Want to learn how to be more productive even when you don’t feel like it?
There are always days when you are just not feeling like doing anything.
You might be tired, burnt out, or frustrated being unmotivated.
Here are seven top hacks that actually work for me to keep me motivated and productive.
If you are used to regular hacks, then get ready for some new ones.
My hacks have worked for me and ones that you might not have seen before!
Also, learn how to keep a steady stream of energy or productivity so you don’t burn yourself out.
Moreover, you can use your productivity to get more things done.
For instance, keeping your room clean, completing that project or assignment, studying for that exam, getting to work, or finishing whichever you haven’t done yet.
How to Be More Productive (7 Hacks that Work)
Before we jump right in, I need to be clear with one thing…YOU have to be the change to do what you want to do.
No matter how many hacks or tips that I provide, you have to take action in order for these to work.
However, do not aim to be always productive because that is impossible.
You do not want to burn yourself out and put yourself in burnt-out mode.
It is fine to want some slack days or take some breaks in between.
Just don’t make it into a bad habit by extending your breaks when you are just procrastinating and don’t want to start.
Also, productivity does not mean sitting in front of your work and then browsing shopping sites or playing games.
Being busy does not mean that you are being productive.
Productivity is how much you are focused and working on a task to reach some sort of progress.
Alright, let’s dive right into some of my favorite hacks that keep me productive.
Identify what prevents you from being more productive…
Are you procrastinating and putting everything towards the last minute?
Do you not have the energy to work or start on a task?
Are you so busy that you feel burnt out and unproductive to start on projects or tasks?
Whichever your issue may be, you have to identify it.
Then, try to tackle the root of the problem.
Luckily, these hacks below will help you tackle each of those problems and help you be more proactive, energized, and manage your time better.
Check out the hacks that match your situation the most to help you with your productivity issues.
1. Put it In Front of You
Photo by Marissa Grootes
Alright, this can either be directly or indirectly.
If you have an assignment that you need to work on, then place the papers, pens, laptop, etc. in front of you.
However, if you have a task that you need to do on your laptop, then sit in front of your desk.
Whatever task that you are working on, make sure you have it in front of you.
And that is taking the first step. Let me tell you a secret.
You are already 50% there to become more productive.
Why?
Well, because you are getting started and it’s better than all those previous times when you think, but don’t take any action.
Also, a horrible, terrible habit is to think about what you are going to do instead of doing it.
So, once you take the initiative to sit in front of your work, you are more likely to work on that task.
2. Roulette
If you have never tried this before, then I highly suggest that you give this a spin.
Download any roulette or decision-making app onto your mobile device.
Then, input five to ten tasks that you either:
- need to complete today
- is very urgent
- very important
It can also be tasks that you need to do to keep your life in order.
An example of my roulette can be:
- reply to emails
- do laundry
- draft an outline for a post
- bake desserts for family gatherings
- organize my desk
After I have all the tasks that I want to complete that day, spin your roulette and see where it lands.
Once you have completed that task, erase the option from the roulette and continue spinning until you have no tasks left.
I love this strategy because sometimes I have several things that I need to do, but unsure of what to start with first.
This gives you a push to decide for you what task you should start with first.
Also, if you are super indecisive like me, then this is such an awesome decision-maker to help you with choices.
It can also work for planning where to eat, what to do on the weekends, or where you should go shopping.
The choices are limitless and it is super fun to try.
And it’s also a great tool to play with your friends if you guys all have differing opinions on where to eat.
3. Reward System
We all like rewards…well at least I do.
And you can definitely implement this into your tasks.
If you have ever collected points or stamps at bakeries or coffee shops, then you should be familiar with this process.
Each time that you buy a coffee, you earn points and once you reach a certain threshold, you are eligible for a free drink or snack.
Now using this similar concept, you can instill these techniques to boost your productivity!
For example, if you need to study for a big final that is worth 45% of your grade (yikes!)
Then, create a schedule for time blocks that you can study for that test.
Once you have the number of study sessions that you need to complete and the date of the final, then you can create an incentive sheet.
Say you have six study sessions before the final, and then for each session that you do, you earn points towards an award.
It can be something simple like boba or a dessert.
Maybe before your reward, you set a rule that you can’t touch any boba before the end date to make the reward more attractive to you.
Example of how to use a reward sheet:
First, jot down the reward that you want and the number of stars that you need to reach that goal.
Next, each time you complete the task of studying, jot it down next to a star.
Once you have reached the amount of stars that you need, then you can go get your reward!
I also made a simple reward list for you to try!
If you have more than 13 tasks that you need to achieve before getting a reward, then feel free to use the back of the sheet to continue your tasks!
Also, the more tasks that you need to do, the bigger your reward should be to incentivize you.
4. Motivational/Productive Tools
Do you have anything that makes you pumped up and ready to work?
For me, I love to watch several clean my room videos before jumping into tackling my room.
Another tool that keeps me motivated to work, is music.
I love to turn up some tunes to listen to and dive into planning my month’s workload.
First, find what tools or items motivate you to take that step forward and utilize it to start your work.
You can also try to identify these motivational tools by playing around with what works best for you.
Some ideas to try are:
- Make a playlist: combine at least 20 songs for a motivational playlist (I’m guilty of having 125 songs in my playlist) that you can listen to to get you pumped up. You can also make separate playlists for different occasions like studying, chores, working, etc.
- Watch motivational content: this may be watching videos or reading posts on productivity (that might be the reason why you are reading this right now). However, be careful of falling into the pit hole of watching too many videos or posts instead of doing what you should be doing. Limit yourself to three videos or brief 5-minute content.
- Set alerts: you can try the Pomodoro method where you work for 25 minutes and take 5-minute breaks. Or, you can set a timer on your phone and estimate how much time you will need for a certain task. Then, within that timeframe, try to get as much done as possible.
Whatever drives you or makes you excited for the day and then incorporate that into your routine.
Incorporate feel-good activities to get you into your productive mood.
Maybe you need a quick swim or workout before getting into your job.
Find what pushes you and try to stick it in your day.
5. Get Energized
Photo by Tyler Nix
Maybe the root of your lack of productivity is not procrastination, but your energy levels.
And if you often feel tired, then you should try this quick routine to get you awake.
- Do 10 jumping jacks: get your blood flowing and pumping with ten quick jumping jacks.
- Try 15 high kicks: lift your knees and touch your elbows. Try fifteen high kicks to get your legs moving.
- Flap your arms 20 times: lift your arms from your body and flap them around back and forth. Doing so will help circulate your blood and wake your arms up.
If you need a quick burst of energy, then this quick routine is what I would do.
However, if you want some other hacks to wake you up, then here are others that are extremely effective.
- Take a quick shower: this can be a five-minute shower where you hop in and wake yourself up. If you don’t want to go full-on shower, then you can also wash your face to wake yourself up.
- Drink tea: you can also try peppermint tea or any drink that wakes you up. Or, if you prefer something refreshing, then a smoothie will do the trick.
- Munch some snacks: I find that munching on cucumber cubes, apple slices, or nuts can give you some brain power while keeping you focused.
As much as these tips help, it is still super important to get enough sleep.
Usually, you lack energy because you have a wrecked sleeping schedule.
Try to get at least the amount of hours that you need to function properly. For me, that’s around 8.25 hours of sleep to perform my very best.
In order to perform your absolute best, you should ensure that you have sufficient energy and take care of yourself.
6. Erase Board Method
You might not have heard of this before, but basically you set up a whiteboard and a list of the tasks that you have to do.
If you don’t have a whiteboard, then you can also use a sheet protector with printer paper inside as a whiteboard.
Or you can use a photo frame.
Then, jot down the task that you need to do and erase it once it is completed.
A key feature is that you eliminate that task completely, so it means that you should finish all aspects of that task or else you will forget it.
For instance, if I jot down outline a post, then I need to finish all the mini-pieces that lead to that task.
For example, I need to find a topic, identify ideas, and organize headers and sections.
By using the erase board method, you have to complete ALL components of your task to erase it.
This pushes you to be more careful, but also adds a sense of emergency to push you to finish that task.
Interested in more how to be more productive posts? Check out 9 Essential College Student Skills to Learn Right Now.
7. Goal Oriented
Photo by Unseen Studio
A main push for me to keep being productive is my end goal.
Ask yourself: why am I doing this?
How can this impact my life?
If I don’t take action today, what is going to affect me in 5 years? In 10 years?
Will I become the person that I want to become?
How does not being productive today cost me tomorrow?
Will I have any regrets in life?
What am I trying to achieve?
You have to identify your why to keep you motivated and productive to conquer tasks.
Maybe you want to attend college debt-free or you want to land your dream career.
Whatever it is, you have to put in the effort and learn to use the productive hours in your life to do everything you can to go toward your goal.
You have to have a why or what in order to conquer that procrastination or energy burnout.
Alright, now go jumpstart your project or task that you need to do.
Implement one or multiple of these techniques to see which ones works best for you.
