Sometimes, I think we humans are really good at getting in our own way.
Do you ever feel like you self-sabotage?
Like you do meaningless stuff just so you don't have to do the important stuff?
Or maybe you don't even know what's important?
I know the feeling, all too well. I have a pretty good system for eliminating this.
I'm going to share with you a few tips that help me when I start to feel overwhelm due to not getting shit done.
Eliminate Distractions
I work in a “home office.” I'm dying to get a “shedquarters,” but I'm in the process of evaluating a move. So I wait.
That said, I work in a tiny bedroom in a tiny house with 6 people (including me). I have small children who are LOUD.
It's tough. If I have to make a video, I do it late at night.
I use headphones. A lot. And Brain.fm. F-O-C-U-S.
Close everything but what you are working on.
Take a Hike
If that doesn't work, go for a walk. No need to beat yourself into bits because you have stuff to do and can't.
This break is just that. It's not quitting. It's giving your mind a little bit of down time.
Often, I find that my subconscious takes over and works out the problem for me.
Write a “Success List” the Night Before
Get a 3×5 index card and write the 3 things you want to get done tomorrow. Getting those 3 things done will determine whether you were successful or not.
Work on only those 3 things.
Cross them off, one by one.
Can you add to the list? Yes.
But only when you finish those 3. Then add whatever you want.
Just beware that the mind is a funny beast and hates unfinished business.
It's better just to finish those 3 things.
Alternatively, once you finish those 3 things, do something else. When you finish that, write it on the 3×5 index card and immediately cross it off.
See how that works?
Hope this helps.
By the way, I have a little pet project. It's a “lifehacks” newsletter where I share stuff like the above plus a whole lot of simple tricks and tips to get more done during your day.
Click below for details.