Sometimes we need that quick reference that helps us push through our day’s tasks. We need helpful yet relatively simple reminders to get our day in gear and accomplish big goals. Follow along with these simple yet helpful 10 productivity hacks to make the most of your day and week.
Prioritize
If you imagine yourself at the end of your day, what would give you a feeling of accomplishment? Asking yourself this question will help you prioritize what is key and what is not worth your time.
I use a simple list for all of my regular non goal related tasks and a weekly goal tracker for all of my goal related tasks. Here is an example below. This Weekly Goal Tracker is available in the Goal Setting Freebies Section.
I find myself referring to this sheet multiple times a day to keep me on track. All of the sections below, “this week I will commit to…” are key to accomplishing the goals. I will address these areas a bit later.
Plan an Entire Week in One Day
I use Sunday nights to write out my weekly goals (as in the worksheet above). This way, I feel ready to tackle the week come Monday morning. I schedule all of my social media posts that day as well. Facebook and Pinterest are completed in one sitting but I am still trying to work out how to make Instagram more manageable.
Plan From What Works
I always refer to the week before when scheduling tasks for the next week. I ask myself, “why was I unable to accomplish that one task?” The answer usually is one of three things.
1. The task wasn’t specific enough (think SMART Goals here).
2. My task isn’t in alignment with my overall big yearly goal.
3. I am avoiding doing the work necessary for that task.
From these answers, I adjust my goals for the following week.
Time Blocking
When I find it difficult to stick to one task, I set a timer for a maximum of 15 minutes. Time blocking helps me to concentrate on one task. During this time I restrict scrolling through social media. If 15 minutes sounds too long, start with 5 minutes. It is truly amazing what you can accomplish when you set a time limit. If your time allotment is successful, set another time and see how far you can work with this system.
Accountability
Built in accountability helps you stay focused and on track. This could be a weekly phone call with another fellow goal tracker. Or it could be a Facebook group that you check in with a couple times a week. Through my course, Believe & Achieve Goal Setting Course, I have a built in Facebook group for this reason. I want my members to have a built in reminder for them to take action.
Gratitude
Not only is it important to be thankful for where you are right now in your journey, it it just as important to write it down. I have a space on my weekly Goal Tracker for gratitude. We can also look back and remind ourselves of what we value when we see these gratitude entries.
Track Success
One of the biggest motivators of continuing on towards our goal is tracking our success. I also have a spot on the daily and weekly goal tracker for marking daily successes as “yes” or “work in progress”. On the Monthly Goal Tracker or task record, there is an additional spot to “share monthly success and struggle with supports” (see below)
Even though I share a lot of freebies, I held back for years sharing my knowledge because I feared failure. As creatives, you and I can be held back due to negative thinking. It might look like comparing your ability to others or not having the confidence to pursue your creative talent or putting your creations out into the world.
But what if you could change that?
I have just the freebie for you –
Do you want to build a creative business but are struggling to find the answer to “what do I do next?”
I can help you GAIN CONFIDENCE and CLARITY to achieve your goal.
AND
I can help you ACHIEVE your goal and LAUNCH your business. I help take out the overwhelm.
The Freebie is called the Creative Clarity Workbook. This workbook will walk you through the key Preparing and Planning components of successfully launching:
- Core Values
- Changing negative beliefs into Affirmations
- Creating a Vision Board
- Vocalizing and Visualizing your Dream
- Creating Community
- How to take Action
Are you ready to take the next step? Do you desire to take your hobby and start a creative online presence?
Do you want to build a creative business but are struggling to find the answer to “what do I do next?”
I can help you ACHIEVE your goal and LAUNCH your business. I can help take out the overwhelm.
So, go for it! Take that step and book your FREE 15 minute call (I will be so excited for you, it just may turn into 30 minutes) with myself, a Counsellor turned Coach with 17 years experience.
Watch this quick video below for more information.
Click HERE to get started.
Remember to pin image to read later or share Pinterest. Thank you!
Productive Procrastination
We need breaks throughout our day, whether they are a result of hunger or boredom. I try to be productive in a non work related way when I am needing a break. This could look like folding laundry or making a meal. It could also look like scheduling social media posts.
Try to avoid mindlessly doing the social media scroll or watching T.V..
Organized Work Space
Keep your work area free of clutter and piles of paper or projects. The clearer your work space, the easier it will be to devote your energy to your creativity. If you need to clear the clutter, set a timer to help you stay focused and get the job done. Having a deadline looming (even as small as 15 minutes) can create a motivated mindset.
Planned Outings
It is important to get out of your work environment, especially if you work from home, to stretch your legs and observe a change of scenery for at least 30 minutes. Schedule coffee dates with other creatives or plan a trip to the library.
Learning From Others
Here’s what a member of my Believe & Achieve Facebook Group (that accompanies the Believe & Achieve Online Course) said about accountability, which is one of the productivity hacks.
“Darlene’s consistent posts and check ups kept me moving in the right direction. I found the very act of telling someone else what I wanted to achieve made me work harder to get there. It was a form of accountability for me.”
Sue Fulmore
I hope this inspires and motivates you. If you like what you have read, please share the love with a comment or pin. Thank you!
I trust you have gained some insight from these 10 productivity hacks. They have helped me stay focused and create more strategically these last three years.
Blessings from my house to yours,
Darlene
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