Although I am a personal development blogger by profession, I am in no way a mental health professional. See my disclaimer for more info.
Looking to boost your productivity and be your most productive self? I’ll teach you all about how to be productive!
Are you trying to be your most productive, successful self?
My peers and family members always applaud me for how productive I am. It’s almost like I have some kind of secret to getting things done. The truth is, there’s really no secret; I just like to stay busy (haha). But really, if you want to be productive, there are a few changes you have to make in your life.
I’m going to tell you all about them today. Keep reading to learn how to be productive and get things done!
This post is all about how to be productive.
What is productivity?
What do you imagine when you think of productivity?
You probably think of having a long day and trying to finish an endless long to-do list full of 10-15 tasks that probably aren’t detailed.
Then you reach the end of the day and you’re exhausted because you put all your energy into being productive.
Sometimes you might beat yourself up mentally because you’re upset that you didn’t mark a certain task off your to-do list.
But the thing is, you’re not a robot; you’re a human.
It might sound good to be productive 24/7 but if you’re not equally rested, what’s the point? It’s important to have a good balance of work, play, and rest.
That’s how you’ll be successful.
So now let’s see what productivity really means.
Productivity is the act of using your time and resources efficiently to get your work done. It shouldn’t involve burnout, exhaustion, stress, or any type of competition to be better than anyone else.
Great — we’ve covered the basics and now I’ll give you my top 20 tips on how to be productive.
How to Be Productive:
1. Start your day early
Start your day early to get a head start on work, school, or other tasks. This will give you more time to get things done.
Think about it for a second. Will you have more time to work if you wake up at 6AM or at 12PM?
I think 6AM is the right answer!
Time is our biggest asset, so we have to use it wisely. It can seem like there’s never enough of it.
But, if you get up early enough, you can get some things done and even have some time to rest later.
I hate when I get up at 12PM. I feel like I could’ve gotten so much done by then, so I try to wake up by 10AM every morning.
I find that this gives me just enough sleep (I currently don’t have the BEST sleep schedule, so you might be able to relate) and enough time to do what I need throughout the day.
2. Open the blinds
Having some direct sunlight shining through your windows does something special. It puts you in that work mode that you almost don’t want to escape!
One minute, I don’t want to do something, but once I open the blinds, I’m all of a sudden so much more motivated to get productive.
You know what it is?
Dark environments remind us of sleep, so that’s why you probably won’t feel as inclined to work.
So get up, open those blinds, and get to work!
Maybe even consider opening the window to smell the fresh breeze and listen to the natural sounds of your environment.
3. Make short, mighty to-do lists
To-do lists are the secret to productivity.
Well… maybe not the secret, but they’re definitely helpful!
If you’re currently making lists full of 10-15 tasks, please cut that out. That’s not realistic to constantly withstand, which is probably why you’re reading this post.
You’ll burn yourself out by trying to do this everyday.
Instead, consider filling your schedule with about 5-7 tasks that you know you can realistically accomplish in a set amount of time.
Make this list short and actionable so you practically have no choice but to finish it.
Now, when it comes to making this list:
List the easier tasks first (or vice versa — depending on what you prefer).
I like to do the easier things first to get them out the way. Then, I focus on the more time-consuming ones that require more thought and concentration.
You’ll feel SO productive and accomplished by doing these easy tasks. They don’t take as long or as much work, so it’s easy to mark them off your to-do list in a short period of time.
And the great thing?
If you don’t finish your list by the end of the day, at least you can look back and remember that you got some of the easier things done. Focus on the more time-consuming ones tomorrow!
You have to be positive about it!
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4. Make a weekly schedule/routine
Routines are everything!
Your brain thrives on repetition. Over time, it’ll be easier to be productive because you’re repeating a certain behavior.
If you don’t follow a routine, you won’t know what to look forward to.
Follow the steps in this post to create a routine that works for you.
5. Focus on self-discipline
Motivation is great and all, but self-discpline will truly get you where you need to be.
See, you can’t always rely on motivation. It’s not always reliable because you have to externally find it from someone or somewhere, like another person.
What if there’s a day or week where you can’t find any motivation to work? Are you just not going to do anything?
I hope not!
Self-discipline is the answer. It’s an internal force, so you depend on yourself — not other people — to do things.
6. Take breaks
Yes, being productive is important. But what good is this productivity if you’re not equally rested?
Remember to rest your mind and body so you can return to your tasks as healthy and ready as possible.
If you’re doing something and it’s starting to feel drawn-out or tiring, take a break. Don’t overthink it!
Here are some signs it’s time to step away for a moment:
- You feel a headache coming on
- You aren’t feeling creative anymore
- You start to feel hungry and/or thirsty
- It’s getting late
- Your eyes are starting to hurt
- Your device (laptop/tablet/phone) is about to run out of battery
- Your body is in pain (cramps, soreness, etc.)
Even if it’s just a 5-minute break, your body and brain will be SO relieved that you decided to do so.
We aren’t made to hunch over and stare at a computer screen all day. That’s unhealthy and can cause spinal and eye damage later on.
This break doesn’t have to be filled with anything work-related. Make it nice and relaxing.
Check out this post to find some things to do during your break.
7. Embrace the work flow
When I get in that flow, I’m powerful. Nothing can stop me!
This flow is a state where you’re fully in it, and feeling as productive and creative as ever.
When you’re in this flow, I want you to embrace and use it to your fullest advantage. You’re probably going to get a lot done and you’ll feel proud of doing so.
But what you won’t feel proud of, is feeling burnt out. Don’t embrace this work flow so much to the point where you don’t know how or when to stop.
Try to find a logical time to pause and come back to your tasks later. I’m sure they’ll still be there waiting for you to return to.
RELATED POST:How to Avoid Burnout: 9 Must-Know Tips to Stay Productive
8. Spend time away from your job
You can’t let your job define you. It can’t and shouldn’t make up your personality.
You have to spend time away from your job to stay sane.
Yes, I love this blog, but I couldn’t possibly work on it 24/7 (not anymore, at least). That’d drive me NUTS! I have to step away from it after a workday.
I used to obsess over it, but over time, I’ve grown a healthier relationship with it.
Spend your off days doing things you truly love — whether it’s sightseeing, going to the movie theaters, or even relaxing in your home.
You’ll really appreciate that rest after a long work day or week.
9. Set up a reward system
Similar to routines, your brain loves a good reward. If there’s no motivating force, you’ll be less likely to perform a task.
Or, you may not perform that task in the best way possible because you just want to get it out the way.
So, to prevent doing lackluster work — which is never worth it — you should set up a reward system.
This can include things like:
- Treating yourself to takeout for dinner
- Finally splurging on that bag you’re been eyeing
- Getting a massage
- Scrolling on TikTok
- Taking a nap
Don’t give yourself this reward too often, though — especially if it’s a high-value reward. If you do, it’s almost like you’re focusing on the reward instead of the actual work.
That sort of defeats the purpose, you know?
10. Work in a group
Teamwork makes the dreamwork!
Working in a group helps to keep you accountable.
If others around you are being productive, that’ll make you want to do the same. And if you get a bit lazy, they can tell you to get busy.
Working in groups also allows you to divide larger tasks into smaller, more manageable ones.
This way, everyone can work individually and you can use your time much more efficiently. Think of it as task delegation (but you’re still part of it)!
Just make sure the group is fairly small (no more than 5 people). Things might get messy and hectic if there are too many group members involved.
11. Put your phone in DND
Perhaps the most powerful tool: do-not-disturb (DND).
You might be having trouble being productive because your phone is distracting you. You’re getting all kinds of calls, texts, and other notifications.
Look, these are going to happen whether you’re busy or not.
So, what I want you to do is put that phone on DND.
This way, it doesn’t distract you and you can really get down to business.
Another option is to throw it on your bed or in your bag. Keeping it out of sight helps a lot.
I know that I get tempted to go on my phone even with it simply sitting on my desk. I’d get no notifications for 5 minutes, but still get the urge to scroll on Instagram.
Not having it in my sight forces me to pay attention to what I’m supposed to be doing, which is usually either schoolwork or working on a blog post (like this one!).
12. Do positive self-talk
Remember, your brain is much more powerful and influential than you think.
If you say something — positive or negative — your subconcious mind has to prove that you’re capable of doing that very thing.
Use this to your advantage.
I know you don’t want to wash those dishes. Or start practicing for that calculus test you’ve been procrastinating for days.
But even with these emotions, you should convince yourself that you’re looking forward to getting things done.
If you say that you aren’t, you’ll start to believe that and it’ll affect your approach to that task or activity.
Fix your attitude and mindset, and you’ll be a lot more successful at being productive.
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13. Organize your life
Organization is key to being your most productive self.
How are you going to work on a project if your files are unnamed and all over the place?
You’ve got to set up an organization system. No, it doesn’t have to be anything extra, either.
Make it work for you. If that means buying a few organizers from Dollar Tree, then so be it.
Ultimately, it’s what’s going to keep YOU productive and help you reach success, not other people.
It may take a bit of time to find your ideal organization method, but once you do, you’ll really enjoy it. It makes things so much easier and efficient.
THINK: How do you like to stay organized? Tell me in the comments!
14. Stick to a healthy sleep schedule
You! Yes, you — the one who averages only 6 hours of sleep every night.
Please know that this isn’t enough sleep to set yourself up for a successful day. Your body needs enough rest so it can perform optimally.
This is going to be different for you based on your work schedule, family responsibilities, personal circumstances, and more.
But if you can help it, try to get about 8-10 hours of sleep every night. That might sound like a lot, but I know you don’t want to be caught napping at your job or school.
Do you?
15. Indulge in entertainment during work
I really admire people who can listen to music and work at the same time. Sadly, my brain just doesn’t work that way.
But, I want you to try and see if it works for you!
James Clear talks about this in his best-selling self-help book, Atomic Habits. He says you should pair something you want and need at the same time.
This way, you don’t have to give up your wants or desires. When I came across this, I thought it was an incredible idea.
No sort of work has to be boring. You can always find some type of way to enjoy it.
Here are some ideas:
LISTEN TO MUSIC
Play some lo-fi or instrumental music on your phone, speaker, or AirPods. Noise-cancelling headphones are great because they block the noise of your environment.
When you’re working, these kinds of music are better than regular music. You avoid being distracted by poetic lyrics or heavenly vocals.
A completely different genre might help so you focus more on your task rather than trying to jam along with the music.
WATCH YOUTUBE
There are tons of creators on YouTube who have videos like “productive day in the life” or “Sunday reset.” Watch or listen to these while you work.
They’re working too, so they’ll probably motivate you to stay productive!
16. Wear a nice outfit
Even if I wake up in a bad mood, I feel much better by the time I’ve showered and put on a nice outfit.
When you look good, you feel good. I truly believe that!
But more importantly, when you feel good, you have a better spirit, you’re more motivated, and you feel more productive.
So, go and find a nice outfit, put it on, and get to it!
17. Find your ideal work spot
A good, comfortable work spot can be the secret to your productivity.
When you go there, your brain will automatically know it’s time to go into work mode.
Here are some good work spots:
- Your bed
- Desk
- Couch
- Dining table
- A spot on the floor
- Coffee shop
- Library
- Home office
- Local park
- Study spots on your college campus
18. Make your workspace clean & organized
Not only do you need a work spot, but you need to keep it clean.
If it’s messy, you probably won’t feel very inclined to do anything there. The mess will just stress you out and encourage you to do something else instead.
Keep it clean by doing a weekly cleaning routine. Wipe things down, like your laptop, desk, stationery, and other commonly used items.
The night before a workday, make sure everything is where it needs to be. Place your laptop and accessories there so when it’s time so work, you don’t need to do any extra prepping
You can hop straight into it and get productive!
RELATED POST:22 Productive Sunday Reset Routine Ideas to Kickstart Your Week
19. Create friction between you & your habits
Another concept I learned from James Clear is creating friction between you and a task.
This usually involves habits — specifically bad ones.
If you want to stop a bad habit, put more friction between you and that habit.
When we put productivity into the equation, it looks a little something like this:
I’m usually most creative at night around 2AM. But that’s obviously not healthy for my sleep schedule (or my mental health in the long run).
I’ll have tons of ideas randomly pop up in my head and I can’t help but reach for my phone and type it in Notion.
I always feel I have to do this. Otherwise, I’m afraid I’ll forget it by the time I wake up.
To fix this, once I’m in bed, I don’t allow myself to go on my phone at all. All productivity is done for the day and I’ll pick it back up the next day. I’ll tell myself:
“If the concept/idea was meant to, it’ll come back to me.”
20. Know that it’s OK if you don’t finish everything
At the end of the day, the day ends (haha).
It’s OK if you don’t mark every task off your to-do list. That’s not what productivity is about, remember?
Don’t beat yourself up because you still had a few more things you wanted to do before the day ended.
Oh, and don’t stay up through the night to complete those tasks, either! Prioritize your sleep and mental well-being.
If we’re going to be real, you won’t always finish your to-do list. You can only do so much in one day.
Head into it with the mindset that you’re going to use your time to the best of your ability. Some days, if that means doing 3 of 7 tasks for the day, that’s OK.
Let’s recap!
We made it to the end of the post!
Today, we talked about how to be productive.
I hope this post taught you a thing or 2 about productivity. It definitely isn’t the concept that you see floating around on TikTok or YouTube.
You have to create your own idea of productivity and live up to it. Take one of these tips, implement it into your life, and see how it makes a difference.
Please remember to take time to take care of yourself!
I know, in this economy, it can be hard to find free things to do that are fun. That’s why I put together a list of 7 free self care activities to enjoy today!
In the midst of chaos, don’t forget to smile,
DeMarcus – your self care buddy
PIN IT FOR LATER:
This post was all about how to be productive.
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