Find it hard to get stuff done during your busy week? It’s hard to juggle everything, but we have some tips to help you kick start your productivity!
Got a list of tasks the length of your arm? It can be daunting heading into another busy week with so much to do. Even with the best of intentions it can be tricky to fit everything in—but it’s even harder when we begin to procrastinate, make excuses and avoid it all. If this sounds like you, then have no fear! We’re here to offer you some tips and tricks to make being productive that little bit easier.
Tips to help make being productive, easy!
- Simplify your to-do list
- Start with the thing you don't want to do
- Plan rewards for getting stuff done
- Have a plan B in mind
- Listen to your natural energy cycles
Simplify your to-do list
The first bit of advice is try not to over complicate your to-do list. Of course it’s going to be overwhelming and unappealing if you have hundreds of things to tick off. Instead, try to prioritise what actually needs to get done that week. Equally, you can break down your big tasks into smaller bite-sized ones. For example, ‘sort the house out’ will likely be something that remains on your to do list for a while, as you’ll need to carve out a large chunk of time to ‘sort’ your entire house out. Instead, break this down into little tasks, such as ‘reorganise wardrobe’, or ‘clean bathroom’. Once you’ve ticked off one of the smaller tasks, you can move onto another until you eventually complete your original mammoth task.
Start with the thing you don’t want to do
It’s no fun, we know, but we all have those tasks that we don’t want to do. However, these are the ones you should shoot to the top of your list and tackle first—otherwise they’ll be looming over you all week, and you’ll get into the habit of procrastinating. By starting with these, you can lift that weight off your shoulders, knowing you’ve done the tough bit already!
This can work for exercise too. If you work out first thing in the morning, or on a Monday to start the week on the right foot, you’re more likely to start your day with a positive mindset.
Plan rewards for getting stuff done
Who said being productive has to be boring? If there are some tasks you’re not looking forward to, plan rewards for after you’ve completed them. For example, if you’re not thrilled about a trip to the charity shop or recycling centre after clearing out unwanted clothes, then organise something fun afterwards as an incentive. Maybe there’s a nice cafe nearby where you can treat yourself to a cake, or maybe the charity shop is next door to a boutique you love. It doesn’t have to be all work and no play—add in fun excursions or treats as motivation to follow through.
Have a plan B in mind
We’ve all been there. You start off in such a motivated mindset, ready to tackle the day but then wait—the place you need to go is closed. Or that thing you need to buy is sold out. Or the person who promised to help you can’t make it any more. These things happen, it’s life! But don’t let that throw you off course. Have a plan B in mind for something else you can do to keep the momentum of productivity going. Go back to your list, and find the next thing to tick off!
Listen to your body’s natural energy cycles
While we’d love to always feel in the mood or energised to get our tasks done at the most convenient time, sometimes that just isn’t realistic. Of course, with certain activities that rely on you being somewhere at a certain time— well, there isn’t much you can do about that. But if you find you’re more awake and productive in the evening, then shift your day around to tackle your task list in the evening where possible. If you’re an early bird, then get as much as you can out of the way before your afternoon energy slump. You know your body better than anyone else, so try to work in tandem with it. After all, if you take care of yourself and your body, it will take care of you.
Let’s be productive and feel good!
Whatever mindset hacks work for you, utilise them—make things work to your advantage. You have the power to do whatever you need to do, you just have to get on and do it! If you have any tips you think would be a good addition to this list, let us know by tagging us on social media or sharing in our communities.
An entrepreneur and former senior oil broker, Ruari gave up drinking after excessive consumption almost cost him his marriage, and worse, his life. Going alcohol-free improved his relationships, career and energy levels, leading to him founding OYNB to provide a support network for others.
