Building Enthusiasm
- Remind yourself why you want to do something. Sometimes, we need a little boost to help get us going on a task or project. Say out loud or write down the reason why you need to do something. Tell yourself the benefits of getting it done. For example, you might say, “I am going for a run right now because I want to become fitter” or “I need to do this homework so that I can get an A.”
- Remind yourself of the dangers of procrastination. Promise yourself something like, “If I get this done now, I can leave work early today” or “If I can get this out of the way, I can work on something more fun.”
- Build a vision board with images that represent what you want to accomplish in your life. It will help serve as a reminder of what you really care about.
Make your activities fun
If you’re dreading the task or activity, it can be difficult to start. In this case, find a way to make the task more exciting. You might include other people or challenge yourself in a new way. Mixing things up can also help you get things done.
- For example, if you want to become fitter but hate going to the gym, take an exercise class, such as kickboxing, Zumba, or barre.
- If you’re studying for an exam, complete with a friend. See who can answer the most questions correctly or solve the problem the fastest.
Promise yourself a reward when you get something done. Even if it’s just a small accomplishment, pat yourself on the back. You can give yourself a short break from work, treat yourself to a snack or latte, get a massage, or celebrate with friends. This can keep you excited and motivated for the next step.
Give yourself occasional breaks to avoid burnout. While it is important to avoid distractions, too much work can make you less productive. Schedule occasional breaks throughout your day. Make sure you also take longer breaks over the weekend to rest and refresh yourself.
- For example, you might take 5 minutes every hour to go to the bathroom or to stretch.
- Schedule these breaks so that you have something to look forward to. For example, you might tell yourself, “If I can get these reports done by 2 pm, I can go take a quick break.”
- Avoid multitasking and getting distracted by checking emails and your phone. Your productivity will only suffer.
Harmanpreet Singh From Daily Creative Designs