There are some productivity techniques that I rely on, not only for my clients but for myself as well. You can use these techniques to boost your productivity when you're under stress or feeling less-than-confident in your ability to make it to the finish line.
Here's How to Break Through Your Resistance
When you feel yourself doubting your ability or your chances of succeeding, remember to use at least one of the following productivity techniques to boost your productivity:
- Remind yourself that you don’t need to be anxious and stressed in order to get things done.
- Purposefully choose a new way of looking at the situation you’re in.
- Challenge the negative thoughts that are blocking you from taking action. Pretend you are the lawyer arguing for the other side of those negative thoughts and come up with at least one positive thought to counter your negative ones.
- Take 3 minutes to do deep breathing. Count to 3 for the inhale, then count to 3 for the exhale and repeat both for a few rounds. This technique will calm you down for everything including overthinking and a full-on panic attack.
- Remember to take the focus off yourself. When we think everything depends on us, we are typically placing too much importance on our involvement and neglecting to think about the other people also involved.
- Relax your mind so your natural creativity and flow of thinking can kick in. We each have different ways of relaxing our minds. Use your own strategy often, even when you’re not in the middle of a stressful situation.
- Push yourself. And I don’t mean stress your mind and body to the max. Think more deeply, consider options you might have ignored before, and dare to be bold when you are putting yourself out into the world.
- Get excited instead of focusing solely on how difficult or boring you think your task will be.
- Have fun. Always.
- Remember everything is both changing and transient. When we believe every decision is heavy and permanent, it’s no wonder we can't make up our minds even on which sandwich to order at the deli. Allow yourself to accept those times when you make mistakes or when you fail. Those moments are often the most meaningful lessons we'll get.
Here's How to Change Your Mindset for the Better
I know it can be hard to believe that we can change our thinking, especially when we are feeling deeply worried or insecure.
I want to assure you that you can dramatically boost your productivity. You DO have a role in creating and directing your thoughts and actions. You CAN change the attitudes that you hold. You WILL get good at foreseeing and enabling your own success.
Let me know how you’re planning to change your mindset and productivity for the better. Which of the productivity techniques will you use? I can’t wait to hear!
N.B.: I’ll be hosting a free 4-day Clear Mind, Clear Space challenge starting Monday, October 7th over in the Procrastination Coach Facebook Group. When you register for the challenge, you’ll get immediate access to a PDF workbook to keep track of all your a-ha moments and wins during the challenge. Click this link to get the PDF now and to sign up to join the challenge!
