“Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and

focused effort.” Paul J. Meyer

10 Ways to Be More Productive

Most of us run from one distraction to another anytime we are trying to be more productive.  Instead of getting started, we get stuck just thinking about everything that needs to be done.  This, in turn, can make us feel anxious and frozen in this

state.  So how do we move forward?  Here are 10 ways to help ensure that you’ll be

more productive. 

1. Make a short to-do list, no more than 3 items per day.

 Identify the one thing that needs to be done today, the most important task

(usually the hardest, not the easiest), and start with that.  Identify what matters

most for you to get done today and block off the time to get it done in your

calendar. 

What is going to make the most difference if it gets done today?  Give your attention to completing that task early in the day

and stay with it until you are done.

2. Let go of completing everything on your to-do list.

 Chances are that if you didn’t get to check off

everything on your to do list that it won’t drastically affect your life.  This is one of the

biggest stressors we face that imposes on our daily lives, and it is completely unnecessary.

 This leads to decreasing our self-esteem when we are not able to get everything done because we

keep feeling like we’ve already failed at the beginning of each following day.  Not only that,

working towards your goal becomes less fun over time when we do this and so we are less likely to

stick with it.

3. Take a minute to reflect on whether the task you are doing is actually worth doing even if you have it on

your to-do list, then take action right away.

 

Being busy and being productive are not the same thing.  Make sure you get to doing what is going to be most beneficial to your

bottom line.

4. Trust yourself and enjoy the current step you’re in.

 Appreciate the present moment and realize

that you’re okay now.  Don’t allow yourself to get overwhelmed.  When we do, this often

leads to giving up and sometimes even feeling physically sick.  Some people feel paralyzed by this feeling.  If you start to feel anxious or

overwhelmed let that be your cue to just acknowledge this feeling and why you feel this

way for a minute and let it go, then keep going.  Most of the time we feel this way

because we’re doing something outside of our comfort zone.

This is a critical moment because it is easy to give up and do something comforting like stop and watch TV, instead.  When we watch

TV nothing is expected of us so this is extremely comforting.  However, when we are working towards a goal something is expected of us.  Many times it is our own

high expectations that we’ve set for ourselves that can be debilitating.  This feeling of anxiety usually comes about

because we don’t feel too confident in what the future holds: therefore, allow yourself to

come back to the present.

A feeling (good or bad) is just a feeling like everything else.  Don’t make any more of it than you know you should.  You do not need to let it take over you.  Just acknowledge it

and let it go.

5. Pledge to be consistent and persistent no matter what.

 This is the key to reaching any goal. 

Remember, if you are persistent you will get it.  If you are consistent, you will keep it.  Keep going even if you need to slow down.  It’s

always better than stopping because if you just keep going, inevitably, you will pick up

momentum. 

If you get stuck on making a decision, just make a decision. Any decision is better than getting stuck in indecision.  Most people give up just before picking up momentum so, no matter

what, just don’t stop.

6. Forget Perfection. 

Sure, you’re not perfect, but neither is anyone else.  This is a complete delusion.  You will never be able to make everyone

happy all the time, including yourself.  You are usually your own worst critic, at least

the only one that matters. 

Just do what needs to get done and don’t be so hard on yourself.  Don’t overthink it or you’ll make it seem much harder than it really is.  Overthinking usually leads to

procrastination and quitting.

7. Work in a cone of silence. 

You already know that time flies.  When you are working to complete a task, be sure to steer clear of distracting websites, TV, or

anything else that may divert you. 

Turn off your phone and lock yourself in your office or workspace area.  This will help you

stay laser focused.

8. Clear the Clutter. 

Working in an area free of clutter will help you stay focused and productive.  The less

you have on your desk, the less you have to be distracted by.  Keeping a simple work space will help keep you focused on a

single task while keeping the stress away.

9. Make yourself accountable for your actions.

 Isn’t it incredible how you may be able to write an entire research paper in a single night if it is due the next morning?  If it helps you, use this strategy to your advantage and create some

pressure to get your project done. 

One way to do this is to tell a friend that you will complete your project by a certain date and if

you don’t, you’ll have to do something embarrassing or pay them money.

10. Take care of your mind and body. 

This seems like a given but it is important to commit to this because it will allow your productivity to really soar.  Exercise, eat right, stay well hydrated and meditate.

 Get enough rest and remember not to take yourself so seriously.  Enjoy the journey you

are on now and be patient with yourself.