THE LAZY GIRL’S GUIDE TO PRODUCTIVITY
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Let’s be real – if motivation was the key to success, most of us would be in trouble.
Because here’s the truth: I’m lazy. Like, really lazy.
If given the choice between working or curling up with a book and a cup of coffee, I’d pick the book every single time. And yet, I still manage to get things done – not because I’m magically more motivated than anyone else, but because I don’t rely on motivation at all.
Motivation is like that flaky friend who cancels plans at the last minute. Some days, you wake up energized and ready to take on the world. Other days, you hit snooze, scroll Instagram, and wonder where the day went. If you wait to feel motivated, you’ll always struggle with inconsistency.
So, what’s the solution? A system.
Instead of relying on motivation, I use structured habits and routines that make productivity automatic. Here’s how you can do the same.
Have a Clear Plan: Focus on Three Priorities Per Day
One of the biggest reasons people feel overwhelmed and unproductive is because they don’t know where to start. If your to-do list is a mile long, it’s easy to get stuck in “analysis paralysis” and end up doing nothing at all.
Solution: Instead of working from a never-ending brain dump, focus on just three priorities per day.
Why This Works:
Less Overwhelm: When you only have three things to do, it feels manageable.
Clear Direction: You always know exactly what to focus on.
Momentum Boost: Small wins lead to bigger wins, keeping you productive throughout the day.
Pro Tip: If you must add more than three things, make sure they’re small and easy to complete. For example, “Send email to Sarah” is much more achievable than “Overhaul marketing strategy.”
Time Block Your Tasks to Fit Your Schedule
A to-do list alone isn’t enough – you also need a plan for when you’ll actually complete each task. That’s where time blocking comes in.
Time blocking is the practice of assigning specific time slots for different tasks throughout the day. Instead of saying, “I’ll work on my business today,” you schedule:
9:00-9:30 AM: Write Instagram captions for the week
9:30-10:00 AM: Respond to emails
10:00-11:00 AM: Record podcast episode
Why This Works:
Prevents Procrastination: When you know exactly when a task will get done, you’re less likely to put it off.
Eliminates Decision Fatigue: You’re not wasting mental energy deciding what to do next.
Ensures Productivity Fits Your Life: Instead of cramming everything into one giant work session, you spread tasks throughout the day in a way that works for you.
Pro Tip: If you have tasks that require deep focus, schedule them during your peak productivity hours (for most people, this is mid-morning).
Create Routines to Remove the Guesswork
Ever notice how brushing your teeth doesn’t require motivation? You just do it. That’s the power of a routine. The more you automate your habits, the less effort it takes to stay productive.
Solution: Build structured routines for the start and end of your day, as well as specific work tasks.
Why This Works:
Eliminates Resistance: When something becomes a habit, you no longer have to “force” yourself to do it.
Saves Mental Energy: You don’t have to think about what’s next – it’s already planned.
Creates Consistency: Routines help ensure you’re making progress every day, even when you’re not feeling particularly motivated.
Examples of Productive Routines:
Morning Routine: Wake up → coffee → workout → plan the day → start work.
Work Routine: Check emails → time block the day → tackle top three tasks → break for lunch.
Evening Routine: Review accomplishments → plan for the next day → shut down work → relax.
Pro Tip: If you struggle to start tasks, use a “starter ritual” to trigger action. For example, before writing, you might light a candle, put on focus music, and open your document. Over time, your brain will associate this ritual with getting into work mode.
The most successful and productive people aren’t working harder – they’re working smarter. They don’t wait for motivation to strike… they rely on systems that make action automatic.
Ready to create your own productivity system? Start by grabbing my free weekly planning checklist to help you map out your week with ease.
By following these simple steps, you’ll stop waiting for motivation – and start getting things done. Even if you’re as lazy as I am.
