These tips from Sharon Onyinyechi would improve your productivity.
Managing time across multiple projects is challenging. I focus on my 9-to-5 job 90% of the time and dedicate the rest to passion projects like Coachli, mentorships, and YouTube content.
Apart from her 9-to-5 job as a Senior Product Designer at HubSpot, Sharon Onyinyechi Abraham owns a tech company called Coachli and mentors at a Design Academy. She also runs a popular YouTube channel with around 60,000 subscribers. Balancing these responsibilities is no small feat. So, how does Sharon manage to keep up with everything on her plate?
We caught up with Sharon to share some of the tips and hacks that have helped her stay productive in her diverse roles. These simple yet effective productivity boosters can help you stay inspired and on top of your tasks.
Can We Meet You?
My name is Sharon Onyinyechi Abraham, commonly known as Sharon. I’m a Senior Product Designer at HubSpot, where I focus most of my energy. In my spare time, I work at my tech company, Coachli, and am passionate about mentoring aspiring product designers. I also have a YouTube channel with over 60,000 subscribers where I discuss design and career topics. Additionally, I mentor for the Mental Design Academy, a fantastic design boot camp for those starting a career in Product Design. I work in London but used to live in Berlin.
What Does Your Typical Workday Look Like?
I primarily work from home, though I do have occasional work trips to our main office in Dublin, which I enjoy. My day usually starts with devotion and prayer with my husband. Sometimes I hit the gym in the morning, though I alternate this with evening workouts.
Do You Have Any Morning Routine That Sets the Tone for a Productive Day?
I begin my day by creating a to-do list. This helps me outline what needs to be done, check in with my team, and ensure that I’ve left everything from the previous day in good shape. Reviewing my calendar is also essential; my to-do list is based on my tasks and meetings for the day.
Which Tools or Software Are Indispensable to Your Workflow?
To be honest, my most trusted tool is pen and paper. I’m always jotting down notes on sticky notes or other physical media, which helps me stay focused. For design work, I love sketching and drawing, which helps me concentrate on the task at hand. For communication, I use Slack, and I rely heavily on Notion for organization when I can’t write things down. Google Calendar is crucial—if it’s not on my calendar, it doesn’t exist. I also use Figma and Adobe Illustrator regularly. To relax, I enjoy watching TikToks.
How Do You Manage Your Time When Working on Multiple Projects?
Managing time across multiple projects is challenging. I focus on my 9-to-5 job 90% of the time and dedicate the rest to passion projects like Coachli, mentorships, and YouTube content. I find it easier to focus on one theme per day rather than switching between tasks. Time blocking is crucial for me; I schedule everything in my calendar. Despite my tendency to stay up late, I aim to wake up by 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. I set clear expectations and communicate openly if I need help.
Can You Share a Few Productivity Hacks with Us?
1. Pen and Paper: Write things down. If you don’t write it, it doesn’t exist. After writing it down, put it in your calendar.
2. Routine: Having a routine or schedule helps set the tone for a productive day, though it’s something I’m working on improving.
3. Physical Activity: Find an activity you enjoy, like dancing, walking, or lifting weights. Personally, I love weightlifting as it helps clear my mind and boosts productivity.
Productivity can be challenging, and it may seem like some people are naturally more productive. However, with the right mindset and habits, anyone can improve their productivity. Start your journey with these hacks shared by Sharon.
If you’d like to connect with Sharon or see more of her work, check out her LinkedIn and Instagram
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