If you're feeling less than productive, I want you to try a quick exercise. The good news… this exercise doesn't include weights or burpees. Get yourself a piece of paper and a pencil. Now write down three things that you would like to accomplish but have been procrastinating on. ANY three things... personal or professional.
To get the ball rolling, let's use these examples:
Organize the studio
Take an online class
Design a promotional mailer
Maybe these examples have something in common with what you wrote down… maybe not. Take a moment to evaluate what is on your list. WHY did you write down these three things? Why are they important to you? WHAT will checking that item off your list accomplish in your life?
Let's take a look at the possible WHY behind "organize the studio" because let’s face it, I can think of several motivating factors. A clean studio means a more efficient workspace. Clutter makes me a bit frantic, so having a tidy studio would also mean a more relaxing environment to create in. Having materials and files all in their proper place would keep me productive and focused on tasks. I would also feel motivated to create in a fresh clean space. The tidy factor (especially in my creative studio) is something Monica Gellar and I have in common.
Ok… so what about item #2, “take an online class”? As a freelance illustrator, I enjoy trying new mediums and techniques, as well as learning new ways to market my business. Setting aside time each month for an online class would help me grow as a creative entrepreneur and possibly make some new friends in the process. Win, Win.
Look at your list again. There is passion and purpose behind each item you wrote down. But you need to move beyond list-making so that you can understand the deeper connection to each item. Will an item help you grow your business, or lead to a healthier lifestyle? Will it help you take a vacation or save for college? Will it help you pay down debt or learn a new skill? Pick one item from that list and start there. Which one seems most exciting to work on?
Circle one item and begin with it. Plan a course of action and make daily progress toward it.
“An object in motion continues in motion” — Isaac Newton
Be kind to yourself and understand that you may hit a bump in the road. Some days being productive feels more elusive than others and I just chalk it up to a low-energy day. Trust me, we all have them. That said don’t get stuck there. As a small business owner, I need to find my way out of low-energy days and return to being productive. The best way (for me) to do this is by knowing my purpose. Having a purpose is like a shot of expresso to the system - it brings the added OOMPH to get me moving in the right direction. Purpose behind what you do will consistently help you over the finish line.
If you need some added encouragement with being more productive and setting goals, I've created a free guide to help.
This pdf resource will help you to define simple tasks that can get you a step closer to your goals. Having an easy process in place becomes the bridge that you need to build between this moment and your future aspirations.
