The Things Highly Productive People Do to Get More Done

I’m a writer who struggles with procrastination.

There I said.

I admitted it.

Now that it’s out in the open I’m declaring that from this moment on I’m going to be more productive. Not just with writing — but in everything.

Chances are if you are a writer who struggles with procrastination, like me, you likely wrestle with it in other areas too. The first step toward being more productive is admitting you’re a procrastinator.

Go ahead. Yell it. Scream it. Write it out.

Get it off your chest.

Now let’s move on.

It’s time to take a stand against procrastination.

Procrastination is a choice. And we can choose to not entertain it. When I wrote my book, Redeem the Story, I gave myself a deadline because I knew if I didn’t I would never finish it. Especially, since I was self-publishing it. I had no editor emailing me a deadline. I had to be the writer and that editor!

The thing is I tend to naturally procrastinate in other areas of my life. Chores around the house. Yard work. Work in general. I know I am painting this picture that I am completely lazy. I’m not — seriously — but I do admit I’m more apt to binge-watch Stranger Things than wash the dishes.

Procrastination robs us of our goals and of the satisfaction of accomplishing a goal or dream or even something on our to-do list.

I recently came back to Medium after an almost two-year hiatus. I remember what was the number one hindrance to writing consistently back then — procrastination! That dreadful thing still haunts me today.

But I’m taking a stand against it — starting with this story!

So what am I doing about it this time around? I’m working toward developing good habits with the goal of becoming more productive and consistent! These habits are what the highly productive people I know personally have implemented to take a stand against procrastination.

And I believe they can help you too!

Become a list person.

I’ll admit it: I hate lists.

I’m not a “list person” per se but I do see the value in becoming one. My wife is a list person. She makes a list for everything: groceries, to-do lists, vacations, random reminders, work lists, etc. Not only is she a list person but she is a list person who is consistent with it — and she’s ten times more productive than me because of it!

I can’t tell you how many times I have forgotten something because I didn’t make a list.

I now use the Medium app on my phone to create drafts of writing prompts that shoot across my mind throughout the day. Later, I’ll go back and look them over to see if any would make a good story. If I don’t jot them down, I’ll forget all about them.

If I don’t make a list, I’m less productive.

It doesn’t matter how good of a memory you have — a list will help keep you focused on the tasks before you. That’s why developing the habit of becoming a list person is a jumpstart toward becoming someone who is productive and consistent!

I’m still growing in this habit!

Be accountable to someone.

Productivity without accountability is only setting yourself up for failure.

When I was a Department Manager for Home Depot I had to hold the associates in my department accountable. I learned right away that if I didn’t hold them accountable in their job their productivity dropped. And I had to take the heat for it from management.

Before I was promoted to a Department Manager my Department Manager paved the way in showing me the why and how to hold others accountable on the job. I learned those who wanted accountability took correction and criticism well and prospered in their jobs while those who didn’t would give me attitude, gossip to co-workers, slack even more, or simply quit their job entirely.

Accountability must be your choice. No one can force you to be accountable. It must be an open door both ways.

Set a schedule and be disciplined in following it.

This goes hand-in-hand with becoming a list person. Make a list of your daily tasks — and follow it! Schedule your day but don’t become so rigid you have no flexibility.

When I write I like to follow a schedule. My routine usually involves getting up before sunrise, because that’s when my house is quiet and my mind can focus without any distractions.

Whether you’re writing or doing something else, having a schedule increases productivity. According to Entrepreneur.com “science says healthy scheduling habits makes people happy.” When I schedule less, I’m more apt to feel the pressure of all the things I need to do. There must be a healthy balance of work and leisure. Too much scheduling may make your vacation feel like your job.

Setting a schedule and being disciplined in following it requires great flexibility because life is more than just work, to-do lists, and schedules. Don’t forget to live!

For example, Mondays are my sabbath. My day of rest. The one day each week where I purposefully don’t set a schedule. Why? My mind, body, and soul needs rest and flexibility because it fosters creativity and encourages productivity for when my week is full of scheduled meetings, writing sessions, lunches, etc.

At the end of the day, these habits can be modified to fit “you.” The truth is we all have different ways of doing the same thing. For example, I may fold clothes differently than you or organize my desk opposite of how you would. And that’s okay.

If anything, these habits foster productivity and consistency that can help you do more in less time! They will help you become that productively consistent person you’ve always wanted to be!

Just remember: You got this!

Today can be day one of a more productive and consistent you!

Until next time,

Aaron

If you are a writer facing rejection be sure to check out my article about how rejection can be your most valuable tool for growth.

Note: This article first appeared in the Medium publication Publishous.