Most people’s to-do lists are never-ending. Work to-dos, home to-dos, personal to-dos. . . not to mention many items on a to-do list repeat daily, like dishes, showering, and daily work tasks.
You might have tried some of the basic productivity tips like starting a planner, keeping a to-do list, and prioritizing without much luck.
What can you do when those things don’t work? When you have your to-do list outlined and color-coordinated, but you still can’t get yourself to start or finish tasks, how can you be more productive?
This article will give you 10 unique ways to be productive when you’ve already tried everything else.
1. Break it down into (very) tiny tasks.
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You’ve likely heard the tip of breaking down the task, but how detailed do you go? Oftentimes, we aren’t productive because our goals overwhelm us. To be more productive, break down the task until the step is not overwhelming. You can get very, very detailed with this. For example, if you have to send a difficult email, your tasks might look like: go to the computer, open the laptop, open email, click “compose” to start a new email, write the first sentence. . . on and on, until you finish the task. Is this technique a little silly? If it gets the job done, then not at all.
2. Find an accountability partner online.
You’ve probably heard of accountability buddies, but it doesn’t seem relevant to you because you work at home, don’t know anyone, or don’t trust anyone to really hold you accountable. Fortunately, there are now countless apps, websites, and online communities that will hold you accountable virtually. Apps like FocusMate or FlowClub host virtual accountability groups that you can log into daily. Other times, you can find someone to connect with and become an accountability partners outside of a platform.
3. Make it easy to start.
Let’s say you struggle with keeping up with chores. Dirty laundry is all over your floor, and your dishes are stacked high. One question to consider is: How easy is it to start doing chores? Where is your laundry basket? Do you have a good sponge to do the dishes with? Put a laundry basket somewhere you can see it, so you can easily pick it up and move it into the washing machine. Buy sponges that make doing the dishes easier. Lower the barrier to start the task, because continuing and finishing a task will be easier once you’ve started it.
4. 3-2-1-GO
If you’re having trouble starting a task, follow these steps: First, identify the very first step to the task. This could be as small as opening your laptop or walking to your office. Visualize the task in your mind. Then countdown from 3. The second you hit 1, start moving towards the first task. Walk to your office, open your laptop, begin typing the first sentence of that email. Don’t let yourself hesitate. Get at least the first step done.
5. Make a list of reasons why you want to do the thing.
Internal motivation is harder to come by then external motivation but is much more powerful. If you believe in what you’re doing, you’re more likely to do it. Make a list (on paper or in your head) about why you want to do something. You might be thinking, “But I don’t want to do it. That's the point.” Find a reason to want to do it! For example, the dishes are starting to smell, or you don’t want to deal with an upset boss. It does not have to be a good reason, it just has to make sense for you.
6. Set rewards for yourself.
What are you going to do when you’ve accomplished the task? Make it fun and reward yourself. You can make a token economy sticker chart for more complicated tasks. For example, break down your goal into 10 steps. Every time you accomplish one step, you get a sticker (or a check box or wherever works for you). Every 2 stickers, you get a small prize. When you’ve accomplished the main goal, you get a big goal. Make sure you choose rewards you wouldn’t give yourself otherwise, and don’t cheat by giving yourself a prize before you’ve earned it.
7. Plug any spaces where you are “losing time”.
Many people wake up and reach for their phone. They spend the first 30 minutes of the day scrolling. Not only does this set your brain up to crave social media the rest of the day, it eats up 30 whole minutes. This is a time leak, or a period of time where you’re not doing anything productive or enjoyable. Make changes to your routine and how you set up your living spaces to avoid these time leaks. For example, charge your phone in a different room while you sleep, that way you have to get up to go check it.
8. Build momentum.
A common teaching in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is “Action before Motivation”. Essentially, this means that we need to act before we have the motivation to do something. Getting out of bed gives us the motivation to make breakfast, which gives us the motivation to start the day. If you have a really hard task that you’ve been avoiding or that you know needs to get done, build up to it. Start with smaller tasks, and then allow yourself to flow into the big task.
9. Use the two-minute rule.
The two-minute rule states that if it takes less than 2 minutes to do, do it now. If you’re walking by your laundry room and think to yourself, “Oh, I need to put the laundry in,” do it right then and there. Same for bringing dirty dishes to the kitchen sink, putting away unneeded items, and sending those quick emails. If it can be done in 2 minutes or less, do it now.
10. Take care of yourself.
This tip might be a little basic, but that’s only because it’s so important. If you want to be more productive, then you have to take care of yourself. Sleep 8 hours a night, eat healthy foods, exercise, and get outside the sun. If you’re not doing those four things, then your body won’t have the energy it needs to be productive.
A lot of people struggle with productivity. If you find yourself chronically procrastinating or feel like you can’t live up to your potential because you’re not productive enough, therapy can help. You might be struggling with an underlying mental health disorder like depression, anxiety, or ADHD. Or you might have some cognitive distortions or issues with self-image that need to be worked on before you can truly be productive.
If you’re ready to learn how to boost your productivity and achieve your goals, reach out to Lifebulb. We are ready and excited to help you grow.
