Purposeful Productivity Checklist to Get Sh*t Done
The word “productivity” seems to get a bad rap these days. It is what you make of it, but I think it’s hardly a dirty word. To boil it down, I like to approach productivity simply as a way of making the most of your efforts. I believe in simplifying life, maximizing time, and taking the most direct route, so you can spend less time working-to-live and more time just simply LIVING. So, that’s what I’m diving into today… how to get sh*t done, when you really need to get sh*t done.
Sometimes you wake up feeling mentally strong AF and everything just flows with ease. Other days you just can’t seem to get into it, and you’re holding onto a whole lot of tension, stress, and anxiety. It’s okay to have those feelings, but it doesn’t have to define your day.
It feels crazy good to look back on how small shifts I’ve made have over time have evolved and impacted my productivity in such a powerful way. You don't realize it in the moment, but once you start taking baby steps, and build on it, transformation happens. The key is to remain fluid, recognize when things aren't working anymore, and give yourself the space to adjust. When your brain feels chaotic, it’s time to simplify, so you can find your focus again and get the good shi*t done.
Purposeful Productivity Checklist
Use the below list as a way to audit your current state and surroundings. Try it out and see if any of these small changes impact your productivity and focus for the better.
MENTAL
An empowered day begins the night before, so get a good night’s rest by turning off technology at least an hour before bed time.
Commit to an empowering morning routine that serves YOU.
Use morning mantras to intentionally charge yourself with positive energy.
Avoid multitasking. Give each task, each person, each idea your full attention.
Feel the gratitude in times of stress and overwhelm.
DIGITAL
Avoid mindlessly scrolling - set aside time to be active on social media. [Related: How I Mindfully Approach Social Media]
Don’t let notifications run your day - Silence it on your computer, phone, and any other tech that is a distraction.
Clean up and close out of unnecessary tabs on your computer.
If you have a mac, group and organize the tabs into separate categorized desktop (see here).
Use a project management tool such as Trello to manage and prioritize tasks.
Start with the easiest tasks first - this helps get the juices flowing, while quickly making a move on your to-do list.
Consider task-batching or themed work days if you have the flexibility.
Resist the urge to constantly fill the empty spaces in your calendar.
PHYSICAL
Make your bed as soon as you wake up.
Tidy up your workspace & only keep out what is necessary (here’s my minimal home office).
If you work from home, wash your face + get dressed for the day rather than rolling out of bed and going straight to work.
Eat your meals without a screen in your face.
Feeling restless? Take a break. Go for a walk outside if you can.
It's good to sit down and reevaluate what is and isn't currently working in your life. I always go back to my core belief of simplifying, whether it's your schedule, your workload, the clutter in your home, the way you plan your meals... all of it impacts your overall productivity and wellbeing.
When one area starts to feel particularly off, it can oftentimes make it feel like EVERYTHING is off. When it rains it pours, right? So, give yourself the time and the space to reflect on the good and the wonky. Make sure you're nurturing all of the equally important pieces of the puzzle. I hope this checklist gives you some quick n’ easy empowered actions to take when you need to get your productivity back on track or to set you up for a more purposeful day ahead.
