Getting after it

To boost motivation and productivity, consider these insights from experts:

1. Change Your Outlook: Rather than blaming a lack of willpower, change your circumstances. Reflect on past achievements to rekindle motivation. Beware of motivational slumps in the middle of tasks and keep project phases short to maintain momentum 1 .

2. Break Down Tasks: Large tasks can be overwhelming. Break them into smaller, manageable chunks with clear deadlines to increase motivation and productivity 2 .

3. Use the Pomodoro Technique: For extensive tasks like writing a research paper, break them into short, timed intervals (e.g., 25 minutes) to maintain focus and productivity 3 .

   Boosting Motivation

   Ayelet Fishbach

   Struggling with motivation after summer break? Shift your focus from willpower to changing your circumstances. Reflecting on past achievements can reignite your drive, while keeping project phases short helps maintain momentum. Additionally, learning from negative feedback can be enhanced by offering advice to others facing similar challenges.

   

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   4 Proven Ways to Kick Your Procrastination Habit | Ayelet Fishbach | TED

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4. Two-Minute Rule: Complete any task that can be done in two minutes immediately. This reduces procrastination and builds momentum for more complex tasks 4 .

5. Manage Your Energy: Productivity isn’t just about time management but also energy management. Focus on the most important tasks first and take regular breaks to stay refreshed 5 .

6. Know Your Body Clock: Schedule your most important tasks when your brain is at its peak performance, whether you’re a morning person or a night owl 6 .

7. Incorporate Fun: Make tasks more enjoyable by fostering a sense of autonomy and competence. This intrinsic motivation can make even mundane tasks energizing 7 .

These strategies from behavioral scientists and productivity experts can help you stay motivated and enhance productivity across various aspects of work and life.