Hasta La Ideas

It happens to the best of us. At some point or another, your motivation will seem to dissolve into thin air. This can happen quite spontaneously or, at other times, it seems to gradually sneak up on you. Chances are that throwing your to-do list out the window is not an option. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to increase your motivation and actually begin getting stuff done.

1. Start small. Often when your motivation is lacking, just getting started can be a big obstacle. But, you can convince yourself to begin working on your projects by committing to work on the least amount items for the shortest amount of time. This means that you can narrow your focus by picking one thing to work on for a short time block (like 10 or 15 minutes). Keep in mind that using a timer can also help to release you from the task once your time is up, though (in my experience) you’ll notice that once you get started, you’ll probably continue working a little longer.
2. Focus on a mantra. Mantras and inspirational quotes can spur you to doing your best work. They can also help you get through difficult tasks. When I start feeling frantic because I have a lot to do, I often say to myself: “A little plus a little equals much.” (Thanks to my friend and fellow professional organizer, Geralin Thomas, for that wonderful quote.) This helps me to keep a steady pace and to push the temptation to multi-task aside.
3. Think with the end in mind. How successful and proud will you feel after you finish your tasks? Ask yourself this question when you find that you’re ignoring your most important projects. By focusing on the positive feelings you will have when you actually do what you set out to do, you are actually creating a persuasive argument for getting things done.
4. Choose a reward. Extend those positive feelings by planning a way to reward yourself when you start crossing stuff off your list. This can be the shove you need to get you started, but remember to pick something that’s attainable so you don’t end up feeling disappointed.
5. Rewrite your list. If your to do list seems daunting, reconfigure it. Do you need to move things around? What about your deadlines? Have you set “due by” dates and are they realistic? Which items can you delegate to someone else?
6. Do something else. Sometimes working on something else on your to do list (perhaps a task that’s easy to take care of) can help put you in the right mindset — even though it may not be a top priority. This sort of structured procrastination can build momentum for sustained productivity.
7. Exercise. Exercise can energize you and improve your mental outlook. Engaging in physical activity can also help to clear your mind so you can focus on those important tasks. If you create a schedule where exercise is regularly included, you might find you are well-equipped to successfully handle those moments when your motivation and productivity begin to wane.

   And, there’s research to back this up:

   A habit of regular exercise will help keep you mentally sharper throughout your entire life. Over a shorter time-frame, an exercise routine can give you more energy throughout the day. Most of your cells contain components called mitochondria, often referred to as the cell’s “power plant.” Mitochondria produce the chemical that your body uses as energy, known as ATP. Physical exercise stimulates the development of new mitochondria within your cells, meaning that your body will be able to produce more ATP over time. That gives you more energy to exert yourself physically, but it also means more energy for your brain, boosting your mental output.

8. Organize your work space. Chaotic workspaces probably don’t contribute to productive work nor do they motivate you to get things done. So, set the stage — remove paper piles, clear pathways and the space behind your chair, and neatly gather together the supplies you need. Though organizing your work area isn’t directly linked to the tasks you need to get done, putting things in order can reduce stress and create the productive mindset you need to get started. (Just don’t decide to clean your entire house, stick to your workspace.)
9. Listen to uplifting music. Music can help you feel more inspired when you don’t feel like working. Is it any wonder that it’s the one constant that you’ll find at your local gym? Once you begin tackling your list, consider listening to unfamiliar music to ramp up your productivity.
10. Call a friend. When all else fails, consider calling a friend (also known as an accountability partner) who can impart a few words of encouragement and check in with you on your progress. You’ll probably be more likely to get your tasks done (or started) if you know that someone will be following up with you.

These are just a few ways that you can turn your workday around when you just don’t feel like doing anything. As with any strategy, not every suggestion will work for everyone. Give some of the suggestions a try to find the ones that move you from inactivity to productivity.

Let Unclutterer help you get your home or office organized. Subscribe to our helpful product shipments from Quarterly today.

I watched an incredible tennis match recently. On Centre Court at Wimbledon, the number two player in the world, Rafael Nadal, was in a heated battle with Lukas Rosol, a player ranked 100 and not very well known. Nadal, though being tested, was expected to not only win, but to do so in his usual commanding style. In the end, Rosol stunned everyone when he turned the tables and won. In the post-match interview, Nadal said, “I just played an inspired opponent.” Rosol, who also thought that he wouldn’t win, said that he just didn’t want to lose poorly. As a result, he was extremely motivated, focused, and played in a way that far exceeded even his expectations.

But, what happens when your focus and motivation seem to desert you? Even the most well-intentioned and commited person has days when he or she doesn’t feel motivated to do much of anything. Tasks (whether the plan is to take care of some long delayed “fix-its” around the house or complete an important project) can seem daunting, boring, or you just might feel like doing something else. Rather than focus on the things you shouldn’t do (like procrastinate), a better strategy would be to set your sights on things you can do until your motivation returns.

When you feel like putting your important goals on the back burner, consider:

1. Making a list and short-term plan. The first step is to create a list because that will get everything out of your head. Writing down the things you need to do (or entering them in your smart phone or a text file on your computer) will help you to categorize and prioritize your tasks, and, ultimately, create a short-term plan for that day. This temporary plan can help you to get moving, keep you focused, and allow you to include other activities you want to do.
2. Think of the end result. Thinking about the long list of things that you have to do probably won’t give you the needed push to get stuff done, but thinking about how amazing or proud you’ll feel when you accomplish even the smallest of goals, just might be all you need to jump start your productivity. To remind yourself of that amazing feeling, think back to a time when you did your best work. While you’re at it, look back at the steps you took to reach your goals to see if you can do something similar to turn your current situation around.
3. Go ahead and do something else … for a short while and then come back to your project or task. When you’re feeling stuck in lack-of-motivation land, you may need a change of scenery, a bite to eat, or perhaps a jog around the neighborhood to get your juices flowing. In fact, exercising can improve your mood and help you focus and work efficiently. The New York Times recently reported that:
   

   In humans, exercise improves what scientists call “executive function,” the set of abilities that allows you to select behavior that’s appropriate to the situation, inhibit inappropriate behavior and focus on the job at hand in spite of distractions. Executive function includes basic functions like processing speed, response speed and working memory, the type used to remember a house number while walking from the car to a party.

4. Start with the easiest thing first. As you look at your list, pick the thing that is the easiest to complete because you’ll be able to get it done quickly. You probably won’t need (much) help doing these types of tasks and you can cross them off your list immediately. When you get things done, you’re likely to be motivated to do more. Sometimes, turning your to do items into a game (how much can you accomplish in 10 minutes) or trying to beat your personal best (can you do more than what you did the day before) can also push you forward.
5. Phone a friend. Still feeling like putting your work plans aside? You’ll probably benefit from calling in reinforcements, literally. Having someone else encourage you or check-in with you can be very motivating. Sometimes, all it takes is a different perspective, a friendly nudge, or even a little healthy competition to get you moving.

   Or, maybe you just need a body double. Judith Kohlberg, the author of Conquering Chronic Disorganization and ADD Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life, describes a body double as a person who “… functions as an anchor. The presence of a human anchor focuses another person and makes it possible … to ignore distractions.”

   Though the body double (or accountability partner) is present while you work and not actively involved with what you’re doing (and quiet), they still help you to get things done by staying on task. If you think this would be too distracting, use a timer to keep you on track. When it goes off, you will be released from that task so that you can do something else.

There will always be days when you don’t feel like working. It helps to come up with a few strategies that can put you in the frame of mind to work productively (like a quiet room, clear desk, co-working, etc.). Test out some of the suggestions from today’s post to see if they’ll work for you. Usually, once you get started, you’ll be inspired to keep going. And, you just might end up having more spectacular days like Lukas Rosol did this past June.

Like this site? Buy Erin Rooney Doland’s Unclutter Your Life in One Week from Amazon.com today.