[Peek Inside] See How A Busy Blogger and Grad Student Uses the Ink+Volt Planner

Tell us who you are and what you do.

I’m Maria! I’m a graduate student studying Higher Education Administration. I work as a graduate assistant, and I run a thrifting and lifestyle blog called Maria Munroe Blog as a hobby.

How do you plan productive days in your Ink+Volt Planner?

I try to plan my day as early as possible. I start by revisiting what my goals are for the week. With those in mind I list three tasks, one for each section of the day that’s in my planner: morning, afternoon and night. I designate those three tasks as my top priorities, and whatever else is listed I work on only after the top priority for that time of day is done. Having the day segmented keeps me from procrastinating, and limiting myself to three main priorities keeps me from taking on too much.

What has been the proudest moment of your career?

I can’t really choose a single moment that is my proudest. I’ve been fortunate enough to be a mentor or adviser to so many incredible students. Seeing a student grow from an uncertain, sometimes uninterested freshman to a confident and involved leader on campus is always a proud moment for me.

What makes you feel confident or successful?

Any Beyoncé song makes me feel confident, but the “Flawless” remix especially makes me feel like I can do anything.

What career advice would you give to your younger self?

Be flexible. Most things won’t go as planned, but that doesn’t mean you won’t reach your goal.

What’s one of your favorite techniques for getting things done?

I’ve learned that in order to get myself to get work done, it helps to designate a space that is solely for work. For me, that’s a cafe near my apartment, but it could be a room in your home, or even a desk in your room, so long as it’s a space you only go to for work. Being in a physical space that I associate with productivity and working puts me in that productive head space. I get so much more done in an hour at that cafe than I do in three hours trying to work from home.

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice I’ve ever gotten is to take remember to take care of myself. You do your best work when you’re at your best.