Productivity
noun
the state or quality of producing something
the effectiveness of productive effort, especially in industry, as measured in terms of the rate of output per unit of input.
We all always have a laundry list of things to do and get done. Personally and professionally, there are tasks to complete and it can be a challenge to complete them in a timely manner, and easy to push them off and delay action.
Delayed action
The longer we delay action, the more stress it adds to our subconscious and conscious minds. We all feel those "I'll get to it eventually" tasks lingering in the back of our minds. Maybe it's vacuuming the bedrooms or completing a tedious task - whatever it is, think of some examples present now. Ask yourself why you're delaying the action to complete the task. 9/10 it is truly out of laziness. Oftentimes, it takes less brain power and energy to do and complete the task the first time you think about it rather than carrying it energetically with you as you postpone the action. Think of when there are emails you procrastinate responding to, and the weight they put on your shoulders as you constantly remember you need to send them, then once you finally do it you feel the weight lifted off and feel that sigh of relief. Imagine if you had that sense of relief days ago, right when it was brought up.
Stop delaying the actions.
TAKE action and feel constant progress forward.
Set yourself up for success
It can be challenging to be productive. It can be hard to put you and your priorities first and stay on track to achieve your goals - no matter how big or small. This is where discipline and preparedness come into play. Without taking the initiative to organize your life to support you in achieving your goals, there is no way you can successfully stay on track and achieve your desired actions in a timely manner.
Here are steps to take to organize your goals to be productive and achieve:
Each week
Look at your personal and work calendars for what needs to be accomplished by week's end. If you don't have this, create this.
Put time blocks on your calendar as placeholders to do tasks for the amount of time it should take to complete. For example, if you have a doctor's appointment or a workout class, block off the time you'll spend getting ready, driving, and actually being there.
Look at your calendar and on paper or your "to-do list app of choice like Asana - create a daily to-do list including everything on your calendar.
Oftentimes, while doing this you'll think of more "little" things that contribute to all the "big" things that need to get done - include those too.
Now that you have your to-do lists for each day and have each day calendared, see where you can add in a few (3-5) breaks for mental and physical rest + recovery. For me, this includes 1 long (30 min.) break for a walk outside, 2 (10 min.) workout breaks, 1 (10 min.) phone scrolling break, and 1 (15-20 min.) lunch break. Add these breaks into your calendar - this allows your mind to see you will have time to rest and do things you enjoy and will give you a full break from working.
Each day
In the morning
Look at your calendar for the day and on a piece of paper (I use a small work only notebook/journal) write down three personal things you want to achieve that day (workout, finish a book, attend an event, cook dinner with your partner, etc.) and three professional things you want to achieve that day (complete a presentation, send X# sales emails, connect with a new business prospect, etc.).
Stretch while listening to a meditation/prayer/calming music
Go for a walk
In the afternoon
Set timers during the work day to take short (5-15min) breaks every hour or hour and a half.
Do something active or scroll a social channel that INSPIRES you
Eat a meal that will fuel you. My favorite as been a smoothie protein bowl.
In the evening
Workout - lift weights, sweat, get your heart rate UP!
Take care of your skin - dry brush, moisturize, wear the comfy PJs
Make a nutritious cozy dinner while listening to a book or podcast. My favorite has been roasted sweet potatoes and carrots with ground beef or white fish.
Read something educational
Plan your next day
Review and revise your morning's to do list
Two things really helped me during times of feeling stuck:
Timers + Time Batching
I would calendar my days as my to-do list and set timers on my phone for those timeframes. I would flip my phone over until the timer went off to stay focused and on track.
I’d set timers to clean - clean as much as you can in that allotted time and I ended up finishing more past the alarm to see completion.
The amount of confidence you gain from accomplishing tasks and daily to-dos is INCREDIBLE.
Inspiration
I needed something outside of myself to inspire me to keep going - a reminder that there is more for me than the present moment.
Pinterest - scrolling Pinterest was a great reminder of what I want my life to look like, and to get that I need to work for it. As a visual person, seeing inspirational and motivational mages every time I saw my homescreen was a great concious and subcionsious reminder of my goals and my why. Many vision boards were created and set on my computer and phone.
Be honest with yourself - unless you create a plan to tackle your goals, you will never achieve them. If you're not planning ahead, setting non-negotiables, and holding yourself accountable - you will stay stagnant and eventually be disappointed in yourself. That is no way to live this big beautiful life. So GO FOR IT, support yourself and your goals FULLY. Do what you need to do to be your best self and live your best life.
Comments