Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Today's Mantra: “The way to happiness is through postive thinking, hard work, and continuous self-improvement." - John Wooden 

The Relationship Between Productivity and Happiness: Surprising Connections 

What have you done today? What did you achieve yesterday? Do you take on a can-do spirit when you’re challenged? Or are you huddled up in your comfy chair deeply immersed in a movie or playing a game on your electronic device to avoid the challenge?

How you make your way through an average day in terms of your productivity may determine how pleased with life you are.

Consider these gems when deciding whether to do something productive or avoid it:

1. Reflect on how you feel after being productive versus engaging in unproductive activities. Take a moment to think about the last time you spent a few hours doing something productive, like working on a project or learning a new skill. Then, compare that to how you felt after spending a few hours channel-surfing or just hanging out. Reflecting on these feelings can help you realize that being productive can bring you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, while unproductive activities can leave you feeling unfulfilled or even guilty.

2. Being organized can increase productivity as it allows you to quickly find what you need to complete tasks. When everything has a designated place, you can quickly access the tools or materials you need to complete a task without wasting time searching for them. By keeping your work area tidy and organized, you can also reduce distractions and stay focused on the task at hand.

3. Making a to-do list can help you stay focused and remind you of what you hope to achieve. Write down your tasks and prioritize them according to their importance. By keeping a list, you can hold yourself accountable for completing each task and also keep track of your progress. Crossing items off the list as you complete them can give you a sense of accomplishment and motivation to tackle the next task.

4. Completing tasks in the morning when you're rested can lead to a sense of accomplishment by noon. Starting your day with a few productive tasks can set the tone for the rest of the day. By tackling challenging tasks when you are well-rested and alert, you can improve your chances of completing them successfully. The sense of achievement that comes from completing tasks early in the day can also boost your motivation and productivity for the remainder of the day.

5. Scheduling in time for work and rest can help you achieve productivity goals while still allowing for free time. Setting aside specific times for work and rest can help you manage your time effectively and avoid burnout. By setting specific times to work on a project or complete a task, you can avoid procrastination and stay on track. Similarly, scheduling in time for rest and relaxation can help you recharge your energy and improve your overall wellbeing.

6. Developing rituals and routines can help you separate productive time from downtime. Creating a routine or ritual that signals the start of a productive work session can help you stay focused and motivated. This could be something as simple as putting on your work clothes, setting up your workspace, or listening to a specific playlist. Conversely, developing a routine or ritual for downtime can help you relax and unwind after a productive work session.

7. Pay attention to how you speak to yourself. Negative self-talk can be a significant barrier to productivity and happiness. Instead, try to use positive reinforcement to motivate yourself. When you complete a task, congratulate yourself and acknowledge your accomplishments. Focus on your strengths and celebrate your successes, rather than dwelling on your mistakes or shortcomings. By speaking kindly and positively to yourself, you can improve your self-esteem and increase your productivity and happiness.

Your choice to get things done plays very much into your level of happiness. Concentrate on increasing task completion. You’ll be happy you did!