My previous post was about the reasons you just can’t seem to take that crucial first step towards getting your goals achieved. For many people, fear seems to be the factor that stops them. If you regularly find yourself in a productivity slump, there are a few techniques you can try to help you get in the mood for work. The most difficult step is often the first one.
Schedule your tasks
If you can’t see it, you can’t get it done. Write down what you want to do. Use a to-do list. If you have recurring tasks, try and schedule them for the same time of the week or day. After some time, they will become habits and be easier for you to do. Having a schedule means once it’s time to get a task started, your brain automatically goes into work mode and you can jump into your tasks straight away.
Focus on one task
It’s hard to get anything done when there are 20 things crying for your attention. Choose a single task and work on it until it is done, then move on to the next one. During the time you are working on that task, don’t even allow yourself to think about all the things you have undone. They don’t matter. The quicker you can get the first task done, the less items you have on your to-do list and the quicker you can move to the next item on the list.
Find accountability partners
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. The company you keep has an impact on how you behave. If none of your friends has healthy saving habits, you are not likely to have them either. If you would like to achieve a goal, find someone on the same path as you and regularly share progress updates with them. They can offer you advice on what worked for them and keep you on your toes if you start slacking. You wouldn’t want to be the only one in your book club who didn’t read anything new this quarter, would you?
Take a step back
Problems in your life will inevitably affect your productivity. If you are having unhealthy relationships, family issues, you need to take some time away from work and address those issues. It’s hard to be productive if every morning starts with a fight with your spouse or you can’t get the support you need from friends and family. Solve the problems in your personal life before they ruin other aspects of your life.
Comments? Thoughts? What’s stopping you from getting started? Were you able to overcome it? How?
