Blog Archives

Use Technology

Technology can be used to get things done faster or even completely automate them. With the speedy development of smart phones we have the world at our fingertips. Not only can you download thousands of apps that are designed to increase productivity (To-Do lists, etc.) But you can also call your friend Joe now just by saying “Call Joe”. Use advanced technology to completely streamline what you need to get done, making you a productive machine. Now you can access to-do lists, calendars, emails, shopping applications, and much more while even sitting on the bus waiting for your stop.

Eliminate Distractions

Most people drown themselves in distractions without even knowing it when trying to get something done. Turn off the loud music if you are doing something that requires a lot of thinking, log-off Facebook, and ignore your phone if need be. It’s not necessary that you respond to all your texts the instant you get them. Once you’re free from all these things you can dedicate all your brain power to what you are trying to get done and actually get it done.

Gather Momentum

Once you start getting stuff done, keep getting stuff done. If you tell yourself “I’m just going to watch a little bit of TV before the next chore” you’re never going to get anywhere. Your brain works better and faster when doing related tasks together without interruption. The faster you complete the tasks you don’t want to do, the more time you will have to do things you really enjoy doing.

Reward Yourself

It’s easy to motivate yourself by giving yourself rewards for completing tasks. For smaller tasks give yourself little rewards. For example, give yourself a couple M&Ms for every math problem you complete. Give yourself larger rewards for larger tasks, like going out to dinner for finishing painting the bedroom. You get the picture.

Apply the 80/20 Rule

The philosophy of the 80/20 rule is that 80% of the work/task gets done in 20% of the time/effort. So in other words, focus on what really matters. There’s no need to waste all your energy and time on being a perfectionist with tasks that do not require perfection.

Compete Against Yourself

If you’re anything like me you are constantly trying to improve yourself. (Isn’t that what life is about?) Rather than comparing and competing with others, try and break your own personal records. Being able to beat your previous self is the true sign of progress.

Do the Hard Stuff First

The To-Do list looks much less intimidating after being able to cross off some of the largest items off it. It’s senseless to spend all your energy on the easy tasks just before you get to the task that will require the most energy, you’ll just decide to put it off untill when you have more energy.

Determine Your Peak Time to Get Things Done

Some people are absolutely useless in the morning, stumbling around like zombies not knowing what’s going on. Others are exploding with energy in the morning and can get anything done but then have issues focusing later on. Everyone has their “best” time to get stuff done, use it to your advantage.

Find Your Inspiration

Inspiration can come from many different places, it can be that album that pumps you up and helps you clean the entire house, or the work of an artist that helps you visualize your next masterpiece. We as humans learn and grow from others, take advantage of that fact. I get a lot of my writing inspiration from books and articles I read online.