Feeling Behind? Me Too, Let’s Fix That 💛

Hi Fellow Designer, 👋

As promised in the last issue, today’s edition is about something most of us silently struggle with managing time and creative energy.

But before we dive into the resources, I want to remind you of something I’ve learned the hard way:

Life isn’t just about the work you do; it’s about how you live the moments in between. We get so caught up in chasing deadlines and to-do lists that we forget to pause, breathe, and realign.

Sometimes, mood swings turn into laziness that becomes a distraction.

Distraction turns into not working, which leads to anxiety.

And before you know it, you’re out of sync with everything that matters.

Here’s the truth:

Rushing won’t get you there faster.

What will?

Focus. Consistency. Building real value in the work you do and the relationships you nurture.

Because yes, the money will follow, but only if your energy is in the right place.

The process takes time, and your job is to keep showing up for it, even when things feel off.

So this week, I’ve pulled together a handful of tools, reads, and videos to help you:

✅ Reclaim your focus.
✅ Work with intention.
✅ Feel energized instead of drained.

Let’s get into it. 👇

💡 Your Weekly Design Picks

Here’s your collection of curated links for the week:

📑 Top 5 Reads for the Week

• The Productivity Secret Hiding in Plain Sight (8-Part Series)
  A powerful deep dive into how small actions, done consistently, shape productivity over time.

• Design Project Management 101 – Methods, Tools, and Necessary Skills
  Learn the essentials of managing design projects effectively—tools, workflows, and mindset.

• How to Create a Successful Website Project Management Plan
  A step-by-step guide to plan, track, and execute successful website projects using Notion.

• Value Proposition in Product Design (UI/UX)
  Understand how strong value propositions elevate user experience and product success.

• File Management and Design Handoff on Figma
  Tips for organizing Figma files and ensuring smooth developer handoffs.

▶️ Top 3 Watch for the Week

• How to Find Time for Everything with a Full-Time Job (21 mins)
  A practical video on managing your time, energy, and priorities outside a 9–5.

• 4 Levels of UI/UX Design (and BIG Mistakes to Avoid) (15 mins)
  Learn the levels of design maturity and common traps to avoid at each stage.

• Organize Your Figma File Like a PRO (8 mins)
  Quick, effective tips for structuring your Figma files to save time and stay clean.

🤩 Portfolio to Inspire

• Amador Campos 
  A unique blend of engineering and design thinking with slick visual execution.

• Roman Tesliuk
  A clean, confident portfolio from a product designer focused on user-first experiences.

🤑 Freelancing $$$

• How to Get Whatever You Want • Jim Rohn (5 mins)
  Timeless wisdom on success, mindset, and action from one of the greats.

• The Secret to Building a Personal Brand (6 mins)
  Why narrowing your market and simplifying your message helps you stand out and grow faster.

⚒️ Top Tools & Resources to Try for the Week

• Octopus.do
  Plan and visualize your site architecture in real time with this powerful sitemap builder.

• Linear
  A beautifully crafted project management tool for fast-moving teams and designers who like things clean.

If something resonates or if you have any suggestions, please let me know by reaching out at [email protected].

Or if you just want to say hi—I’d love to hear from you. 🙂

Thanks for being part of this from the beginning. I hope this becomes your favorite email of the week.

Happy Designing,
Murtuza Banani