While digital tools are great for keeping you organized in your business, sometimes you have to roll up your sleeves and pull out some old school tricks to stay productive.

Sometimes we get stuck in a slump.

When my business was first launched in July of this year, I was focused and ready to implement all of my new ideas. Then I got engaged, gained my first client, and my full time job got busy. Queue the rising stress levels.

Since then, all of my spare time has been spent working on the tasks that involve everything BUT growing my business.

How do I shift my focus? By getting back to my roots!

It’s time to roll up my sleeves and pull out the old school tricks that always get me in the mood to sit down, let the ideas flow, and use my brain for my own business’ sake.

1. Beautiful notebooks

Computers are great for taking notes, but there’s nothing that beats putting a pen to paper.

Writing those notes in beautiful notebooks just makes it that much more fun! Whether it’s a to-do list, ideas for your next content plan, or taking course notes, I find putting my thoughts on paper allows them to flow more freely and sparks my creativity.

My favourite notebooks and planners have always come from Chapters because of their beautiful designs.

2. Pens that don’t suck

You know what makes taking paper notes SO much better? Using a pen that glides, doesn’t smudge, and is a pretty colour!

If you’re like me and colour code all of your lists, you’ll want a variety in your pen inventory. These PaperMate Gel Pens are my go-to right now. Writing with them is so easy as they glide across the page and don’t bleed through the paper.

If you’re in the market for your not-so-average highlighters, check out these Zebra Midliner Double-ended highlighters. The pastel’s are to die for!

3. COFFEE

This is an obvious one.

If I’m tired and can’t focus, coffee is a miracle cure. One of the best feelings is waking up on a quiet morning, grabbing a hot cup of coffee, and sitting down to write.

A good, strong coffee keeps me working non-stop for hours at a time. What’s even better is going to a coffee shop to work, but we’ll talk about that a little later…

4. Music

Just like going to the gym, the right music can determine your productivity levels. The music I listen to when I work determines what and how much I’m going to get done.

You need the right genre for the level of productivity:

Classical = Full on concentration mode for knocking everything off your to-do list

Heavy metal = Implementing and smashing out new ideas

Hip hop = Writing the best words

Disney hits = The happiest, danciest all out work sesh you can ask for

5. A Change of Scenery

I get bored easily.

So when I’m working in my home office with its plain beige walls and small window all day long, I’ll feel like maybe a change of scenery is needed so I can avoid going insane.

I like to mix it up by working in a coffee shop or in my backyard.

The buzzing energy of a coffee shop has the perfect vibe for being productive, and being outside with fresh air is perfect for inspiring new ideas.