Have you ever wondered what it really takes to have a productive day, without dying of boredom or feeling like you’ve been deprived?
If you’re anything like me, it’s probably something you’ve tried to do. So, you can avoid laziness, procrastination and all the other green giants that affect our productivity, steal our joy and make it difficult to achieve our purpose.
But then again, there are right and wrong ways to be productive. And you probably want to do it the right way. You want to accomplish your plans without harbouring any regrets or ‘could have beens’ moments.
For most of us, we hope to not only live happy and fulfilled lives but to know that we have made a difference, added value and achieved our purpose.
Here are a few hacks that should help:
Life hacks to increase your productivity and happiness
There are a few techniques and strategies you can start right away that can help boost your productivity and give you peace. I guess the most important life hack is that you start. Don’t wait for tomorrow, next week or month. There is no such thing as a perfect time, only one who is ready and willing to do better with her time.
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Write down your goals and plan ahead.
I feel like a clanging cymbal with this one. It is something you’ve probably heard a million times but it never gets old. It is still an integral technique to achieving more.
Research has shown that we are more likely to achieve our goals, by as much as 42% when we write them down. Even more so, when we set out a plan on how to achieve it.
“for which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it-“
Luke 14:28
We need to consider our options and the tools and resources required to achieve our goals. I mentioned of few of these here. You can also use the goal setting checklist to help you do more.
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Cultivate an effective but flexible daily routine
This is not just about having a great morning routine but to make sure you are able to maximize every aspect of the day.
“Be very careful, then, how you live- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
Ephesians 5:15-16
I have often seen articles that focus on having a good morning routine or evening routine. These are great but I believe we should also be holistic. If we start right and end wrong, we may still end up feeling bad about, which could take us down the regret cycle.
A few tips: for each day, create a workable schedule. Wake up earlier, do your most difficult tasks first and meditate (pray) at various times in the day.
You can also map out free times in your schedule should something important or unexpected, which requires your attention, occur.
At the end of each day, do a quick review of what you accomplished and go through a list of tasks for the next day.
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Be willing to say ‘NO’
You have to be willing to say no to distractions and focus on what needs to get done. The truth is that if we take on too many tasks or make a lot of commitments, it will be difficult to fulfil all of these and we may end up feeling like we failed and also lose our peace.
You need to define what matters to you and do those things.
We also need to avoid the urge to multi-task. You may have heard that women are better at multitasking but this doesn’t mean we should do it. According to Susan Weinshenck, we can lose up to 40% of our productivity if we keep switching between tasks.
If you find yourself multitasking, stop, take a deep breath and re-focus on your most important task.
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Don’t dwell on your mistakes
Mistakes are inevitable and they are only good for one thing, to teach us. We need only learn from them and move on.
If you’re in the habit of beating your self up for your mistakes or all the things you could have done right.You may find that you’ve lost valuable time on this exercise and don’t feel any better.
I used to do this, being my worst critic but recently, I started learning the art of focusing on the results rather than the problem.
“a man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them.”
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Incorporate a bit of fun in your daily life
We need to be intentional about finding joy in the little and big aspects of our lives. This could be through doing the things you love or spending time with the people that matter to you. It will not only make you happier but also increase your willingness and ability to do more productive work.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Which means there should always be some time to play, to relax and to rest. If you’re an entrepreneur or have a few side projects, there is the danger that you may want to work, all the time. DON’T DO IT!
Always try to schedule some free time, find what works for you and do it. You will be happy you did.
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Be grateful
A grateful heart is a wonderful thing. It not only makes God happy but reminds us of all we’ve done through him. We can’t take credit for our lives or the ability to do the things we need to do, that’s all on God.
“many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Proverbs 19:21
In all that you do, it is good to remember to “take delight in the lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4
Our God is ever loving and giving, he ready to bless you, if only you will seek him first and put all your hope and trust in him.
Why you need to implement these life hacks to increase your productivity and happiness
I’ve often heard people say the best time to make changes/resolutions are at the beginning of the year. I don’t agree with this as I believe it is restrciting and a limiting belief that doesn’t help us.
Every day, every minute and hour could be our clean slate, if we choose it. So, let’s choose today to kick off one of our most productive years.
Are you ready?
Mihaela Echols says
This is such a great list! I have been working on slowing down a lot these past few months. Norah and I now play at home a lot more. So much stress has been off my shoulders since Peter and I have said no to a few extra things and have prioritized our lives.
Chioma says
That’s great Mihaela. Glad to know it’s working out well for you, wish you all the best.
Cugo says
I really love the 6th paragraph about being grateful and the proverbs 19:21 quotation attached to it. It makes me to strongly continue to be grateful and happy even when what I expected to happen doesn’t happen. It makes me continue to believe that God’s will is the best for me, even if it doesn’t happen my way. It also assures me that God is in control no matter how bad we may be feeling about not having what we badly want and that he will do it in His time. It makes me to want continue to give thanks and believe that every thing we think is a disappointment, is a blessing from God.
Thanks Chioma for this uplifting article this morning.
Chioma says
Amen. Thank you for your encouraging words. Gratitude does so much for us and it’s a wonderful trait to nurture.
Kristi says
#3 is something I’ve finally learned. It IS perfectly ok to say “No!”
Actually, it is necessary. We cannot allow people to derail us from the plan God has for us.
Chioma says
True! It’s usually tricky and may raise some conflict in relationships but when done well, it frees us from unnecessary expectations and responsibilities.
Lila says
Such a fun post! And I agree with each of these points! . . . I still need to work on putting some of them into practice, though. That’s nuts about 40% of our productivity being lost in transition. I’ll certainly keep that in mind, and try to pick tasks to do that I can finish in the time I have. Thanks for sharing!
Chioma says
Hi Lila, thanks for your comment. I know, 40% is such a scary number. To think I used to love multitasking.
Jasmine says
Flexibilty and fun, those are the two things I need to work on the most. Thanks for a gerat list!
Chioma says
Hi Jasmine, good luck on working on those two. I hope it goes well.
Elvi says
Great post!! I agree that if you want to change something, you have to start at that exact moment. If you wait till tomorrow, till Monday or till New Year, it’s never going to happen. All of the tips you gave are really what is needed to live a positive life.
Chioma says
Thanks, Elvi. We definitely have to start today.
Traci says
Love this post! Have you ever read What’s Best Next by Matt Perman? I’m listening to the audiobook now and it is amazing – it breaks down the art of productivity and talks specifically about how we should view and practice it in light of the gospel and what truly matters! Some of your points remind me of the info in the book! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Chioma says
Hi Traci, no I haven’t read the book. You’ve piqued my interest, I definitely have to check it out. Thanks
Kelly says
Great tips! All great reminders on living our best life.
Chioma says
Thanks, Kelly. Yes, may we live our best life.
Tosha says
This is a great list! Number 5 is no joke! I’ve been purposely making time for myself in the morning (so I can do Bible study and exercise) and in the evening in order to stay sane. Even though I love what I do, you can still get burned out if you don’t take a break.
I’ve also noticed that segmenting my day and using Pomodoros within those segments has also been a tremendous help to me as well. In case you’re interested, here is a link that goes into my routine in further detail (https://starengu.com/how-to-reign-in-your-lack-of-direction/).
Chioma says
Hi Tosha, thanks for your comment. I haven’t tried the Pomodoro method yet though I’ve heard great things. I guess we all need to find what works for us.
Elizabeth Mayberry says
YES! Be willing to say no! That is huge for me to stay focused and be productive!
Chioma says
Ha ha! That was a big one for me. Thanks.
Remya Warrior says
Great time management tips and love the “Being Grateful” part of this blog. That is the secret to being happy. isnt it?
Chioma says
Thanks, Remya.Yes, it really is.
Jennifer Allen says
Brilliant post and i’m pretty happy that this is how I like to try to shape my days!
Chioma says
That’s great to know Jennifer. Well done!
Tammy says
I love the way you incorporated scripture !! You are a wise young lady, and I hope you reach many, and that you persevere for Christ.
http://grandmamarymartha.blogspot.com
Chioma says
Hi Tammy, thank you so much. Amen to your prayers. I do hope and pray so.
Taylor Mobley says
Planning is a huge thing for me. I have to plan my days. I have to know what I am doing so I can stay focused.
Chioma says
Hi Taylor, planning my day and scheduling tasks has really helped me, too.
Tina Martin says
Great list! I find being grateful is so important. I don’t have everything I want, but I do have everything I need and so do my children.
Heather says
This is a fantastic list! I personally need to work on not dwelling on my mistakes.
Edie Emory says
Thank you for this post! As a new sahm/wahm I’m slowly implementing these types of strategies into our lives.
Andrea says
SO important we write down a daily plan for ourselves too!
Erin Port says
Love this – great reminders 🙂 xoxo ERIN
Amber says
I just started writing goals about 2 months ago and it has definitely helped! Thank you for sharing this list! It’s so true that we need more than just a morning time and night time routine. And the other big one is saying NO-
Vangelina Chang says
This is a great list. I really need to practice #3, saying no and especially no to multi-tasking! I love #5 as I’m either having more fun than work or overworking! I definitely need to balance them out.
I agree with you that change starts now, goals begin now, not at the beginning of each new year as the new year is always so far off anyway!
Nicole Kauffman says
Flexibility and allowing for mistakes – love those! Thanks for sharing this great list 🙂
Kathy Rae says
Love this! So relevant. Totally sharing. 🙂
Chioma says
Thanks, Kathy. Glad you found it useful. Would appreciate some shares
Andrea says
If you don’t know where you’ve been, how do you know where you’re going?
Tosin Moji says
Such a great post! Being able to say ‘no’ is such a big thing for me. I somehow always get sucked into things I really don’t want to do but have to do it to be nice! LOL. I just feel bad when I have to say no but I’m learning that sometimes it’s about providing alternatives so that people don’t feel unimportant.
And yes!!! writing down your goals is so important. Write the vision and make it plan. There’s something so satisfying about crossing off a task you’ve completed.
Kali says
Love this! I’ll be implementing them all for the new month xx.
Chioma says
That’s great, Kali! Do let me know how it goes 🙂
Kristi says
I’ve been saying no more often and I am still working on not multi-tasking all the time. There is definitely a place for multi-tasking but in my season of life with a newborn, it just makes it to where I get many things partly accomplished.
Chioma says
Hi Kristi, it’s usually great to take it a step at a time and find out what works for you. Congrats on your newborn 🙂
Samantha Erickson says
This is a great list. I love planning ahead and it’s so true about needing to say no sometimes. Oh and to have fun! Very necessary!! Thanks for sharing!! I will be incorporating these!!
Chioma says
Hi Samantha, thanks for your kind words. Planning ahead helps and a little bit of fun never hurt anyone 🙂
Victoria with One Sharp Mama says
I find I’m most productive when I have a to do list and some caffeine. If I lack either of them, my brain is scattered and my productivity is low
Chioma says
Lol…I’m definitely there with you on the To-Do List. I find that when I’m not certain of the things I need to do, I end moving from one task to the other without prioritising.
Melissa Javan says
You’re so right. I wrote down some goals today that I want to achieve in the next 8 weeks.
That one point of yours about “incorporate fun into your daily life” – how does one do that?
Chioma says
That’s great, Melissa! Way to go, girl. All the best on accomplishing your goals.
For me, incorporating fun means not taking myself too seriously. It’s about enjoying the moment. The big and little things and not being afraid to laugh at ourselves. It also means taking the time to rest and unwind.
Lisa says
Love your list, a great reminder of things that might slip by the wayside when life gets hectic. As a person who loves to help others, I find the hardest thing for me is to say ‘no.’ I have to remind myself that I can’t do everything!
Chioma says
Saying ‘No’ is so hard but I’ve realised that with each one it gets better and helps me prioritise, so I don’t end up taking up more than I can handle.
Marissa says
These are all great tips! I learned this myself a few years ago, and it makes a worlds difference.
Chioma says
Thanks, Marissa. It’s been great for me too.
Gabby says
#4 is easily the hardest for me. I tend to be really hard on myself. It’s something I am aware of and that I know I need to work on. Thanks for sharing!
Chioma says
Hi Gabby, it was for me too. I’ve been learning to let go and hope you do too.
Elise Cohen Ho says
I feel that writing out your goals is a hugely important thing to do. It really helps with connecting to what you want.
Chioma says
Hi Elise, I agree. It really helps. Writing my goals has been the biggest part of accomplishing them.
Brittany Putman says
Great tips! I’ve had a really easy summer, but with school starting next week I am going to have to really organize myself so that I can stay caught up with my blog while working.
Alice Mills says
I love that you included being flexible about your schedule. I have to work hard on creating goals, but I consider it progress. Before I married my husband, I ever thought of goals at all!
Rosanna@ExtraordinaryEverydayMom says
What a great article! I think I do pretty well with keeping a daily routine, but I can struggle with keeping on it as the day goes on. I am much, much sharper in the morning and my energy wanes significantly by the end of the afternoon and into the evening. I have learned that I generally do better if I stay off the computer once the evening hits because my self-control is at a null and I, will waste time on Social Media. The struggle is that I sometimes need to work in the evening. The struggle is real.
Mihaela Echols says
I have noticed if i make a descent size list get it done i can add more throughout the day. Giving myself extra time and not cramming too much in the day helps me not get overwhelmed.
Chioma says
Hi Mihaela, I also try to use a realistic list and I find this helps me better. Thanks
Melissa says
Thank you for the list! I always need a little tweaking when it comes to productivity and balancing life. I can get too focused on tasks/duties/errands and miss out on living and enjoying life as well!
Chioma says
You’re so welcome, Melissa. I’m glad you found the list helpful
LeeAnn says
It’s so important for our overall wellbeing that we learn to say no! I think that one is the hardest for most women!
Chioma says
It really is LeeAnn, I pray more and more women will grow the strength and resolve to say no to the wrong things and yes to the right ones.
Melveena R says
We started doing some of this year. Fantastic list! Love the encouraging scripture as well.
Chioma says
Hi Melveena, that’s so good to hear. Hope you have a wonderfully productive year.
Liz says
Great tips! Love that verse from Ephesians 5! It always helps me put things in perspective and remember to prioritize! Thanks for this encouraging post! Now to get off social media and work toward one of my goals! Blessings!
Liz says
Excellent post. Great tips! Love that verse from Ephesians 5! It always helps me put things in perspective and remember to prioritize! Thanks for this encouraging post! Now to get off social media and work toward one of my goals! Blessings!
Chioma says
Thank you so much, Liz. So glad you found it useful. Ephesians 5 is so practical for us as Christians.
Teri says
Terrific list. The one I struggle with most is the saying “no”. I love your tips and support for that one. It’s so hard because I tend to want to help EVERYONE. As you said, it’s about what matters most to me. That thought will help me live a bit more on “purpose”.
Muna says
Thus is the firs time visiting uour blog. I immediately liked your way of writing and how you have backed up your steps with statistics, which I can definitely appreciate ?? Great tips girl!
Chioma says
Hi Muna, thanks for visiting and commenting.
Andrea says
My problem is that I establish a routine, but I can never seem to stick to it
JLyn says
Great tips, I’ve been working on many of these myself.
Tiffany says
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Xoxo,
Tiffany