How to Increase Your Productivity
Sometimes you need to get started on a project right away. Maybe you’ve been procrastinating for days or even weeks, and now the article or project is due in the next hour or so. Ever been there I know I have and I find myself overwhelmed. The threat of not completing the job on time should be enough to motivate you to get moving, right? Wrong. Been there, done that, wrote the book.
Often, even knowing the consequences that exist for not completing a task aren’t enough to push us forward and make us more productive. Fortunately, there are some tangible steps on how to be more productive. Keep reading for some of the best ways to improve your productivity and motivation fast. Adding even a few of these to your bag of tricks may help you to overcome that slump when you need a motivational jumpstart.
Look Ahead
One way to convince your brain that activity is worth starting is to look ahead to the end result. Think about the money, the feeling of satisfaction you’ll get from handing in your portion. or the freedom to begin your two-week semester break when your last paper is submitted. No matter what the project, visualizing the end result can improve your focus and motivation. Consider adding an actual image to motivate you.
Get Moving
If you’re feeling sleepy or even restless, you won’t be able to focus on that pressing task. Exercise has been shown to increase mental clarity and decrease stress. Taking a brisk walk or heading to the gym for a quick step aerobics class on your lunch hour can be just enough of a jolt to get you in prime thinking mode. Be careful not to overdo it or you’ll be too exhausted to do much of anything.
Take a Rest
It’s also possible that a quick rest can restore your clear thinking. If your brain is feeling cloudy or your thoughts are cloudy, a short nap might be a better course of action than exercise. Put your head down on your desk or stretch out on the sofa in your office for 10 or 20 minutes. When you wake up from this power nap, you should be feeling rejuvenated and ready to work.
Start Small
A method that is often successful in tricking the mind to move on a task is to start with a small portion This small action can put you in the right mindset to keep working on the rest. Getting started truly is half the battle.
These suggestions can, and should, be tailored to fit your personality, preferences, and lifestyle. Experiment a bit. Use the ones that work for you, and throw out the rest. You’ll likely be surprised by the significant effect a simple action can have on your productivity.
