I’ve had a week of Internet connection hell! I’m now resigned to tethering non stop or switching ‘G’s(eh?) every new page which seems to work but takes triple the time and is starting to get a little tedious. In general I feel like things are going pretty slowly and I’m not being my most productive self, or even just my usual level of productive which ok, is not super quick but it is much faster than what I’m working with right now!
So I’ve been feeling a little demotivated. I think in general it’s good to have a down day every now and then. Sometimes when the work just isn’t happening it’s your minds way of telling you it’s not going to. Relax, clean or just do something other than what you’re pushing through at the moment and eventually it will all come back to you.
I will always forgive myself when I feel like this for a day. I’ll try to get a few things done, no pressure and I usually end up productively procrastinating by cleaning out my fridge or ruthlessly organising by wardrobe and afterwards feel pretty damn pleased with myself, but this cannot go on for too long. The work needs to be done at some point and hopefully before the deadline
Aim to get just one thing done.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed just pick one thing off the list and focus on that. Break it down into smaller chunks and work through them slowly and in a focussed way. Soon you’ll have completed the task and you’ll have completed your task for the day and you can choose to move onto the next one… if you want.
Go for a run.
I have such a love/hate relationship with my gym. If I’m struggling to get work done then spending time needlessly running seems like the exact opposite thing I should be doing in order to get everything I need to get done. Honestly, It’s not even as if I’m running to get anywhere? But as soon as I’ve completed the workout and I’m back at my desk all of my stresses have magically disappeared and I’m able to get double the amount done. Just 15 minutes of exercise can have this effect on me. So if you’re feeling in a slump take just 15 minutes and go for a jog. You’ll be glad you did!
Switch it up.
There are days when I cannot for the life of me write a couple of paragraphs for a blog post and days when everything I seem to make goes wrong. When you’re having one of these days stop what you’re doing and switch your focus. When I’m really struggling to do hands on work I’ll spend the day at my computer sending emails, scheduling a few tweets or Facebook posts and writing up any ideas I’ve had. These are the jobs I usually get a little behind on which means my day is so just as productive than it would have been, only if a different way.
Make lists.
Yes, lists are the procrastinators best friend but not only do they help you feel like you’re being productive they can also help you make the most of the days when you’re not. I have a list dedicated to small and manageable 5 minute jobs. Things like “print out freelance sheets”, “sort receipts” or “reply to blog comments”. These smaller jobs are low priority but are useful, quick and essentially necessary to running the business side of the blog. YAY lists!
Just start.
Most of the time when I feel like I’m not getting anything done it’s because I’m unsure of or worried about the outcome. If I have a DIY that has a technique or skill I’ve never tried before I subconsciously put it off and make excuses not to do it. Even when I know roughly what I’m doing the idea of getting it wrong scares me into not doing it at all! The funny thing is that usually during the process of starting and working through the project I become much more motivated and learn a lot more. Just had to make the first move!
I hope these tips help you kick yourself into gear on the slower days and remember not to work yourself too hard on these days. Do small things, take care of yourself and become a productivity goddess!
I feel like you’re standing inside my head and reading all my thoughts out loud. Excellent points, and the main concept you’ve shared here is so important, which is to do SOMETHING productive while your gears are trying to get back into motion instead of slouching and brooding about how off the day is, which is totally what I end up doing a lot of the time -.-
AND “JUST START”. Holy crap, I swear, it’s like I have to delay every project by starting with fear and worry, it really does waste a lot of time! I totally know what you’re saying, and you’re so right that sometimes turning off the doubt and just starting is all it takes.
Can you tell I love this post ? <3
HA! Brilliant! I’m so glad you like the post Amy. To be totally honest I wrote it as a bit of a reminder to myself. I definitely agree with you that moping around is not helpful but it’s an easy trap to get caught in. I need a “Do Anything!” motivational poster :)
xx
This post came at quite a good time in my life right now. Thanks for the tips. I have to say I agree with all of them. Especially the main message that it is okay to sometimes take a break – that our bodies and minds are sometimes telling us that it’s exactly what we need in order to avoid a burn out. But when we do need to power through – and often I find going to work actually makes me feel better because I cannot ruminate in my own sadness – it’s a good idea to just tackle one thing so it doesn’t feel as insurmountable. I also think sport is so important. I was really off my health track for a while, but I have been going through a difficult time and have started to exercise again, and it really does just put me in a better mood and centers me.
Rae | love from berlin
Thanks for the great tips. The first tip you gave is for me the best one. After finishing I have a good feeling and energy for another thing to do.
Have a nice day, Margaret
this post was useful and very relatable to.
My creativity comes and goes on a daily basis which is really frustrating sometimes, but thats the way it is and you have to deal with it!
When I’m having an off day, taking it one step at a time really helps me, too.
Totally love this post!
I think you’re very right to see the need to forgive yourself for having days like this – we all have off days, especially when you’re working on something creative.
I find that if I need to ‘jump start’ my mind it helps to change space – I’ll go and work from a coffee shop or the library for a couple of hours, always seems to help!
I absolutely love the “go for a run” point. I always feel more productive on an off day after being completely active.
Connie | Sponsored by Coffee | Bloglovin’
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Thank you for sharing this. In fact, after the world has become more digital, on the one hand, it is just fine, but on the other hand, it can cause burnout and not only. I am happy to communicate with my friends from other countries, despite the distance between us. But the amount of negativity in social media feeds is also very tiring. Therefore, I believe that to some extent it is necessary to limit yourself in the use of digital devices. Sometimes a walk in the fresh air with a close friend just isn’t enough.
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