When August arrives, an overarching theme absorbs itself into my life: PREPARE AND CONQUER. If summer is a time for trance-like self-exploration and deep reflection, fall is when I GRIND to make sure my summer daydreams become a reality. By early August, I’m figuring out what I can do to keep myself productive (school-wise) yet fulfilled throughout the semester. That means spending hours upon HOURS looking for good flight deals, searching inexpensive day trips, and perfecting a flexible school schedule. Basically, I take precautionary steps to help make sure I don’t lose myself in exams and eight-page papers.

Nothing puts me in a productive mood like soulection-esque beats that incorporate subtle samples, hard drops, and airy synths that transport me to another world. I like to be in the zone with zero distractions while I’m planning, so I tend to stay away from anything with too many words. My perfect productive song makes me bop my head and feel like I’m floating through a pink cloud. Here are my favorite songs to listen to while I scheme up ways to accomplish my goals:

Illustrations by Ramisha Sattar.

Illustrations by Ramisha Sattar.