Not Feeling Productive Today? Try This Simple Approach

Let’s be real – we’ve all been there. Those days when you’re staring at your to-do list, feeling like you’re wading through molasses. Everything seems impossible, and you can’t shake off that nagging feeling of unproductivity. It’s frustrating, right?

But here’s the thing: it’s not always about external stuff messing with your day. More often than not, it’s that pesky inner voice telling you you’re not doing enough. So, what if instead of beating yourself up, you tried a different approach? Something simple, flexible, and – dare I say it – actually kind of fun?

I’ve got a method that’s all about easing into your day, not forcing it. We’re talking a 1️⃣ chill morning review, 2️⃣ smart task grouping, 3️⃣ finding your own unique work rhythm, and 4️⃣ incorporating a work-time management model avoiding the pitfalls of multitasking (spoiler alert: it’s not as productive as we think).

Ready to turn that unproductive slump into a day you can feel good about? Let’s jump in and explore these game-changing strategies together!

1. Review and plan the day

The first step to regaining productivity is to start your day with a review.

Reflecting on the previous day helps you understand what worked and what didn’t, setting the stage for better performance today.

I’ve literally been doing this for the last two+ years.

Take a few minutes to answer these questions:

• What went well yesterday? Identify at least a couple of accomplishments or tasks you completed successfully. This can boost your morale and help you recognize patterns of productivity.
• What didn’t go well? Acknowledge areas where you faced challenges or fell short. This isn’t about being harsh on yourself but rather about learning from these moments.

By analyzing your progress and setbacks, you can reset your expectations and adjust your approach. Learning from yesterday allows you to enter the new day with clarity and focus, setting realistic goals that are informed by past experiences. This reflection serves as a foundation for a productive and fulfilling day.

2. Group tasks to be done

After reviewing your previous day, it’s time to organize today’s tasks using the MoSCoW prioritization model. This approach helps you prioritize effectively by dividing tasks into four main categories:

• Must-dos: These are critical tasks that need immediate attention and must be completed today.
• Should-dos: Important tasks that are not as urgent but should be tackled.
• Could-dos: Tasks that can be done if time permits but are not essential.
• Won’t-dos: Tasks that are unnecessary for today and can be deferred or eliminated.

What is a must-do or should-do is all up to you and up to the day ahead and what you feel you want to complete.

Once you’ve categorized your tasks, apply another model – the 1-3-9 technique – to decide what to focus on:

• 1️⃣ Choose at least one must-do task,
• 3️⃣ up to three should-dos,
• 9️⃣ and fill in the remaining with could-dos to reach a total of about 13 tasks for the day.

This approach ensures that you’re focusing on what’s important while leaving room for flexibility.

Important! Priorities change daily, so it’s crucial to review and adjust your list each morning. By consciously setting these priorities, you create a structured yet adaptable plan that guides your productivity throughout the day.

3. Get started with no stress

When you’re ready to begin your work, it’s important to ease into the day rather than force yourself to tackle the toughest tasks right away. Or, at least that’s the approach that works best for me – and has been working for years.

The idea of “swallowing the frog” – doing the most difficult task first – can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not feeling particularly motivated.

Instead, start with a simple task that doesn’t require too much mental energy. Still, though, pick that task from your to-do list that you’ve created above. This is not about “side quests” like organizing your desk. Starting with a simple task helps you warm up your brain and gradually build momentum.

Once you’ve completed a 1-2 easy tasks, you’ll likely find it easier to transition to more demanding work. This gentle approach reduces the pressure of diving straight into complex tasks and helps you find a natural flow for the rest of your day. By allowing yourself to warm up, you set the stage for a more productive and less stressful workday.

4. Set a rigid work-time structure

To maintain productivity throughout the day, adopt a structured work-time management approach like the 50/50/30 model. This method is a variation of the Pomodoro Technique, but a bit more practical in my view – I just feel that a 25 minute period of work from the original Pomodoro is too short for serious focus.

Here’s how it works:

• Work for 50 minutes: Dedicate this time to focused, uninterrupted work. Choose a task from your prioritized list and dive deep into it, minimizing distractions.
• Take a 10-minute break: Use this time to recharge. Stretch, grab a snack, or take a exercise break to clear your mind and prepare for the next work session.
• Work for another 50 minutes: Return to your work with renewed focus. Continue with the task at hand or switch to another priority, depending on your progress and energy levels.
• Enjoy a 30-minute break: This longer break allows for more substantial rest. Use it to relax, have lunch, or engage in an activity that refreshes you.

Repeat this cycle and aim to complete about eight rounds in a day.

The 50/50/30 model provides a practical framework for maintaining focus and productivity without burning out. The extended work periods enable deeper concentration, while regular breaks ensure you remain refreshed and motivated.

5. Don’t multitask!

Multitasking might seem like a way to get more done, but it often does more harm than good. Studies have shown that multitasking can impair working memory, hinder long-term memory retrieval, and negatively impact performance. It also increases stress and mental fatigue, making it harder to concentrate and complete tasks efficiently.

Instead of juggling multiple tasks, focus on one task at a time. This approach allows you to give your full attention to each task, leading to higher quality work and faster completion times.

Single-tasking helps reduce errors, enhances your ability to retain information, and minimizes stress.

If you’re tempted to multitask, remind yourself of the benefits of focusing on one thing at a time. You’ll likely find that you feel less overwhelmed and more accomplished by the end of the day.

👉 For more information on the drawbacks of multitasking, check out this article.

Wrap up: Make every day a productive day

Feeling unproductive doesn’t have to derail your entire day. By adopting a structured yet flexible approach, you can transform even the most sluggish day into a successful one.

This is not just some random advice I’m giving you here btw. I’ve been implementing these elements into my work days for years now. It’s been working out great for the type of work I do – that’s why I’m so eager to recommend it to other people.

To recap:

• Start by reviewing your previous day to learn from your experiences, and prioritize your tasks with the MoSCoW model to ensure you’re focusing on what truly matters.
• Ease into your work by beginning with simple tasks to build momentum, and structure your time with the 50/50/30 model to maintain focus and energy throughout the day.
• Remember, multitasking can hinder your productivity, so commit to single-tasking for more effective and satisfying work.

These strategies are not just about ticking off tasks – they’re about creating a sustainable routine that supports your productivity and well-being.