My Top Five Tips on Staying Productive
I don't really know whether it is the pandemic or something else but lately, I have been needing an extra push to get me through my to-do lists. Right in between the need to get stuff done and procrastinating, I thought that a little compilation of tips on staying productive could help anyone who is in a similar state as I am. Here are my top five tips on staying productive, hope you enjoy it!
Planning for the Small Tasks
One thing that I have lately been observing is that I spend more time than I expect to on smaller tasks. Usually, this causes a shift in the order I get my tasks done and causes me to lose a little motivation. Because the loss of motivation is the top reason for me to be unproductive, I thought that planning for smaller tasks can help. I have noticed that when I write down the smaller tasks and try to get them done as quickly as possible, my overall mood becomes more positive. The sense of accomplishment adds on to motivate me and I have more energy to get through anything I want to get done that day.
Keeping My Workspace Clean
Usually, my desk is fairly clean with enough tabletop space for anything I might need. However, during the weeks that make cramming a daily habit, it gets out of control. Then, I have papers, pens, pencils, food, and stationery all scattered over the desk, making it impossible to get anything done. In those times, my biggest motivator is to get up and do some cleaning. With a fresh workspace, I feel like there is no obstacle between me and my to-do list and I quickly start getting things done. For me, cleaning my desk is the one solution I can always count on.
Writing a Short To-do List
I am one of those people who can start writing a to-do list and quickly end up with a full page of tasks and chores. Once I'm finished writing up anything I have to do, I quickly realize that there is no way that I'll get through all of it and that really brings me down. One game-changer has been to write relatively short to-do lists with a maximum of five items. This way, I don't lose my focus, and the fact that everything seems much more doable keeps me motivated.
Making Work Fun
When it comes to working and studying, motivation is what gets me started, but I honestly need a lot more than that to keep going. Personally, I cannot maintain a habit unless I really enjoy it. So, trying to make working and studying more fun by putting on some music and lighting some candles has really been helping. Once I feel like I could easily spend time sitting at my desk, studying becomes much more enjoyable.
Taking a Break
Taking a break every once in a while is more important now than ever. With everything going on, all of us deserve a moment to relax. So my little note to myself is to never lose myself in the hustle of trying to be productive all the time. After all, it is never unproductive to take a break or two.
I hope that my list gave you an idea of how we can all maintain a healthy idea of productivity during these uncertain times. Thanks for tuning in today!
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