Let me start by saying that I’m not the most productive person to have ever walked this planet. I’m your regular procrastinator who spent most of her life self-sabotaging and wasting time as if I had an unlimited supply of it. While in school, I used to spend my free hours studying, not because I enjoyed it, but because it gave me a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. Well, none of it negatively impacted my life, but I suddenly began to feel that I was being too harsh on myself. I realized I didn’t need to measure every hour of my day in terms of productivity and that it’s okay to live a little.
I still don’t like spending my free hours doing nothing, but I’ve stopped berating myself for not being productive enough. Life is not a race to see who can be the most productive. Being a slow walker is fine if you are happy and satisfied with whatever little you have.
Now that you’re here reading this post, I want to give you a virtual hug and remind you that you need to accept yourself just the way you are. Make it a point to be kind to yourself, even on the days when you didn’t accomplish anything “productive.”
Most people don’t like going to bed knowing they didn’t do anything productive during the day. It’s human nature to want that sense of accomplishment that comes with being productive, but it certainly can’t be achieved in just one day. And if your mind tells you otherwise, remind yourself of the time it took to learn a new language or develop a new habit. I’m sure none of that happened overnight. So cut yourself some slack and take all the time you need to be productive.
Here are a few simple tips and tricks that will help you be more productive in your day-to-day life:
1. Set Your Eyes on Small Goals First
I’m a big fan of dreaming big, but what often keeps us from achieving our dreams is the desire to make that one big leap all at once. We want to achieve everything in one go. The truth is, nothing worth dreaming about can be accomplished in a single day. However, when you set small goals that lead you toward that big goal, you’ll find it much easier to avoid procrastination.
For example, imagine you want to make it big as an entrepreneur. Now, list down the steps that will take you towards that goal: building the basic idea, planning the business, talking to people who will form part of your team, completing the paperwork, gathering the funds and assets, launching the business, and so on. You know that establishing yourself as an entrepreneur follows a timeline that involves setting small, achievable goals. And you won’t procrastinate if you focus on these small goals that form the stepping stones toward your big dream.
2. Make a Realistic To-Do List
I recall making hectic study timetables while in school. My 12-year-old self set a goal to study 8 hours a day after spending 6 hours at school, leaving no time for play or watching cartoons. On top of that, I would feel guilty for not being able to keep up with the timetable. It took me a month to realize I had set unrealistic expectations for myself and needed to be kinder to myself.
To-do lists are something I still follow, but I’ve stopped forcing myself to complete an unreasonable number of tasks in one day. An ideal to-do list is one that doesn’t overwhelm you and still allows you to live your life. If you need help making a to-do list, here’s a great post on how to create one that actually works.
3. Use Your Most Productive Hours
The best way to be more productive is to use your most productive hours to tackle the most important tasks. Everyone works differently at different times of the day. While some people are more productive at night, others thrive in the morning. It’s important to figure out your peak productivity hours and make the best use of them.
4. Keep Away from Distractions
The amount of distraction — whether from music, people, or your smartphone — often determines how effectively you complete your tasks. Productivity requires focus, so your mind needs to stay engaged for extended periods. To build your attention span, minimize distractions around you. Keep your smartphone at a distance where you can’t easily reach it with one hand, and ask your family for some alone time to complete the task at hand.
5. Take Short Breaks
When studying for my high school exams, I remember how one of my friend’s fathers suggested a time protocol: take a 5-minute break after a 30-minute study session. His advice has stayed with me ever since. I truly believe that taking short breaks helps your mind bounce back with more energy.
6. Declutter Your Mind and Your Surroundings
Visual clutter in your room, office, or the place you’re working can often interfere with your productivity. Your mind works best in a clean, peaceful environment free from distractions. Make it a point to clear away any disturbing or negative thoughts while you’re working on a task. You’ll be surprised how a clutter-free mind and space can magnify your productivity.
Conclusion:
There’s no magic wand that can make you more productive. If you’re struggling to be productive, even with the most basic tasks, the real challenge often lies in getting up from the couch and taking that first step toward what you need to do. And if you let a day go by without accomplishing anything, don’t forget to be kind to yourself.