How to get stuff done (when you don’t feel like it)
If you want to know how to get stuff done, when you really don’t feel like it, then here you’ll find a clear action plan that will have you moving forward and clearing up your task backlog fast.
Do you experience that feeling of dread when your to-do list keeps getting longer, while you struggle to face the tasks ahead? You suspect some of the items may not even be that bad, yet you keep putting things off and procrastinate to epic proportions.
Well, you’ve no time to spare, so let’s get on with how to get stuff done…
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Table of Contents
1. Stop making excuses
It’s easy to find 101 excuses why now is not a good time to get on with a certain task. Procrastination and excuses can get out of hand and take you further away from your goals. No, you don’t need to clean the fridge out today, you’ve got an urgent piece of work to do!
Make a promise to yourself that you’ll make no more excuses, that you’ll find no odd jobs to do first and instead, commit to getting things done.
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2. Turn off or away from distractions
You know this already! It’s another way to hide from the tasks at hand and distract yourself, for a really long time. So, come on:
- Put the phone away
- Turn off the TV
- Hide away from people that will rope you into lengthy conversations or other distractions
- Quit the social media (temporarily!)
The biggest time sucker has to be social media, so the easiest way to gain time back fast is to turn off notifications and put your phone on silent. Or turn it off, or put it in another room. The same goes for any other device that will pull you back in.
If you have a pressing deadline or mammoth task, you may need to be even stricter and remove the apps from your phone until you’ve achieved your task.
Whatever it takes my friend, because we’ve got to get serious about how to get stuff done, so this is the way.
If you need to ensure you don’t miss important calls, you can add essential people to your favourites and set your phone up, so it let their calls through, no matter what.
Read more on staying productive and focused at work.
3. Make a priority list
Keep it short.
If this is urgent stuff that needs to be done today or this week, keep the list realistic and manageable. Having a mega long list that remains mostly unachieved, will only make you feel miserable each time you look at it.
You may want to go for the easiest or fastest item first, so you start on a high and feel an early sense of achievement. Or you may prefer to start with the hardest, longest task to get it out the way and free yourself up for easier stuff later.
Review your list and make sure you have prioritised the most urgent and important tasks. Other bits will need to be dealt with next week.
Download a daily planner via the form below and use it to prioritise your tasks ahead.
4. Set a timer
When you’re really pushed for time, you’ll need to set a time restriction so you act fast, prioritise and avoid more faffing around. Set a realistic time, so you don’t add to your stress levels.
Even if you need longer than planned, a timer keeps bringing you back to the need to achieve your tasks. Without a structure and deadline, you’re at risk of the diversion strategies and excuses mentioned earlier.
For longer tasks such as work assignments, writing essay papers, big projects and so on, you’ll need to break up the time spent. Consider the ‘Pomodoro’ technique of working a solid 25 minutes on the task followed by a 5 minute break, 25 minutes back at the task, 5 minutes break again and so on.
The Pomodoro technique is good if you have something which is going to take hours, days or weeks. If you feel completely overwhelmed and don’t know how to get started, then committing to shorter chunks of time is more manageable.
You’ll probably find that you really get into the flow after a while, but you still need those breaks to keep up energy levels and avoid quitting altogether.
5. Remember your end goal
Don’t lose focus.
If it’s an unimportant task that isn’t a priority, you’ve probably known that for a while and it can be struck off.
But if this is essential stuff you’re putting off (since it remains on your to-do list) it’s important to remind yourself why you need to do it.
Is it your responsibility? Will it help you or those you care about move forward some way? Is it linked to earning money, getting organised, improving yourself, achieving something or another important reason?
Whatever it is, remind yourself why this needs to be done, what the result will be and how good you’ll feel when it’s completed.
Final thoughts on how to get stuff done
The above tips should provide you with a clear, succinct way on how to get stuff done and finally off your plate. It’s not easy to tackle overwhelming tasks, but if you focus on the end goal and take it step by step, you can get through it.
Remember to celebrate when you get these things done and enjoy the achievement. As you use the above techniques more and more, tackling mega tasks will get easier. Now you know how to get started and what you need to do to stay focused.
Read this if you need help waking up earlier as that will also give you precious extra time to get things done!
Have you tried any of the above when you’re struggling with how to get stuff done? How do you avoid distractions?
Read more on setting goal and self care when working from home.
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25 Comments
Adoring Hands
A great reminder. I’m pretty ADD so I will definately be implementing these suggestions! Thanks!
thecuriousdig
Glad to hear the suggestions will be useful!
Sudha
A little motivation always helps whenever we feel uninspired with our work. Thanks for the useful tips!
Lauren
These are some great suggestions. I have changed how I worked today and I have got SO much done. I never thought I had many distractions and it was just background noise. But not having the tv side of the background noise and having a strict to do list, I also set out break times has made me so productive today! Thank you for sharing.
Lauren – bournemouthgirl
Tina
Love these tips for beating procrastination and getting things done! I also use a timer to keep myself focused. Most days I choose a physical timer instead of my phone timer (so I don’t get distracted by my phone!).
Aubrey Johnston
These are some great tips, I have trouble with motivation! I definitely need to put away distractions.
Ciara
I love that you included setting a timer. I used to have to use this tactic with my students when I was a teacher. It was one that worked pretty well. I’ve found that know that I work from home, I set a timer often to get things accomplished. Loved this read. Thank you!
thecuriousdig
Thanks so much for this feedback!
RenasTravelsAndTastes
This post has me written all over it. Sometimes it’s hard to not give in to distractions (especially the cute canine ones).
Heather
These are great tips for getting stuff done! I use lists a lot to keep myself on track and focused. But there are still times I procrastinate when it comes to doing some of the things I don’t particularly enjoy doing. In those instances, it’s key for me to put away all distractions. Usually, I find that the task I dreaded wasn’t nearly as unpleasant as I made it out to be, and it feels good to cross it off the list 😉
thecuriousdig
Yes it’s funny how the task we may have put off for ages isn’t that bad when we face it! Thanks for commenting.
Tiann Jackson
Good article. I struggle with staying on track when I need to get things done. I live by a planner!
Lucy
It can be difficult to get yourself motivated to complete tasks when you just don’t feel like it. I agree about the distractions, turning off the TV or putting my phone away definitely helps me to get things done x
Christina Lopez
I’ll have to try these ideas. My closet is a mess and it’s time for spring cleaning!!
tianna
so many great suggestions, i find shutting off my distractions and making a list is the most helpful for me
Nyxie
I struggle with this every day lately. I’ve started breaking down tasks into manageable sections. Am I getting as much done as usual? No, but it’s helping to keep me motivated to even a basic, minimum level.
Melina
I’ve been wanting to prioritize my fitness, but it’s been so hard, because I just get home from work, and the last thing I want to do is workout! I’ve been getting back into it, but I’m still not as consistent as I would like. Great tips! xxx
Katie
Great list of tips on how to get stuff done (even when you don’t want to)! I find giving myself a deadline really helps, similar to setting a timer. If I have a deadline on when I know I need to get something done (work or personal) it always helps me accomplish it!
thecuriousdig
Agree with the deadline, otherwise it can just drag on forever!
Emilia
These are great tips!! I feel like productivity is such a hard thing to be consistent in. I’ll have days where I get everything done on my to do list plus more, and then days where I struggle to get through any of it. Great post!
Deanna | Life By Deanna
Great tips!! Love the one about making a priority list. That can really help you focus and stay on track!
Carissa Weber
It can be hard when the motivation is zapped. It is always good to remember the end result.
Molly | Transatlantic Notes
These are reminders that came at just the right time for me as I am floundering a bit today (and have been this week in general). I will be using these tips to get mysefl back on track!
thecuriousdig
Brilliant! We all have those days and weeks…
Lindsey
I need this in my life! Life is so busy and can be overwhelming. Thank you for sharing!