Imagine, which I know a lot of you can, juggling ten balls at once: you’re not just the instructional designer; you’re also the graphic designer, eLearning developer, project manager, business owner, consultant, HR rep, and sometimes even the IT helpdesk. This multifaceted role is exhilarating but can also be overwhelming without the right strategies. Here’s a glimpse into a typical day in my world as an instructional designer—and how I’ve learned to balance it all.
The Morning Hustle: Starting with Clarity
I kick off my day early, 4:30 am for a 5 am OrangeTheory Fitness class. Getting in my morning exercise is a non-negotiable, or it honestly doesn’t happen. I then whip up some breakfast, change into warmer clothes (in the winter) or shower, depending on my day, and head out with Luna, our black lab mix for her morning walk, 2-3 mils.
Then, I roll into my office and jump into my carefully planned schedule. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that time leakage—those unproductive gaps—can derail even the best-laid plans. My mornings start with reviewing my tasks in Monday.com, prioritizing the three main things that need to happen, which I learned from Sandra Yancey:
- Priorities that make my business move forward.
- Priorities that make the cash register ring.
- Priorities that have a looming deadline.
Often these are client meetings, project management, customer relationship nurturing, course and content design and development.
Lesson Learned: The Take Back Your Life method is what helps me manage my time. I follow the scheduling method for blocking time in my cloanedar to actually get the important things done. Then, I also block my calendar for two 30 minute blocks where I process my email. This keeps me getting stuck in my email for a ridiculous amount of time, and instead keeps me focused and ensures I make consistent progress.
Balancing Creativity and Deadlines
Designing engaging courses is at the heart of what I do, but it’s not all creative bliss. Deadlines loom large, and when you’re the sole idea generator, it can feel isolating. Without a big team to brainstorm with, I’ve developed a habit of mind-mapping ideas during my morning walks. It’s amazing how stepping away from the screen can spark fresh ideas. I will even record voice memos on my phone as I have ideas.
Lesson Learned: Don’t wait for inspiration. I go to community.articulate.com and Canva to look for both interactive and visual brainstorming. Ideas.
Wearing All the Hats
As a solopreneur, I’m also the project manager and tech troubleshooter. Coordinating with clients, managing timelines, and troubleshooting technical hiccups can consume hours. To streamline, I rely on tools like Monday.com, Slack, and Teams to manage those sorts of tasks.
Lesson Learned: Automate what you can. Whether it’s using pre-designed templates or scheduling social posts, automation creates capacity for the tasks that only I can do.
Engaging Learners in a Scalable Way
The ultimate goal is learner engagement. Designing content that sticks requires interactive elements, relatable scenarios, and practical applications. Recently, I transformed a dense, 89-page guide into a dynamic eLearning module with action-based learning. It was a game-changer for the client, but getting there took careful planning and iteration.
Lesson Learned: Build with the learner in mind. Scenarios and simulations aren’t just buzzwords—they’re essential tools for engagement and retention. And yes, they’re worth the effort.
Midday Slump and Recharging
About 2 pm, I hit a mental wall and Luna starts to get a little spicy. Her napping ceases and she is ready for another walk. Instead of pushing through, I’ve learned to honor my energy cycles. A short break for a quick walk helps me reset, ensuring I can tackle the rest of the day with renewed focus.
Lesson Learned: Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Protecting your energy is key to sustaining creativity and productivity.
Client Communication: Setting Boundaries
The afternoon is often spent on client calls, project updates, checking my email during my afternoon blocked time, and finalizing any additional design or delivery work. Clear communication and setting realistic expectations are critical. Over-committing only leads to burnout and compromised quality.
Lesson Learned: Boundaries breed trust. When clients see that I deliver on promises, they respect my process.
Evening Wrap-Up: Reflection and Planning
As the day winds down, I review what went well and what needs adjustment. I also prepare for tomorrow by outlining top priorities, ensuring I hit the ground running.
Lesson Learned: Reflection drives growth. Taking a few minutes to assess wins and roadblocks keeps me aligned with my goals.
Final Thoughts: Thriving in the Trenches
Being an instructional designer is about more than creating courses—it’s about solving problems, inspiring learners, and wearing many hats with grace. While the challenges are real, so are the rewards. By embracing systems, staying intentional, and giving myself grace, I’ve learned to thrive amidst the chaos.
What’s your biggest challenge in balancing creativity with deadlines? Let’s share tips in the comments below!