5 Things I Do to Stay on Top of My Game (Without Losing My Sanity)

Some people think being “on top of things” means having a rigid, color-coded schedule where every second is accounted for. Not me. My system is a mix of planning, adapting, and knowing when to throw my hands up and take a Netflix break. Oh, and a little bit of chaos—because why not?

Here’s my not-so-secret, slightly disruptive recipe for keeping life together while still enjoying the ride:

1. Plan Like a Pro (But Make It Fun)

I’m always planning ahead—my life unfolds in my notebooks, and yes, I have more than one. There’s a work notebook, a personal to-do list notebook, and a separate journal for deeper thoughts. Some pages are filled with scribbles, others with structured notes, calendars, or even makeshift planners to help me visualize my week or month. And of course, I have a case full of colorful markers and pens because planning should never be boring. If making lists were an art, I’d be Picasso.

2. Manifest Like It’s My Full-Time Job

Journaling isn’t just about venting—it’s about building. I keep a mind map of my life that I’m constantly updating. It’s my “What’s Important to Hasma Right Now?” map. What brings me joy? Where do I want my focus to be? What are the backup plans? This keeps me aligned with the life I want and helps me course-correct when things feel off-track. It’s a roadmap to my best self. But here’s the real kicker—I sometimes write as if I’m already living the life I want, as if I’ve hacked reality itself. It’s a little rebellious, and it works.

3. Prioritize Like a Badass (or a Rebel CEO of My Own Life)

Still mastering this one, but let me tell you—knowing the difference between “urgent” and “important” is a game-changer. Urgent doesn’t always mean important, and something that isn’t urgent today might become a big deal tomorrow. Learning to navigate these shifting priorities is an art, and I tweak mine throughout the day. Being flexible yet focused? That’s the real magic. Also, if something isn’t truly urgent or important, sometimes I just… don’t do it. A little controlled chaos is part of the fun.

4. Find Time to Breathe (and Break the Rules)

Sometimes life gets overwhelming. My solution? I stop. I go to the couch, put on Netflix, and let myself unwind without guilt. Or I step outside for a walk, breathe in the fresh air, listen to birds, and feel the textures of leaves and rocks like some kind of poetic forest elf. But here’s where I go rogue—I might take an entire evening off in the middle of the week for no reason. Because who said self-care is only for Sundays?

5. Listen to My Body, Listen to My Mind (and Flip the Script)

I’ve learned that my energy isn’t the same every day, and that’s okay. My productivity ebbs and flows, especially throughout my cycle. Mornings? I’m a powerhouse. Nights? My brain turns to mashed potatoes. Knowing this, I organize my day accordingly—big tasks in the morning, mindless activities at night. But every now and then, I’ll flip the script and challenge my own routine—just to shake things up and keep life interesting.

The Bottom Line? Life isn’t about being perfectly organized or constantly productive. It’s about finding a system that works for you, adapting as you go, and remembering that sometimes the best thing you can do is step back and breathe. And if things fall apart? Laugh, pivot, and create a new plan.

So tell me—what’s your secret to staying on top of things? Drop it in the comments, because I’m always up for new tricks!