In today's fast paced world, a little structure can go a long way - as the saying goes work smarter not harder in order to live not only a productive life but a well balanced one too. 

We asked four (very) driven women on the habits they’ve created to make their lives run like a well oiled machine. 

Melissa Mason, Digital Editor Marie Claire & ELLE 

“I decided in 2021 I would build a capsule work wardrobe, and stick to it. I found myself spending a lot of stressed-out time each morning pulling an outfit together that was both comfortable and work-appropriate, but now I have around six outfits using the same pieces (white tee, black pants, shift dress etc) that I just rotate. It’s made my morning so smooth, but it’s also meant I feel confident and comfortable at work, which helps me focus on tasks at hand and means I can walk into everything from an internal meeting to a work event and feel pulled together.I’ve also committed to wearing a slick bun most days and that cut down my morning even further (and bonus, it’s been super weather-proof during a very humid summer).”

Karen Walker, Fashion Designer

“I like to wake up at 5:30am so I can have half an hour to an hour with the house to myself. I use that time for my meditation and, on a disciplined day, some journaling and yoga; on a not so disciplined day it’s just sitting at the kitchen bench having a cup of tea and watching the sky lighten. During that time I don’t look at emails or listen to the news or let any other external elements into the day.”

Olivia Moon, Creative Director & Founder of Nodi Rugs

“I calendar block all my time and have running TO-DO lists for both professional and personal which don’t come off the list until they’re complete. I do a weekly supermarket shop online at the start of the week to ensure we have what we need, then a mid week top-up. At the end of each day I go through and clear my inbox and flag anything that I haven't managed to get to or that's non urgent. When I’m juicing I prep and cut all the produce for a few days so I can quickly put it through the cold press juicer without the admin of chopping.”

Laura Mohi, Owner & Lead Pilates Instructor of Wild Pilates

"My top habit that contributes to an organised life is prioritising things that make feel good and for me that is moving my body. I schedule in my workouts for the week ahead, plan them out and put time aside in my diary/calendar to complete them."

"To contribute to an organised life, each week alongside my business to do lists I also write a personal list. This contains simple goals to remind myself to be the best version of myself. For example this weeks reminders are: drink 2 L of water per day, journal everyday, set an alarm for an ideal bedtime." 

"To help contribute to an organised life and be as productive as I can.  When I sit down to do work I write a to-do list and number them, 1 being most important. I make sure I complete the top 1-3 most important tasks."

Feeling inspired? Start with a brand new notebook to write those to-do lists & more.