Written by Alice Dartnell, Life and Success Coach
Alice Dartnell is a time management and energy management coach, trainer, speaker, and author, who is passionate about empowering people to create a life by design, not by default! Known as an expert in time management and energy management, Alice doesn’t teach time management in the traditional sense.
In an ideal world, we would greet each day with boundless energy, eager to tackle every task with enthusiasm and drive. However, in the real world, days of feeling unmotivated and fatigued are inevitable, no matter how driven and motivated you are. If you find it hard to get started on tasks, especially the important ones, you’re not alone.
To tackle procrastination, even when you’re feeling drained, you need to use effective time management strategies to give yourself a boost to get going!
Five practical techniques to boost productivity on sluggish days
1. Infuse fun and energy into your tasks
Let’s be honest, often we procrastinate simply because the task we’re faced with isn’t very appetizing! One of the most effective ways to combat procrastination is to make your tasks more enjoyable. Whether you’re working on a complex project or tackling a routine chore, finding ways to add an element of ‘fun’ can make a significant difference.
For example, if you’re dreading housework or admin tasks, try turning them into a game by setting time challenges or using productivity apps that gamify your work. I often head to a coffee shop to add a touch of enjoyment to routine tasks that I might otherwise procrastinate on.
2. Use the power of bribery and reward
Reward systems aren’t just for kids – they can be incredibly effective for adults as well. If you’re struggling to stay motivated, why not set up a small reward for completing your task.
Our brains are wired for instant gratification, which can be problematic because many tasks don’t yield immediate, visible results. For instance, you won’t achieve a six-pack after a single workout, nor will a single sales call make you an overnight six-figure business owner!
Adding in a little ‘bribe or reward’ leverages the power of instant gratification to get you going. Take my client Alex, for example. She struggled to be consistent with her Instagram Stories. We devised a simple reward system: if she posted consistently for a fortnight, she would treat herself to her favourite coffee and cake. Similarly, you might reward yourself with a movie night or a relaxing bath once you accomplish a challenging task.
3. Just do 10 minutes
Be honest, how energised are you going to feel to tackle a task when it feels like it’s going to take you hours to crack through? One of the simplest hacks (and the one I use on myself the most) is “just do ten minutes”.
This method helps reduce the psychological barrier of starting, making the task seem more manageable. Anyone can do ten minutes right, whether that’s getting yourself to the workout mat, decluttering the guest room, diving through emails, etc. The beauty of this approach is that once you begin, you often find that you can continue working beyond the initial 10 minutes. And if you don’t, well, at least you did ten minutes, which is better than nothing, as it all adds up!
4. Match tasks to your energy levels
Effective time management is not just about scheduling tasks but also about aligning them with your energy levels. Instead of forcing yourself to tackle a high-energy task when you’re feeling drained, focus on what you can realistically achieve. For example, if you don’t have the energy for an intensive work session, consider working on tasks that require less mental effort for you. We are all different, so think about what tasks for you have high or low energy consumption.
Aligning your tasks with your current energy levels can make it easier to start working, even if you don’t have a full reservoir of energy.
5. Change your environment
Your environment can significantly influence your motivation and productivity. Sometimes, a change of scenery is all you need to reinvigorate your energy levels and beat the procrastination.
If you’re feeling stuck or uninspired, change it up! This could mean moving to a different workspace, working from a coffee shop, or even just rearranging your desk. For example, I often take advantage of working from different locations, like a cozy café, a hotel lobby, or even somewhere with a poolside view. These small changes in the environment can provide a fresh perspective and help reignite your motivation. Additionally, incorporating elements like plants, artwork, or comfortable seating can also enhance your workspace and boost your overall energy.
Kickstart your motivation and boost productivity
In an ideal world, we would greet each day with boundless energy and enthusiasm for every task. However, the reality is that unmotivated and fatigued days are inevitable, no matter how driven you are. Effective time management strategies are essential to overcoming procrastination, especially when you’re feeling drained. By infusing fun into your tasks, leveraging reward systems, tackling tasks in short bursts, aligning work with your energy levels, and changing your environment, you can boost your productivity even on your sluggish days. Implementing these practical techniques can help you stay on track and make progress, no matter the obstacles you face.
Want to know more
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Alice Dartnell, Life and Success Coach
Alice Dartnell is a time management and energy management coach, trainer, speaker, and author, who is passionate about empowering people to create a life by design, not by default! Known as an expert in time management and energy management, Alice doesn’t teach time management in the traditional sense. Instead, she focuses on importance of energy management and mindset as the way to improve time management. Alice believes that time management actually isn’t about managing time! Instead, it is about managing you, other people, your tasks and most importantly, your energy! She works with individuals on a 121 basis, as well as through programmes, workshops, and courses. Additionally, she delivers training to org
