Feeling unmotivated this summer? Like you just don’t have the stamina or the focus to get anything done?
It’s all in your head.
No, really. Your brain plays tricks on you, and sometimes it tries to trick you into being unproductive. But as I tell people all the time, in my role as an executive coach, there are ways you can beat your brain at its own game—actually tricking it into being more efficient in the workplace.
Let me offer a few practical suggestions.
Telling Your Brain to Get More Accomplished
Play the part of the observer. Have you ever asked yourself what’s stopping you from getting things done—what’s truly standing in your way? There is a lot of value in playing the role of an outside observer, stepping back and assessing what motivates your lack of motivation.
Break down your big projects into sprints. A sprint is when you focus solely on one small part of the puzzle—completing one specific, measurable goal as quickly as you can. Breaking big projects into sprints can be a helpful way to get through them without becoming overwhelmed.
Race against yourself. Set a timer for 30 minutes, and try to get as much done as you can in that span of time. Compete with yourself; make it your most productive half-hour ever. Promise yourself 15 minutes of break time if you can get something significant done.
Make a not to do list. In addition to listing the items you need to complete today, also make a list of the things that can wait—the things you don’t even need to think about just now. This can be liberating, and allow you to feel better about tackling your more pressing tasks.
Outthink Your Own Brain
Your mind can sometimes be your own worst enemy—but there are ways to stay one step ahead of it. I hope you’ll find some of these simple strategies to be impactful!