The more we want to do, the less we actually end up achieving. Let’s take a step back and plan.
Do you ever set up for success, with a long to-do list and motivation to match, but end up not achieving much? Do you ever feel burned out after a long day of trying to get stuff done?
… Then you may be doing it wrong.
In this post, I will help you plan your tasks better to achieve more without stress. The idea is to absolutely stop multi-tasking. Multi-tasking means that instead of giving all your attention to one task, you are giving a little attention to many, many things – and thus not giving any of tasks the full energy it requires. So instead of answering emails + writing a blog post + editing photos all at once, here’s how you should do instead…
1️⃣ Prioritize the items on your to-do list
When you write down your to-do list, make sure you write down the tasks in a priority order – the most important task comes first, then the next big task, and so on. The priority could be the time it takes to achieve the task, the deadline, or the importance you give it personally. This way, you can go down the list one by one, and whatever you don’t have time to achieve that day won’t be as bad, because it’ll be down on your priority list.
2️⃣ Give yourself a time limit for each task
The risk with long tasks is that they take more time than you anticipated, and you may end up having to push back all the other tasks you had planned for the day. To avoid this, give each task a time frame that you will follow strictly during the day. Not done with your task for the day? That’s okay! Keep to your time limit and carry on tomorrow. If it’s a big task that you know will take long, break it down in smaller chunks before you start.
3️⃣ Put away distractions!
That may be one of the hardest one! Like me, you may be guilty of taking random Instagram (or TikTok, if that’s your thing) breaks while trying to get stuff done. We can’t always be 100% focused every single day, so being distracted will happen! It’s natural. However, to limit distractions and lack of focus, make sure to put your phone away while you’re working if you don’t need it. Turn the TV off, mute your electronics, have a snack and drink ready next to you so you don’t have to take a break to make your snack later… If you prepare well for your task, you’ll do it faster!
4️⃣ Discipline + reward
Before you start working every day, remind yourself that you’re doing great, you’ve already accomplished a lot, and you’ll do great still! Also remember that it’s okay if you’re not feeling as productive one day – every single day is different, and any task achieved should be rewarded!
Reward yourself mentally by speaking kindly to yourself, giving yourself a pat on the back, and once you’re all done, take the time off that you deserve to do something fun.
