A Simple and Friendly Guide to Getting More Done
You’ve got a long list of things to do, but somehow... the day slips by. Maybe you’re scrolling your phone, watching one more video, or just feeling “meh.” I’ve been there too.
In fact, I used to be stuck in the same loop:
- “I’ll start in 5 minutes.”
- “Let me check this one notification.”
- “Maybe I just need a break first.”
Before I knew it, the day was gone.
That’s why I decided to learn about productivity, how to get more done without feeling like a robot. And now, I want to share everything I’ve learned with you.
What Is Productivity, Really?
Productivity means doing the right things, in less time, without stress. It’s not just about doing more. It’s about doing what matters most.
Being productive means:
- Finishing your schoolwork without rushing at the last minute
- Getting work done so you can enjoy your evening guilt-free
- Feeling proud of your day, not just tired
Sound good? Let’s dive into how you can make it happen.
1. Start with a Simple Plan
Why Plans Work: Without a plan, your brain feels lost. It doesn’t know where to start, so it panics and does... nothing.
What To Do:
- Every morning (or the night before), write 3 important tasks you want to finish.
- Use a simple notebook, sticky note, or even your phone.
Start small. Even one task a day is better than zero.
Try This:
- Write down: “If I do only one thing today, I’ll be proud if it’s ___.”
2. Use the "10-Minute Trick"
Ever feel too lazy to start? Try this.
The Trick:
Tell yourself, “I’ll just do this for 10 minutes. If I want to stop after that, I can.” Most of the time, once you start, you’ll keep going.
Why It Works:
- The brain hates starting, but once it starts, it doesn’t want to stop. Sneaky, right?
3. Get Rid of Distractions (Even a Little Bit)
Phones, TV, YouTube, Instagram… they’re fun, but they steal your focus.
What You Can Do:
- Turn on Do Not Disturb on your phone for 30 minutes.
- Use apps like Forest, Focus Keeper, or Cold Turkey.
- Put your phone in a drawer while you work.
Even a 10% decrease in distractions makes a big difference.
Warning: One quick “scroll” can easily turn into 45 minutes.
4. Try the “Pomodoro” Technique
This method is super simple.
How It Works:
- Work for 25 minutes (set a timer)
- Take a 5-minute break
- After 4 rounds, take a longer break (15–30 mins)
Why it works: Your brain loves short sprints, not long marathons.
5. Clean Your Space, Clear Your Mind
A messy space = a messy brain.
Quick Fixes:
- Clear your desk or bed before you start working.
- Put away 3 things before you sit down to focus.
- Light a candle or play calm music.
When your space feels fresh, your brain gets the message: “Time to work!”
6. Work at Your Best Time
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Pay attention:
- When do you feel most awake? Most focused?
- That’s your “magic time”, use it for your most important tasks.
For me, it’s between 7 to 9 AM. For you, it might be after lunch. Everyone’s different and that’s okay!
7. Say No (Even to Yourself)
Sometimes, productivity means protecting your time.
How to Say No:
- “Can we talk in 30 minutes? I’m focusing right now.”
- “I’d love to help, but I need to finish something first.”
Also, say no to yourself:
- “No, I don’t need to watch that video right now.”
- “I can scroll Instagram after I finish this.”
You’re not being rude. You’re being serious about your dreams.
8. Know Your “Why”
Why do you want to be productive?
Is it:
- To get better grades?
- To grow your business?
- To spend more time with family?
- To feel proud of yourself?
Write it down. Look at it often. When you feel lazy, remind yourself: “This is why I’m doing it.”
9. Don’t Burn Out
Productivity isn’t about working 24/7. It’s about balance.
Give Yourself:
- Sleep (at least 7 hours)
- Water (drink a glass every hour)
- Food (real meals, not just snacks)
- Breaks (stretch, walk, breathe)
Taking care of yourself makes you more productive, not less.
10. Get an Accountability Buddy
Find a friend who also wants to be productive.
- Set daily or weekly goals together
- Text each other: “Did you do your task today?”
- Share small wins (like “I finally finished my report!”)
It’s more fun when someone’s cheering for you.
11. Break Big Tasks into Tiny Steps
If something feels too big, your brain gets scared.
Instead of: “Write blog post”
Try:
- Open laptop
- Write headline
- Write 1 paragraph
Tiny steps = tiny wins = big success.
12. Make a Weekly Reset
Every Sunday (or any day), look back:
- What did I finish this week?
- What worked well?
- What can I improve?
Then make a simple plan for the next week. Think of it like cleaning your room, but for your life.
13. Talk Kindly to Yourself
Stop saying:
- “I’m so lazy.”
- “I can’t do anything right.”
- “I’ll never finish this.”
Start saying:
- “I can do this, one step at a time.”
- “I’m learning. I’m growing.”
- “Progress > perfection.”
You’re not a robot. You’re human. Be kind to yourself.
14. Learn What Motivates You
Some people like checklists. Others like rewards. What works for you?
Try This:
- Make a to-do list and check things off
- Give yourself a treat after finishing a task
- Play music while working
- Say out loud: “Let’s do this!”
Find what feels good and use it.
15. Be Okay with “Bad Days”
Not every day will be perfect. And that’s okay. Some days you’ll feel tired, sad, or stuck. That doesn’t mean you failed. It means you’re normal. Just don’t let one bad day turn into a bad week.
Take a break. Sleep early. Try again tomorrow.
Final Learning
You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to finish a million things a day. You just need to show up, take small steps, and be kind to yourself. I’ve seen what productivity can do; it changed my life. Now I hope it changes yours too.
And whenever you feel stuck, just remember this:
Start small. Stay kind. Keep going.
Bonus: Quick Productivity Checklist
- Write 3 important tasks
- Use the 10-minute rule
- Work in 25-minute sprints
- Turn off phone distractions
- Drink water + take breaks
- Track weekly progress
- Celebrate small wins
- Talk kindly to yourself
- Ask: “What’s my Why?”
I was tired of feeling stuck and overwhelmed every day…
So I created a simple 7-Day Project Productivity Boost Challenge that I now use myself and it actually works. It’s a clean, printable checklist with small, powerful tasks that help you get back on track, stay focused, and feel in control again.And the best part?
I’m giving it to you completely FREE. Just print it out, follow along for 7 days and feel the difference.
Download your free 7-Day Productivity Challenge Template now and start showing up for yourself, one small win at a time.
