The most talented and successful people I know are the ones who can handle everything on their plates while still somehow being able to take on more, have interests, and stay sane. Whether it’s the people who have a full work day ahead but still find the energy to go to the gym in the early hours of the morning (gross), or the people who seem to hold executive positions in every organization they join (how?), these individuals define what it means to be a “multi-tasker.”
(Photo via @mar.elekes)
I talked a few weeks ago about pushing through the last semester of senior year, but no matter what year you are, everyone has been submerged in schoolwork without enough time to stay motivated with what you love to do. For me, I am obsessed with the fashion industry, and the aspects of what it takes to maintain a brand. At times I struggle to keep myself creatively stimulated, as I feel I do not have enough time to push myself to be even better at what I love.
While it may seem hard, never make yourself believe that you won’t be able to handle it. Don’t let yourself think that taking more classes, joining multiple clubs, or generally satiating your curiosities will hold you back. All of these things are aimed at growing as a person and, no matter how busy you are, there is always time for you!
Here are a couple of ways that I’ve beat the system, and have maintained my place as an intern, student, creative, and generally sane individual during a rough semester.
Keep inspirational websites bookmarked on your home screen.
To keep up with all of the current looks, runway styles, and industry changes, I keep important websites bookmarked on my homepage so that a good read is just a click away. For example, here are a couple of pages I have bookmarked and why:
-Favorite Fashion Shows- I have the Loewe Spring/Summer 2017, and Fall/Winter 2017 WhoWhatWear show bookmarked because some of the looks I saw seemed like outfit gold. When I’m thrifting or thinking of outfits to wear, I go back to these shows for ideas.
-My CollegeFashionista Profile- I keep this up here so I can look at past articles and have easy access to link it somewhere.
–Vogue Runway App- Easy access to what seems like an unlimited archive of fashion shows is right in this app. During Fashion Month this year, I was on the edge of my seat to see all of the new looks being posted immediately after the shows. It was exciting to still feel like I’m a part of everything even though I’m sitting in classrooms at school.
–The Man Repeller– This website quickly became one of my favorites over the summer when I started seeing Leandra Medine’s colorful looks on my Pinterest feed. The Man Repeller blog incorporates humor with fashion, which is a combination that I’m all about.
Follow a variety of fashion influencers/Instagram accounts. To stay inspired, you have to have constant content in front of you. If your calling is photography, follow some dedicated photographers who travel the world to find new shots and risks to take. If you’re into fashion, follow accounts of people who show daily looks so that you get a lot out of following them. Tumblrs are great for this too, since no one is as concerned about posting frequently. The more and account posts, the better!
Bookmark, bookmark, bookmark. If you’re an Instagram-obsessed freak like I am, then you’ve been utilizing the amazing feature that Instagram has recently added. I bookmark whatever and whenever I feel something sticks out to me. It will then inspire me for future outfits, articles, photoshoots, and more.
Maintain specific Pinterest Boards. This is the same idea as bookmarking things on Instagram, but it’s helpful to take posts that you’ve bookmarked and pin them to specific boards on your Pinterest accounts. Whenever I need inspiration, I can reference any crazy specific board on my account, from “Dresses Over Pants” to “French Vibes.” I keep all of the top pins in there, so I don’t have any problems finding them when I have a vision for an upcoming article or project.
(Photo via @daniellesmodernlife)
Keep up with past co-workers. I know school can make you extremely busy, but the quick texts sent back and forth with co-interns and former co-workers can really make a difference. If you need help writing your resume or LinkedIn profile, a co-worker will be the best person to turn to. Keep up your friendships because you never know when they can help you (or you can help them!)
Don’t be afraid to read new articles. When you’re out there looking for new ideas, start by opening any article that may not be in your area of expertise. We live in a very unique time when there is so much information out there that is instantly accessible. Give yourself some time to understand the fashion industry more than you may have before. Watch a documentary on Netflix, read commentary on the latest shows, and see what companies are on the rise. There is so much to explore to keep you intellectually stimulated on the internet, you just have to be the one to find it.
(Photo via @thatchiclex)
How are you staying ahead of the game this semester? Let us know in the comments below!
