How To Start A More Productive Life
Here’s how I started working on my goals and dreams
Recently, I started maximizing my productivity, and it has been easier than I thought. I realize now that I wasted so much time on things that don’t matter and procrastinated.
I’d lay in bed on my phone all day and at night, I would think about all the things I wanted to achieve. However, I never started working on them. Looking back, I can see I was being foolish. I made no attempts to start any of my goals. Instead, I was sulking and whining about wanting to achieve more.
I began to feel depressed. While it seemed everyone was doing something with their life, I was in bed doing nothing. I felt stuck.
I needed to be more productive.
So how did I start maximizing my productivity?
Uninstall Unproductive Apps
One of the first things I did, is delete a ton of apps from my phone. I replaced them with more productive ones like code and language training apps, daily devotionals, and weight/dieting apps.
The amount of relief I felt getting rid of so many time-wasting apps is unbelievable. I honestly felt super light and like a brand new me.
Now, you don’t have to uninstall all your apps, but try to minimize the time spent on them.
Also, just like apps, you might have to uninstall some people from your life.
Don’t feel bad because this is for a better you.
Identify a Goal and Get To Work
One of the best ways to increase productivity is to set a goal and start trying to accomplish it.
Anything. Literally, anything can be a goal. You can start with something as small as getting out of bed every morning to shower, even when you aren’t going anywhere.
You don’t want to intimidate yourself with large goals, so don’t overdo it. I started with waking up, showering, and then I would lay back down. Slowly, I incorporated workouts and, other small tasks into this routine. Eventually, I had a full productive day.
As soon as you have some goals in mind, then you should get to work.
I used to tell myself that I could start tomorrow or next week, but by doing this you are just planting a seed of procrastination.
The sooner you start, the better. Remember you have been wanting to accomplish these goals for a while. Stop wasting time and save yourself the pain of regret.
Also, try to write down all your goals in a journal. When you complete one then scratch it out. This can help give you a better sense of accomplishment.
Time Management
I am decent at managing my time but this took a while to get the hang of. I tried using apps to alert me when my time was up for certain activities but I found them annoying.
I do recommend giving a couple of time managing apps a try, but I couldn’t bring myself to like them.
Instead, I just gave myself a set time to be completely done with all work and start to unwind for bed.
The set time I gave myself is 6 pm.
Anything I do before 6 pm is up to me. It just has to be productive. I can film and edit a video, write a story, work out, send out business emails, etc.
But when it turns 6 pm, this is my time to shower, play some games, check social media, and relax.
I realize some of you work and that is okay. You can apply time management on your off days.
Days Of Productivity Missed
Some days you might not want to work on anything. You will feel unmotivated and this feeling might go on for weeks. This is normal. Please don’t beat yourself up over not being as productive.
These days of doing nothing are needed. Just try to relax your mind and do not stress about missing those days of productivity.
If possible start to slowly pick back up working on stuff again but don’t force yourself.
Recently, I experienced something called burnout.
My hip was slightly injured during a morning exercise so I couldn’t do much for a few days. I started stressing about all the work I was missing. This had me a bit down, but I took the time to lay in bed, play games, and treat myself to some takeout. I wrapped up my days with some breathing exercises and hot showers. All this helped me to feel better now and start working on things again.
Just try to take it day by day. You got this.
Don’t Give Up
It can be easy to start a goal then completely give up on it. You will throw up your hands and say, “well, at least I tried.”
I want to be the first one to applaud you for even attempting but do not give up. If you want to achieve it then you have to realize it is going to take more than trying.
- Do research.
- Put all your effort towards your goal.
- Realize it isn’t going to be easy.
- All your “fails” are just mistakes showing what not to do. So go another route.
- Don’t make excuses.
You can do it.
Progress
Make sure you appreciate any progress you make. No matter how small it is. You will have moments where you feel like you aren’t making progress fast enough. When this happens, it is good to remind yourself of how far you have come. Here are some things you can try.
- Create milestones
- Reflect on everything accomplished so far
Go Get Started
Don’t waste any more time. Go start creating a more productive life. I hope this article helped to motivate you.
