This time of year it can be hard to stay focused on what you need to accomplish, especially if you work from home. Now that spring is here, staying productive gets hard when the sun is shining and the warmer weather is calling your name.
Today I’m going to share tips on how to stay productive and get your tasks done. Then use the productivity worksheet to help you organize your lists and goals.
Focus on Five
Making a list of everything you need to accomplish can get pretty overwhelming. Instead of focusing on the entire list, pick just 3 to 5 tasks that you must accomplish today. Then focus on completing just those things. If you’ve got time or are feeling ambitious to get more done, then work on more tasks but make sure you have your ‘must accomplish’ things done first.
Break Down Bigger Projects
Have a big project that you keep avoiding? Break it down into smaller, more doable pieces. Once you have it broken down, schedule the smaller pieces on your calendar and little by little, you’ll get the project done.
Find Your Ideal Work Time
Figure out what time of the day or week you are most productive and reserve those hours to get your work done. Maybe you’re trying to work around your kids’ schedules or you might like to take afternoons off. Decide what time you do your best thinking and best work and work during those hours.
List What You’ve Accomplished
Lots of times we focus on what we have to do and not what we’ve already done. Each week, make a list of all of the things you’ve accomplished and you’ll (hopefully!) realize that you’ve done more than you thought. It will make your to-do list seem a little more accomplishable.
De-Clutter Your Mind
Ever stay up at night thinking about all of the things you need to accomplish in life? It happens to the best of us. One way to de-clutter your mind is to make a list of everything you need to do – from picking up groceries to writing that book you’ve been dreaming about. Take some time to clear out everything you’ve been thinking you need to do then categorize it into 5 different sections – 1) to get done this week, 2) to get done this month, 3) to get done in the next 6 months, 4) to get done in the next year and 5) to get done in the next 5 years. When you know what’s priority, you’ll get a better idea of what you need to get accomplished right away and what you have some time to work on.
Do What You Love
Most of all, doing work that makes you happy helps you stay productive because it doesn’t feel like work. Try to incorporate your hobbies into your work and it’ll be much more fun. For example, if you hate doing the bookkeeping for your business but you love blasting your music throughout the house, only allow yourself to do that while you’re working on your bookkeeping. This will make the task more fun, and you’ll look forward to that time instead of dreading it. What are your tips for staying productive? Share in the comments!
About the author: Mariah is a Graphic Designer/Wedding Stylist who has a passion for helping creative entrepreneurs turn their passion into profit.
established 2010
I’ve stumbled upon this via Pinterest, and cannot thank you enough.
I’m an illustrator, I’ve just moved to a new country, as well as looking for a new job and doing freelance work on the side.
Things get so busy and I often find myself overwhelmed and not finding the time to do everything I want to.
I read the post last night, and this morning gave it a go and I already feel more confident and can see the tip of the iceberg! Seeing all my work to do on paper, gives me a better picture of things I need to do and when to do them, so less stress and definitely much more productivity!
Thanks ever so much! You’ve got a new follower!
This is exactly what I try to do. I make a list of everything I need to get done that’s broken down into 3 sub lists. Then, I pick out the top two or three that have to get done each day. Love your worksheets. They really make it easy.
Thanks Jen! Sounds like you’ve got your system down!
Wow! Just what I needed! My husband and I both work from home with our 1 year old son. I don’t know how we get anything done!
I am struggling with the work at home thing right now and I don’t even have a child!
great article! i love the idea of making a list of all the to-do’s you have done to stay motivated! i am such a list-lover and i know i am going to totally love the worksheet you made – i always feel better after a list making session haha.. thanks for sharing!
thanks! I’m a huge list maker too! I get totally lost without one!
Ooooh printing that worksheet now!
Yay! Glad you like it Andi!
I can’t download the file. It says “I must be logged in to download this file.” Any idea why?
Thanks!
you can download now! sorry about that!
Wow! Thanks for this! I need to get settled into a schedule to finish my dissertation research. I know this will help get me started.
Glad we could help Rachelle!
This is so super helpful! As a student and a freelance designer, tasks can easily pile up and seem overwhelming. However, when you break them down into a few things every day it’s so much easier. Thanks for sharing!! 🙂
Kory – exactly! I’ve been in your shoes and things can definitely get overwhelming at times.
Great post! What’s most important for me to look back on what I’ve accomplished. I beat myself up about what I have to do rather than what I’ve done.
yes! That is a huge one that I really need to start doing! Glad you enjoyed!