Quick tips for when you feel unproductive
It's hard to reach any destination without defining where you're going. Similarly, being productive starts with defining what exactly productivity means to you. Do you want to get more done in a shorter amount of time, spend more time doing the things you actually enjoy or are you more interested in managing your to-do list better? Knowing what your productivity goals are will help you find what works best for you. If you're still unsure, consider checking out this article from Tony Robbins or this one from Adam Grant before moving on.
Staying productive is a continuous effort of sorting through the hits and misses. There's no one-size-fits-all productivity hack that works for every personality type.
Becoming more productive doesn't have to be a complicated process. Whether you're looking to achieve a specific goal in mind, or just hitting a slump in your productivity journey, here are simple reminders to help:
Cut down social media use: This might be an obvious one but I'm including this because while social media can be a powerful tool to connect and stay updated on relevant events, its effect on overall productivity often gives unnoticed. If you want to gain 2 - 10 hours of your time back each week, cutting down your social media use is an easy way to do so. Here is an article for tips on improving your relationship with social media.
Reduce distractions: Interruptions lengthen the time it takes to complete a task and generally lead to increased stress and frustration. Letting external events direct your attention is like allowing someone to drive you to a destination you did not intend on going to in the first place. As much as possible, don't let external events control your life, rather, seek to control where you spend your time and attention by being intentional about what you say no or yes to, and sticking with this intentionality. There are tons of resources on the internet with ideas on how to supercharge your productivity and I've provided a few more here to explore.
Assessment: How productive are you?; Robert C. Pozen, HBR
Personal Productivity Assessment; Michael Hyatt
The 2 Questions to answer before you read yet another productivity article, Alex Vavoulacos, The Muse.
The Productivity Guide: Time Management Strategies That Work; James Clear.
Taming the Epic To-Do List; Allison Romm, HBR.
4 ways to get more done in less time; Amanther Imber, HBR.
Why you need to build systems, not goals; Joxen, Medium
Task Delegator, Michael Hyatt & Co.
In summary: Life happens, and circumstances change and you're more likely to find that what worked for you in the past might not be sufficient anymore. In these situations, or you've fallen off the wagon, it's okay to try something else or start all over. Talk through your goals with friends, family, a therapist or a coach to stay accountable. Above all, keep trying and don't give up on yourself.
