How to Get Yourself Back on Track
From Productivity to Procrastination

Feeling unmotivated and unproductive can be a common experience for many people, especially when you are dealing with a lot of tasks and responsibilities. It can be frustrating to feel like you are not making progress or achieving your goals. However, there are strategies and techniques that you can use to help yourself get out of a productivity rut. By taking practical steps such as setting achievable goals, taking breaks, and prioritizing your tasks, you can increase your motivation and productivity and start making progress towards your goals once again.
1. "Do something"
The do something principle is the catalyst for action. If you don't have the motivation to do something, you need something that'll spark some sort of action, something to get the momentum going, something to get the ball rolling. The do something principle is a means to take action when you don't have the motivation to do anything. To put this into action, start with something small, like brushing your teeth or making your bed. Once you start with small, monotonous actions, you'll gain momentum and be more likely to take further action.
2. Reward yourself
Rewarding yourself for small wins is a psychological necessity, especially if you're in a vulnerable situation. This has everything to do with the fact that you have two sides of your brain - the more primal part, which is responsible for motivation and emotion, and the more logical, abstract, moralistic part of your brain. Your prefrontal cortex knows to use the do something principle in order to convince your primal side to take action. When you reward yourself for small wins, you're using positive reinforcement to train your brain to do more of what you want it to do.
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3. Focus on one thing at a time
Feeling unmotivated can be a real struggle, especially when you have a long list of tasks to complete. It's easy to get overwhelmed and feel like you don't know where to start. However, the key to overcoming this feeling is to focus on one thing at a time. By prioritizing your tasks and starting with the most important one, you can gradually build momentum and make progress. Once you've completed that task, you can move on to the next one with a sense of accomplishment and motivation. Taking things one step at a time can help you feel more in control and ultimately lead to greater productivity and success.
4. Take care of your body
Many people underestimate the impact that physical health can have on productivity. When you're feeling tired, sluggish, and unmotivated, it's difficult to focus on work and accomplish tasks efficiently. That's why it's important to prioritize your physical health in order to boost your productivity. Getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly are all crucial components of maintaining a healthy body. When your body is functioning properly, it can support your mind and help you stay focused and energized throughout the day. So if you're struggling to stay productive, take a step back and evaluate your physical health habits. Making small changes to your routine can have a big impact on your productivity and overall well-being.
5. Change your environment
The environment we work in plays a significant role in our productivity. If you are feeling unproductive or unmotivated, it may be time to consider changing your surroundings. Sometimes, simply moving to a different room or going for a walk outside can help to clear your mind and provide a fresh perspective. By changing your environment, you can break out of your rut and find new inspiration to fuel your work. Don't underestimate the power of your environment when it comes to your productivity – sometimes, a small change can make a big difference.
Feeling unmotivated and unproductive is a common experience, but there are practical tips to help you get out of a productivity rut. Utilize the do something principle, reward yourself for small wins, change your environment, focus on one thing at a time, and take care of your body. These strategies can help you gain momentum and start being productive again. Remember, it's okay to have unproductive days, but it's important to have a plan to get back on track.
About the Creator
Izabela Bąk
I'm a passionate business analyst.


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