Alyssa Towns

Hey there! My name is Alyssa Towns (Swantkoski). I'm so happy you're here!

I'm a freelance writer based in Denver, CO. I always dreamt of getting paid to be a full-time student, and being a freelance writer is the closest I've gotten to achieving that dream. I love writing and telling stories about productivity, careers, and growth. I run on countless cups of caffeine, always use the Oxford comma, and enjoy purchasing more books than I'll ever have time to read.

Like many writers, I love writing about almost anything. Covering a variety of topics helps keep my work interesting, exciting, and challenging. But I have a few sweet spots and areas that I feel I can write in as a subject matter expert. If you're looking for a productivity writer, you're in the right place. I'm a strong Enneagram 6, and my 9-5 career has always centered around project management, time management, and organization in some capacity. Alongside productivity, I love writing about the career world, whether that's a piece on developing leadership skills, effectively setting goals, or integrating your career into your life in a meaningful way.

I take pride in delivering high-quality content and leaving behind unforgettable stories. Below are just a handful of clips that I hope you enjoy! Be sure to check out my additional brand-specific portfolio pages for more reads.

6 Ways To Wrap Up at Work Before the Holidays (and Set Yourself Up for a Successful New Year)

The holidays are right around the corner. I know, we’re excited too! You’re probably counting down the days until your holiday break and can’t wait to enjoy festivities with your friends, quality time with your loved ones, rejuvenation for the new year—or a combination of the three.

Try This Instead: 10 Ways to Be More Confident at Work

We’ve all been there: Maybe you’ve been asked to take charge of party planning for your coworker’s birthdays or go on a coffee run (even if you said goodbye to the “intern” title years ago). Or perhaps one of your colleagues keeps talking over you in meetings (been there, done that!). You know you should be strong and confident, but maybe you aren’t sure where to start when it comes to empowerment in your career.

Work Smarter Not Harder: 13 Ways to be More Productive

Do you ever have one of those moments where you’re impressed by how much you accomplished in a short time? Have you thought about ways to be more productive so you can work smarter, not harder?

BABES WHO HUSTLE

Choosing Career Trajectories Based on Growth

I’ve worked in corporate America throughout my entire career. Over time, I’ve learned that projected growth for me often comes with a pre-defined corporate ladder and in landing management positions.

How the Pandemic Has Impacted First-Time Homebuyers

Here's what it feels like to buy your first home during a pandemic.

Passion Planner

How to Maximize Your Time with the Pomodoro Technique

As goal-getters, big dreamers, and visionaries, it seems like we could all use just a little bit more time in our day. In a world full of commitments, busy schedules, sprinkled with distractions and interruptions, maximizing one's time is no easy feat. Fortunately, we can savor and take advantage of as many of those precious minutes as possible with Passion Planner and an effective time management strategy such as the Pomodoro Technique.

BABES WHO HUSTLE

Self Care Tips to Combat Seasonal Affective Disorder

With 2020 behind us and a new year filled with new goals and optimism in full swing, the reality of winter and its short days, paired with the bitter cold, is sinking in. And for millions of Americans—particularly more women more than men—winter brings with it a dose of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This winter, I'm switching up my self-care rituals to combat the symptoms of SAD I often experience. The following are areas I'm focusing on and adjusting—might I suggest you do the same?

How to Set SMART Goals and Crush Them

Want to set goals that you'll actually achieve? Then you need to set SMART goals!

10 Fun Brands To Shop For A Motivating And Positive Workspace

Your planner cover reads, “You got this!” You open up your bright-colored notebooks and bust out your favorite pens. You’re surrounded by inspirational words of wisdom that light your heart on fire!

7 Books To Read When You Want To Get Your Motivation Back

When I’m searching for motivation and need a quick reset, I reach for a self-help or inspirational book. Here are seven books to read to help you get your motivation back.

How To Build A New Routine When Your Lifestyle Unexpectedly Changes

But what happens when you’ve worked hard to create a routine that worked for you, only to experience a lifestyle change that throws your routine off its tracks?

How Michelle Poler is Keeping Me Optimistic

In this historic period of uncertainty, daily disruption, anxiety, and chaos, I remind myself that I can face the unknown bravely. I’ve learned from Michelle’s work that I can deal with the unknown, embrace change, and redefine fears surrounding the novel coronavirus as obstacles that can become opportunities.

How Sudden Loss and Grief Helped Me Build Resilience

Before this time in my life, I had always strived to be in control of as much as possible. But when I found myself crying hysterically on the couch in my grief counselor’s office as I began to work through my feelings, I realized that change is inevitable. It wouldn’t be a matter of if something unexpected happens again, but when. Even though I felt like I had grappled with being in control up until this point, I learned to accept that life is unexpected, and I won’t always have control over what happens.

5 Tips for Navigating Coworking During the Coronavirus Pandemic

We're working from home together in a 700+ square feet apartment. Here are our five best tips for navigating how to share a coworking space for an extended period.

Experiencing Sudden Loss Taught Me to Prioritize Myself

Two episodes of grief gave me the well-being wake-up call I desperately needed.