog here. It’s also the worst time suck! In fact, studies have shown that the average smartphone user unlocks their phone 150 times a day — that’s once every 10 minutesIt leads to unproductive scrolling that fills my mind with new ideas that prevent me from focusing. My biggest tip is to put it away during times when I need to focus on a project. Put it in your bag, place it in another room, or slip it under a notebook. Set a timer for extra credit! Having a stop time helps you see the light at the end of the tunnel.

work habits and work bags

Focus On The Result, Not The Journey

Sometimes we can’t get started on a project because the work itself seems daunting. Sometimes a little trick of the mind can help. Instead of focusing on making the spreadsheet or planning the meeting, focus on the WHY. As you start to slow down, get discouraged, or become distracted, remind yourself of the goal. Keep your purpose top of mind: grow your business, increase your income, or get that promotion. Practice this mental shifting with your long-term goal in mind.

More Productivity Tips and Career Inspiration

 

work bags and backpacks

Where I Buy My High-Quality Work Bags for Less

I can’t tell you how many times I get stopped and asked about this Phoebe Bucket Bag from Italic. The business works directly with independent manufacturers who are often the same ones behind your favorite brands.  You get a high-end product 50-80% less than you’d pay for it if it had a big logo on it. At the same time, the manufacturers earn what their products are actually worth, rather than a tiny percentage. I’m moving on to look at bedding and yoga gear next! The big news is that now you don’t have to be a member to shop at Italic–it’s open to all! You can join “Italic Bold” program for $60 and save in even bigger ways.

*This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

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