In a screen-dominated world, we spend countless hours posting on social media, catching up on the most popular shows, or scrolling Pinterest for our next greatest inspiration. We’re too busy, lacking time, and losing hope that we’ll ever be able to accomplish everything we want.
God gave you just enough time to carry out His plan—but it takes intentionality to use that time well.
I’d like you to meet your new friend, Productivity.
Productivity allows us to do more in less time, keeping our eyes on the next step so we make it to the finish line. Doesn’t that sound awesome?
It’s time to start being productive creators instead of lazy consumers. It’s time to do something meaningful.
Take Breaks
Constantly pushing yourself harder doesn’t mean you’ll get more done. Taking breaks can improve your long-term mental energy, endurance, and productivity. Rest for the win!
This is also why Sabbaths are vital. Instead of the constant running, we get to slow down, step aside, and be with God (Matthew 14:22).
Use Your Tools
If your struggle with productivity has to do with distracting screens, utilize the tools available.
Turn Off the Internet
If you need your laptop or phone but not the internet, consider looking into free or paid plans that restrict specific apps at specific hours. Another easy option is manually turning on your device’s airplane mode.
Do Not Disturb
Is every notification driving you crazy? Change the settings, turn on Do Not Disturb, or power the phone down.
Yes, you can survive without your device—and your talkative friends can probably wait, too.
The Wall
Sound weird? Hear me out. If you don’t need the time-sucking mind-traps (aka your phones, laptops, tablets, TVs, or any other screened device), get them out of the room or out of reach.
Prep
Prepare yourself before getting to work. Will you be hungry, thirsty, or need a break? Plan out beforehand how you’ll minimize these needs as distractions. Consider delaying your task to get them done, setting aside your break to grab a quick snack, or putting what you need within reach.
Prioritize
Why Prioritize?
Setting your priorities straight changes the need to get everything done with so little time.
You might realize that a project can wait a few weeks, a few months, or indefinitely.
You might realize that, right now, it’s better to get ten steps ahead in one thing instead of one step ahead in ten things.
How to Prioritize
Since deadlines, schedules, and mental energy all change how and what you need to prioritize, I’m going to leave this up to you.
Some people need a physical list. Some people will prioritize their time outside of work or school, such as how much time to spend with family, with God, at church, with their phone, or resting.
Set Easy Goals
If you’re like me, it won’t feel like you’re accomplishing anything if your list has a task that should take a year instead of an individual goal that will take an hour a day.
Working towards a big goal? Consider using a habit tracker to see your progress—and make sure you accomplish your daily goals.
Start with the Hardest Thing First
Sometimes all it takes to make your entire day feel productive is to finish the big project you’ve been avoiding. So get it done!
Give It Meaning
Hard work doesn’t feel so hard if you’re passionate about it and are having fun. So whatever you’re doing, maybe figure out the “why” behind your work.
Create Rewards
When you finish a goal, celebrate! But don’t reward yourself until you finish.
What reward will drive you to finish? Could it be ten minutes with your phone, a special treat, or a walk outside? That’s up to you!
Stick to Your Deadlines
Deadlines are a huge time-saver for me. Instead of wasting time because I don’t want to finish, the schedule I want to adhere to propels me forward. Plus, the reminder that if I don’t do it today, I’ll have to do it tomorrow—and you never know what tomorrow will bring.
A good way to keep track of your deadlines is to write them down. Some prefer planners, notebooks, reminder emails, or notes on the calendar.
If you’re setting a deadline, make it manageable.
Get an Accountability Partner
Find someone to hold you accountable to your goals and deadlines, and be willing to do the same for them.
Now that you have some new ideas for how to be productive, do it! Choose your project and take the next step.
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