how I stay productive even when I don’t want to.
I think it’s safe to say that it can be difficult to stay productive all the time. We will say things like “I’ll do it when I have time” or what I find myself saying, “I’ll do it tomorrow.” This is especially common now that the cold weather has started and the days are shorter, the simplest of things to do can feel like such a task.
Productivity looks different for everyone. I don’t think it always has to be working really hard on an assignment or spending all day fulfilling duties for work. While these are moments to feel accomplished about, I find getting enough rest or starting an activity you been wanting to do are also ways to say, “I have been productive!”
It’s always good to stay balanced in life. When you take time to rest for yourself, it’s a healthy way for you to get back into your lifestyle again. But one shouldn’t get carried away because it’s also important to remain focused and disciplined too.
I’m not always the most productive person. I actually can be quite lazy to the point where I wouldn’t want to do anything all day. However, I learned that it starts with you when you want to make a change for yourself. I wanted to share a few things I do to help me stay productive, hopefully this can help anyone who has been feeling unmotivated lately.
change in scenery
If you are like me, routine can become a little boring. Sometimes when you are doing the same thing everyday, you can lose the motivation to get through the task and day.
This can be different for everyone, but whether you are home, in school, or working in an office/building, having a change of scenery can make a huge difference in productivity.
For example, if you work at an office everyday, maybe on a certain day you can plan an activity after work like meeting up with a friend or joining a creative class. This can make you more eager to finish the work you need to do because you have something to look forward to.
One of my favorite things to do when I have to get work done online is going to a cafe. Don’t stay in one place! The change in atmosphere, a cup of tea or coffee, and seeing other people busy makes you want to get everything done!
Even going outdoors can make a difference mentally and physically. When the weather is nice and you have time to step outside for a bit, that can leave you feeling more energized. I usually go on walks after a long day of staying inside. I find it really fun and it starts to become like a habit. When there is variety in your day, I believe that can help in staying productive.
create goals
I find that when I create goals for myself, that helps me in staying focused.
Now these goals are not always very big. And most of the time it’s to make sure I don’t forget about myself when I feel like there is a lot I need to do. I would break down goals to do within the day like:
- getting an assignment done before the evening.
- waking up early to exercise
- make sure I drink more water
- reading a book before bed
I usually put these goals of mine on the reminders app of my phone and I always feel good when I am able to do them by the end of the day.
Some goals might take more time to fulfill than the other, but I find that when you write or type down what goals to do in the day or week, it almost feels like you need to do it. I say that because taking the time to write them is like making a promise to yourself.
However, don’t feel bad if you wrote down a goal and you never got to it. That has happened to me many times. Random things happen throughout the day and not all of us can get everything done, but the fact that you took out the time to think and write your goals is an amazing start in being productive!
clean space = clean mind
When my my room is messy I feel like my life is a mess.
When there is a messy and disorganized space, it makes you easily distracted and also a bit stressed because it looks like everything is out of your control. You would take more frequent breaks, (which we know can always last longer than usual), and that in turn can make you feel less productive.
It’s scientifically proven that keeping a clean space releases endorphins that can calm us down. So if you wonder why you feel more at ease after organizing your desk space, it means that your mind is relaxed and you feel energized to get back on go-mode!
I honestly love to keep everything clean and organized, it’s therapeutic to me and makes me feel like I have regained some control with my life and what I am doing.
I believe adding some cute stationary and quotes around your desk space can keep you going. I have a candle, polaroid, and even taped a quote and a song lyric I love on the wall in front of my desk, so anytime I look up at it, I feel more motivated in continuing what I’m doing.
like-minded people
Have you ever heard of the saying, “you are who you hang out with.” It basically means that the people you surround yourself with are like a shadow of how you are like as a person too.
I firmly believe in this sentiment because I’ve seen it myself. If you choose to hang out with people that are shiftless, turns out you will also be like that too. It’s important to be around people that motivate you, make you learn new things, and encourage you.
When you see your friends or peers around you work so hard, it naturally influences you as well. It’s because everyone shares the same values. It won’t seem like you are the only one trying when the people that you like being around are also staying productive.
While it can be rare to find like-minded people that are determined and encouraging, this can give you some time to think about who you are surrounded with. Are they driving you forward? Or are they driving you to not grow as a person.
know your “why”
Life can’t always be easy and things don’t always go our way. But I feel like when you have a “why” on what you are doing, that can always be a helpful reminder in staying productive.
If you ever feel a loss in productivity with what you are doing, ask yourself, why am I doing this? What made me want to do this in the first place?
All those late nights working and moments of doubt can leave you feeling worn out and sad. But I believe that only your why will keep you going back again. Because at the end of the day, it is up to us to know how we want to lead our lives and get what we want.
work hard, play hard!
If you worked a long week, spent hours on a project, practiced so much in the day, you deserve a productive break!
Productive Break: taking out time for yourself so you can get back in action when you feel energized again.
Not one person in this entire planet can work forever, we all need a break once in a while and doing so can help us get back our power.
When you recharge your mind, energy, and body you are doing yourself a favor. It’s not always the easiest thing for many people to relax and let loose, especially if you have been working so much half your life, but a break is an essential and healthy thing to do for you.
I make sure that I take a break after a long day by doing one relaxing thing for myself, and as an introvert it’s the best because I naturally recharge when I’m on my own. I would catch up on a book I was reading or watch an episode of my favorite show at the moment.
I also like to catch up with friends and I believe travelling to places you never been to before is a productive break. Anything that gives you some time to not think is a great way in staying productive.
If you have been feeling unmotivated recently, it’s okay. We all have moments like this and it will get better. Being productive doesn’t always have to feel like a heavy task, take a moment to reflect on what you need to do. I hope that a few of these things I do in being productive can be of some use to you now or in the future.
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