Sometimes, it can feel like the odds are really stacked against us.

For example, a few months ago, I was given the opportunity to write for the CF Community Blog. A few days before my deadline, my boyfriend had to make his first 9-1-1 call on my behalf. I spent the following days trying to rest, while anxiously awaiting test results. Not only was I fearful that another 9-1-1 call would have to take place on my behalf, but I was also stewing about the fact that I had work assignments that needed to be finished, schoolwork that was due, and a deadline for this post that I absolutely was going to miss or had missed already.

In moments like this -- when CF life and real-life come together and form the perfect storm -- being motivated and productive can prove to be overwhelmingly difficult.

Although I was in a tough spot medically, I knew that I needed to figure out my deadlines and contact school and work. So, how did I motivate myself to handle this situation productively? As luck would have it, I have learned a few tricks over the past 30-odd years:

1. Find your thing.

I didn't always work full time and I wasn't always in school, so being productively motivated was a challenge when I felt like I had nothing to do except have CF. Although I had to get creative at times, I eventually learned that getting motivated to do just one load of laundry would help me feel productive enough to do something else around the house or -- better yet -- get out of the house completely.

Hellen Keller said, “I long to accomplish a noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.” I don't think there is a quote more suitable. Find your thing. Find what motivates you to be productive; write, make art, exercise, get the mail, volunteer one day a month -- the possibilities are endless.

2. Write it out.

Whether you use your computer, your phone, or an old-school journal, writing out what you have to do -- and when you have to do it -- is vital for staying motivated. We can become so consumed with so many things, that it can be nearly impossible to try and remember everything that needs to get done.

I have a friend who sets reminders on her phone for everything because she is always on the move. Alarms go off to remind her to check her sugar levels, eat, take meds, make phone calls, etc. For me, I write in a journal and I keep lists -- so many lists. No matter what you choose, every minute, every hour, and every day is a chance to start writing stuff down and making a change. It is as easy as starting one list. Write down all the medications you take -- and when -- and then try to stick with a schedule.

They say it takes 30 days to form a habit and 90 days to create a lifestyle. Today is your day!

3. Prioritize.

I have a rule that I only put three things on my to-do list a day, since being too busy can surprisingly un-motivate you and cause you to shut down. Realistic prioritization is key.

Since I work and go to school, I usually have one work item and one school item on my list every day. The third item is sometimes an extracurricular activity, but it is also something that might need to get done -- such as finding a new specialist, spending three hours on the phone with one of my insurance companies, or fighting a medical bill on my credit report.

4. Be happily flexible.

Remember: No matter what, everything is going to be okay. Take responsibility and apologize for what you can control and let go of what you can't. Although I made a commitment to school and to work, all I could do was apologize for missing the deadline and not completing the assignment, and then make up the work when I could.

There is something to be said about taking your commitments seriously, but there is also beauty in realizing that the world is not going to come crashing down if something does not get done. Stay flexible and positive; move around schedules so that they work for you. Worrying only makes you suffer twice.

5. Work with your body.

It took a long time for me to realize that I am not at war with my body, and that being at war with my body meant being at war with my productivity and my motivation. Realizing that my body fights with me every single second of every single day keeps me motivated to give it what it needs (and sometimes, what it wants) in order to stay productive.

When you start working with your body, you can even feel motivated to rest. You can watch Harry Potter movies all day and feel productive knowing that you gave your body exactly what it needed.

6. Find balance in what works for you.

No matter what, your journey is YOUR journey, and it is okay to change that journey every single day until you find what works for you.

This may mean making lists, setting alarms, posting sticky notes, or creating a huge chalkboard wall in your bedroom. It may also mean sleeping for two days and making that not-so-urgent call later, or getting everything you need to get done for the week done in one day. The key is to keep going and to keep moving.

Being productively motivated is individualistic. It really is true that it's okay if the only thing you did today was breathe. But, try and do something else, too. You got this!