~ 3 Tricks to Becoming More Productive ~

Why is it so easy to put off things to do? 

Believe it or not, it's because our brains become naturally wired to procrastinate!  After time we are more prone to doing things that give us happy endorphins and resist doing things that actually challenge us or make us feel uncomfortable.  As we grow, we literally develop two minds.  One that focuses on pleasure and one that understands the reality of what needs to be done.  The pleasure center tries to win every time...


Therein lies the limbic system - which includes the brain's unconscious pleasure centers.  This center is what tells you to remove your hand from a hot flame, and to avoid doing anything unpleasant - like homework.  Then there is the decision making of the brain - the prefrontal cortex - the part that literally announces, "I have to sit down and do my taxes!" However, when it loses focus, the pleasure center wins - and therefore delays you.   

What can you do to be more productive?   Trick Yourself~ 

     * The worst should come first.  Everyone has a limited amount of willpower, therefore, if you do the work that you dislike when fresh and energetic, the more likely it is to be done.  It makes you feel super-productive when you get to check something that was a big project, practically overpowering you, off your list. 

     * Restart your day at 2 pm.  There is nothing more annoying than realizing that the day is half over, and then feeling like you haven't even begun your to-do list.  Therefore: Produce a 'Do-over' point in your mid-day!  By 2 PM, analyze how much you have accomplished and then choose the high priority projects to get done next.  Don't wait til 5 o'clock to begin a project that you feel should have been underway in the morning, you will be too tired and end up feeling like you're just trying to get through the rest of your day.  So, whether it's something new or not, you should have the time and energy to start in mid-day.  

     * The real kicker way to trick your way out of procrastination~ Set a timer for 10-20 minutes and challenge yourself to see how much can be done before the bell sounds.  Stress management experts say that you can actually get caught up in what you're doing that you will be so happy and have a satisfaction of accomplishment that you will end up working longer and have a better chance of completing your project.