It’s not easy to start the day feeling productive. If you have a tendency to sleep in, you might have a hard time waking up and feeling like you’ve already accomplished a lot. Productivity can be defined in many different ways. For some people, it’s simply being organized or completing tasks. For others, it’s crossing off a number of items from their to-do list for the day. Over time, I’ve found that there are a handful of activities that allow me to get certain tasks completed or entire projects finished without sacrificing time with the family or quality time for myself.
Getting up early
After establishing the habit of getting up early, you might find that your productivity tends to increase throughout the day. Early risers report that they tend to be more productive at work as compared to those who get up later. The endorphins in your body (the feel-good chemicals in your brain) will help you feel more energized and awake, and you’ll also get an hour more of focus, which is perfect for tackling those challenging to-dos.
Getting organized
No matter how organized you are, it’s good to get the whole house ready the night before. You can set up a little space for the morning routine by organizing all of the small tasks or getting laundry ready. Also, set up a place for things like lunch and snacks. It makes it much easier to keep things organized when you don’t have to search for items on a hectic morning. Mornings can get really hectic. This includes waking up, getting breakfast, and getting dressed for the day. Mornings don’t last forever, and if you use these easy morning prep methods, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re only juggling a few tasks and are able to do them efficiently.
Be in the moment
If you’re driving to work or making breakfast, being in the moment will help you be more focused on your task. Nothing is more important than your current task. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve found myself watching an episode of something on TV, or spending an extra half hour on Instagram when I should have been working. This wastes your day and prevents you from achieving your goals. Schedule what you need to do, not what you want to do. It sounds a bit ridiculous to admit that something as simple as planning my day can actually make my life more productive. But remember, you only have one life and you only get one shot at making the most of it. Every day, we wake up and make the same choices that have to lead us here.
Create and stick to a schedule
Each day, create a to-do list that you can’t wait to cross off. Then, place all of your upcoming commitments on a calendar where you can see each one and its due date. Having this visual representation makes it so much easier to stick to the schedule. Take a moment to consider how you typically feel after completing some of your less enjoyable tasks. Think about how you would feel if you accomplished these things as soon as possible so that you had a great day ahead of you. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you have more time or can accomplish more in your day. If you don’t finish something as soon as possible, you won’t be able to move onto your next project until you do.
Find inspiration
You could open up a journal, grab a pen and pencil, or simply close your eyes and see exactly what you need to accomplish for the day. While this may take a little extra planning, it’s worth it if you’re able to make your daily activities more efficient. If you’re constantly looking to Pinterest for ideas, there’s also the option to pick up a few essential productivity apps. These include Notion, Clickup, Toggl, and the Todoist. While each of these apps have unique features and functionalities, the overarching theme is that they allow you to plan, prioritize, and manage your tasks.
Conclusion
I hope these tips help you get a better handle on your day. Keep making your day more productive!
