Unleashing Productivity: Finding Motivation and Taking Action

WhiteFish Creative Ltd
3 min readJul 7, 2023

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Coffee is the key to success… maybe not…

In the fast-paced world of juggling responsibilities, finding the motivation and energy to get things done can be a real challenge. Today, we will explore my approach to staying productive amidst the demands of work and family life. From time management techniques to overcoming mental barriers, we will delve into practical strategies that can help you stay motivated and accomplish your goals.

The Daily Hustle

For those who constantly seek engagement and avoid downtime, staying busy is a way of life. This constant pursuit of learning and building can be both rewarding and demanding. However, the question often arises: How do they find the time and energy to keep going, especially with additional commitments like a young family?

The Struggle and Self-Discipline

Balancing work, family, and personal aspirations requires a strong sense of self-discipline. With the challenges of parenting young children, it becomes even more essential to make the most of the limited time available. While the popular Pomodoro Technique aids in organising work, the focus here is on finding the motivation to tackle tasks head-on.

The Evening Scenario

After a long day of coding or other commitments, it is natural to feel reluctant about diving back into a screen-based activity. Exhaustion, hunger, and the desire to relax often overpower the drive to engage in productive tasks. I have developed methods to overcome this resistance, which I will share with you.

The Power of Scheduling

One effective approach is to schedule tasks in a calendar with reminder notifications. By blocking out dedicated time slots, potential conflicts are avoided. The timely reminders serve as a mental nudge, ensuring that important activities remain at the forefront of one’s mind.

The Three-Second Rule

While notifications can be helpful reminders, they don’t always provide an instant surge of motivation. This is where the my self-developed “three-second rule” comes into play. Before the brain can intercept the notification and dismiss it, they count down slowly from three to one. This simple act of distraction prevents the mind from slipping into a state of inertia. By initiating movement towards the task at hand, the momentum for action is created.

Avoiding Overcommitment

Although initiating the work is crucial, it is equally important to avoid getting too engrossed and losing track of time. Balancing personal and professional commitments requires maintaining a healthy sleep schedule. I fully acknowledges the danger of working until the early hours of the morning, leading to a cycle of exhaustion, but I do often fall foul of it. However, being mindful of time constraints ensures a sustainable and balanced approach to productivity.

The Impact of Nutrition

In addition to these motivational techniques, I would highlight the impact of dietary choices on your energy levels. Through personal experience, I discovered that adopting a low-carb eating plan led to increased energy and reduced the need for extensive sleep. While specific dietary recommendations may vary, it is worth considering the relationship between nutrition, motivation, and overall well-being. I am not saying you have to go low-carb, keto, paelio or whatever else, but find what works best for you and your healthy balances.

When faced with tasks that seem unappealing or challenging, finding the drive to get started can be a struggle. By implementing strategies like scheduling, employing the three-second rule, and paying attention to nutrition, you can overcome mental barriers and unlock your productivity potential.

Remember, taking that initial step is often the hardest part, but once you’ve conquered it, the sense of accomplishment and momentum will carry you forward.

So, take a deep breath, count down from three, and make that move towards success.

In the ever-evolving landscape of productivity, Whitefish Creative strives to inspire individuals to unleash their full potential. Through innovative strategies, time management techniques, and a touch of humour, we aim to empower you on your journey to accomplishing great things.

It’s never too late to start counting down and embracing your true creative potential.

So, the next time you find yourself hesitating to tackle a daunting task, just keep in mind:

Even your notification sound believes in you more than you believe in yourself! Take a leap of faith, count down, and defy the temptation of lazy brain moments.

The world is waiting for your productivity superhero to save the day!

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WhiteFish Creative Ltd
WhiteFish Creative Ltd

Written by WhiteFish Creative Ltd

James Studdart: Bespoke software solutions, in .Net, Flutter, Python, C#, JS, and designs. A popular podcast host. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesstuddart/

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