Everyone is looking for tips on how to be productive. Maybe because productive days make you happy and excited or because in this age and time, focusing on a job is more difficult than doing the job itself.
Over time I have come to realize that productivity is more than ticking off boxes on your to do list or taking coffee and energy drinks to stay alert. Productivity is also not just about doing so many things because you could in fact be doing less and be more productive. What really matters is efficiency.
This year, I have decided that I will be more productive but I also know that there will be times when all I want to do is stay in bed all day watching Netflix or reading a good book. Days like this are inevitable but we cannot have that kind of luxury all the time, can we? So here are my top tips on how to be productive, even on lazy days!
How to be productive, even on lazy days
Start already
I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but there’s this tiny part of us that hates work and always encourages us to do the “fun stuff” and postpone the seemingly stressful ones. This is because the thought of doing work actually causes pain. Yes, you read that right PAIN. I know it’s crazy but the good news is that research shows that once you’re able to start that task, the pain that comes with the thought of doing it goes away! So start already!
Be realistic
Don’t write on your to-do list things that you know deep in your heart you cannot achieve with the resources you have at the moment. I’m not saying it is wrong to dream big, but saying you are going to jog for two hours when on a normal day, you burn out in 10 minutes is just wrong. At the end of the day you’ll just get disappointed and frustrated.
Stop over thinking
This is something I used to struggle with. I would spend my time thinking and worrying about how much work I had to do and then end up doing nothing. It’s always better to focus on one thing, finish it and then move to the next rather than thinking of the next 1000 things you’ll have to do. This way you’ll achieve more and have peace of mind.
Stay away from possible distractions
If you really want to do something and do it well, then you probably should avoid all forms of distractions. Put your phone away when you want to work except when you need it, turn off your data when you’re not using it. When necessary, delete apps that distract you temporarily (especially when you’re working with deadlines).
Reward yourself
I always try to reward myself with movies, books or food on my productive days. This motivates me to work even when I don’t feel like it.
Your reward can be anything as long as it is something you enjoy!
Don’t be too hard on yourself
Like I said earlier some days will come when you will not find the motivation to do anything and that’s fine because you’re human. Don’t be too hard on yourself; have self compassion.
Forgive yourself for your mistakes, take out time to rest so you don’t burn out, treat yourself well because excessive self criticism will only lead to sadness and anxiety.
If this post helped you, share with your friends and family so they can also benefit from these tips on how to be productive.
Get Inspired
If you’re a creative, you might just need something or someone to inspire you to be more productive. It could be checking a fellow creative’s work or just listening to music or taking a walk. Read this for a more in-depth article on how to spur creativity.
