How to be more productive and overcome procrastination?
The title of this blog is the challenge , I have been dealing with through my entire life.
As an artist, a teacher, a mom and a wife who wants to be good in what she’s doing, it is sometimes challenging to find the balance between your passion, your job, your family and always be productive and positive in all aspects.
I know this life/job balance is different for everyone but all of us are dealing with these challenges in some sort though our lives.
Living in this modern world with lots of information flooding us from politics to how to feed your soul -like this blog;) , it’s hard sometimes to keep up with the flow. And it’s easier than anytime to get overwhelmed, disappointed and blocked.
Believe me, I experienced that feeling many times, and still do but I know it’s not good for me and my mental health to stay in this stage. I know I have to stand up and keep going. I heard somewhere if you want to be successful, you need to be “professional” in what you are doing. And being professional is when you show up even if you think you are not %100 ready. And this is what I have learned through time. As an example, maybe I can’t be a perfect mom to plan a daily outside activity for my son everyday during the pandemic this summer(since he is not going to summer camps like past years), but I still can be a good/cool mom and laugh with him to some teenage jokes and be there for him to share what he wants to share with me.
So the first message is to “Show up” and be professional in what you are doing. , as a mom/dad, artist, friend, husband/wife/partner, daughter/son, employee, employer,…. . Don’t be a perfectionist always all the time.
The second message, is to prioritize tasks and be bold in filtering them, crossing out things that you don’t have time for, or saying no to requests that don’t fit into your goals.
The third message, is to BE FOCUSED & PRESENT IN WHAT YOU ARE DOING. This way you can enjoy the process more (if it is a joyful process like painting for me, or spending time with your family) or be more productive in doing the process (for example if the process is about taking a mandatory course or doing taxes, Ugh…)
The fourth message, which I think is the most important one, is to TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF. Sleep well. It is proven that sleep plays an important role in our mental and physical health and good quality sleep improves our immune system(more on that later.) Block sometime during the day to do what you enjoy and what is good for your mental and physical health. Do exercise , meditate and listen to your body, go for a nature walk, listen to your favorite music, and eat healthily.
So as let’s wrap it up,
How to be more productive and overcome procrastination?
Always show up no matter how you feel inside and don’t put your bars up too high. For example if you decided to do painting, start small but try to do it more frequent. (This is why I love the sketchbook drawing/painting idea.)
Prioritize tasks, and start from somewhere.
Be focused on one thing at a time and don’t get distracted by things that come on to your way. Even if you feel you are overwhelmed with lots of “To Do” lists, don’t get anxious, get up and start acting.
And most importantly,
Take good care of yourself and pay attention to your sleep!
Always Create!❤️
Sepi Gol Art
