Most of us run from one distraction to another anytime we are trying to be more productive. Here are 10 ways to help ensure that you’ll be more productive.

1. “Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result
of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning,
and focused effort.”
Paul J. Meyer

2. Most of us run from one distraction to another
anytime we are trying to be more productive. Instead
of getting started, we get stuck just thinking about
everything that needs to be done. This, in turn, can
make us feel anxious and frozen in this state. So how
do we move forward? Here are 10 ways to help
ensure that you’ll be more productive.

3. 1. Make a short to-do list, no more than 3 items
per day.
Identify the one thing that needs to be done today,
the most important task (usually the hardest, not the
easiest), and start with that. Identify what matters
most for you to get done today and block off the time
to get it done in your calendar.
What is going to make the most difference if it gets
done today? Give your attention to completing that
task early in the day and stay with it until you are
done.

4. 2. Let go of completing everything on your to-do list.
Chances are that if you didn’t get to check off everything on
your to do list that it won’t drastically affect your life. This is
one of the biggest stressors we face that imposes on our daily
lives, and it is completely unnecessary.
This leads to decreasing our self-esteem when we are not able
to get everything done because we keep feeling like we’ve
already failed at the beginning of each following day. Not
only that, working towards your goal becomes less fun over
time when we do this and so we are less likely to stick with it.

5. 3. Take a minute to reflect on whether the task you
are doing is actually worth doing even if you have it
on your to-do list, then take action right away.
Being busy and being productive are not the same
thing. Make sure you get to doing what is going to be
most beneficial to your bottom line.

6. 4. Trust yourself and enjoy the current step you’re in.
Appreciate the present moment and realize that you’re
okay now. Don’t allow yourself to get
overwhelmed. When we do, this often leads to giving up
and sometimes even feeling physically sick. Some people
feel paralyzed by this feeling. If you start to feel anxious
or overwhelmed let that be your cue to just acknowledge
this feeling and why you feel this way for a minute and let
it go, then keep going. Most of the time we feel this way
because we’re doing something outside of our comfort
zone.

7. This is a critical moment because it is easy to give up
and do something comforting like stop and watch TV,
instead. When we watch TV nothing is expected of us
so this is extremely comforting. However, when we are
working towards a goal something is expected of
us. Many times it is our own high expectations that
we’ve set for ourselves that can be debilitating. This
feeling of anxiety usually comes about because we don’t
feel too confident in what the future holds: therefore,
allow yourself to come back to the present.

8. A feeling (good or bad) is just a feeling like everything
else. Don’t make any more of it than you know you
should. You do not need to let it take over you. Just
acknowledge it and let it go.

9. 5. Pledge to be consistent and persistent no matter what.
This is the key to reaching any goal. Remember, if you are
persistent you will get it. If you are consistent, you will
keep it. Keep going even if you need to slow down. It’s
always better than stopping because if you just keep going,
inevitably, you will pick up momentum.
If you get stuck on making a decision, just make a decision.
Any decision is better than getting stuck in indecision. Most
people give up just before picking up momentum so, no
matter what, just don’t stop.

10. 6. Forget Perfection.
Sure, you’re not perfect, but neither is anyone
else. This is a complete delusion. You will never be
able to make everyone happy all the time, including
yourself. You are usually your own worst critic, at least
the only one that matters.
Just do what needs to get done and don’t be so hard on
yourself. Don’t overthink it or you’ll make it seem
much harder than it really is. Overthinking usually
leads to procrastination and quitting.

11. 7. Work in a cone of silence.
You already know that time flies. When you are working
to complete a task, be sure to steer clear of distracting
websites, TV, or anything else that may divert you.
Turn off your phone and lock yourself in your office or
workspace area. This will help you stay laser focused.

12. 8. Clear the Clutter.
Working in an area free of clutter will help you stay
focused and productive. The less you have on your
desk, the less you have to be distracted by. Keeping a
simple work space will help keep you focused on a
single task while keeping the stress away.

13. 9. Make yourself accountable for your actions.
Isn’t it incredible how you may be able to write an entire
research paper in a single night if it is due the next
morning? If it helps you, use this strategy to your advantage
and create some pressure to get your project done.
One way to do this is to tell a friend that you will complete
your project by a certain date and if you don’t, you’ll have to
do something embarrassing or pay them money.

14. 10. Take care of your mind and body.
This seems like a given but it is important to commit to
this because it will allow your productivity to really
soar. Exercise, eat right, stay well hydrated and
meditate.
Get enough rest and remember not to take yourself so
seriously. Enjoy the journey you are on now and be
patient with yourself.