Everyone’s definition of productivity is different, and everyone has varying goals. One thing is similar: we’re mentally at our best when we’re productive. I haven’t always been productive. In fact, I used to frequently procrastinate. But when I quickly realized that wouldn’t land me what I wanted in life, I trained my brain to be productive.
As we grow older and gain more responsibilities and desires to be productive in different ways, with it must come mental games in order to ensure we stay on track. My tricks aren’t groundbreaking, nor will they allow you to remain lazy, so if you’re looking for an excuse to be lazy and watch Netflix, look elsewhere. (That isn’t to say you can’t have Netflix on in the background while you’re being productive, I’m all for multi-tasking).
Get over #FOMO
Fear of missing out doesn’t only manifest itself in nights out or missed parties — it also appears every time you refresh your email, open your Instagram feed, or check your Facebook. We fear missing out on something in our social feeds, or being the last to receive an important team update from work. Here’s the thing, it’s not healthy to continually have that mindset, and in the end, will halt your productivity. Every time you open your social feed or hit refresh on your email, you’re taking a moment away from the task you’re working on, and will be that much harder to start again.
Be a producer vs. a consumer
If you make this conscious decision a few times during the day, you’ll slowly learn to appreciate how much you’re able to complete in a day. Outside of work, I try to produce three to five things in a day. They could be something that I typically do anyway (like making dinner), but always extends into something else, like writing a blog post, updating my budget, or creating a DIY craft. Given I work in digital, I’m always online. Rather than scroll through Instagram consuming content, I try to post one photo (or one story) a day, which lands itself in the production vein rather than strict consumption. This isn’t to say you can’t ever consume — of course you can. Be sure to take moments throughout the day to pause and consider if you’re actively consuming all day long, rather than producing original things you can later reflect on having a productive day.
Tell Others You’re Doing It
If you tell someone else you’re doing it, you’re held accountable. I use social media as an accountability tool. I use Instagram stories to show what I’m producing in a particular day, and to show workout progress. Not only does it ensure I need to follow through with what I say I’m going to do, it offers an element of encouragement when I have friends asking me how that run went, how my DIY project turned out, or whether I’ve mastered the yogi handstand yet (I’m working on it). I’m also very aware not many use social in the same capacity that I do, but many people have group texting chains or friends they could message to ensure you’re held accountable.
Make Lists
Sure, it’s everyone’s advice. But if you’re like me, and have numerous projects on the go (grocery shopping, gym, returning a clothing item, making a doctor’s appointment, etc.), making a list helps you map out when you can make time for these things. I’ve frequently written things out, realizing I can tackle some projects (like returning something to a shop), on my way to work, rather than making a separate trip on the weekend.
Learn to meditate
And no, meditation is not reserved for a specific subset of people. In fact, you may meditate and not even realize you do it (Do you take a few deep breaths with your eyes closed before an important call, or difficult workout? That’s meditating). If you get pulled into your emails or social feeds while you’re trying to be productive, it can take 25 minutes to get back on track to the task at hand. I find meditation (closing my eyes and practising controlled breathing) helps me calibrate and become laser focused on what I need to achieve. Segmenting chunks of time allows me to focus, and not get overwhelmed by the length of time a difficult project may take.
What are your tricks to staying productive? I’d love to hear about them.
MJ
meghan jeffery 