Cleanliness and productivity go hand in hand. There’s been plenty of research done over the years to support this idea, too. Some of the benefits of a clean environment include lower stress levels, higher morale, and increased focus. More to come on how to balance these in a minute.
If you’re reading this, you probably already understand the importance of establishing a routine that enhances your idea of productivity—without sacrificing a clean space. After all, accomplishing important tasks while staying organized is a beautiful way to end each day. It’s also something that might be more of a priority this new year as you spend more time at home.
That said, there are only so many hours in a day. As much as we’d all like to check off every task on our daily to-do list, life often has other plans. Friends, I hear you. While I can relate to falling short of my goals from time to time (especially staying clutter free), there are ways to stay on track and make the most out of your day!
Practice the Art of Multitasking
Multitasking gets a bad rap. And understandably so, since switching between tasks can cause you to backtrack and destroy progress towards a productive day.
It’s not all bad though. In fact, you can utilize your trusty tech habits to help you multitask in a positive way. Using technology to make the most out of your day will help you find that balance between keeping a more tidy, systemized home and being productive.
One way to accomplish this is taking a more in-depth look at technological shortcuts.
You can simplify your life (and your to-do list) by downloading mobile apps that offer time-saving alternatives. Today’s technology allows you to outsource part of a task and does some of the leg work for you.
For example, if you know you have to disinfect your house or do a ton of laundry, but you realize you ran out of detergent or other key items to complete these tasks, you can choose to get these cleaning products and essentials delivered instead with a mobile delivery app. The key is to use the time you would’ve spent at the store for another important task on your list, thus leaving more time to clean and organize once your items get dropped off at your door.
Getting delivery also helps me when I am having low-energy days, or flare ups of my fibromyalgia. Sometimes going to the store is a lot more than just a quick errand, if it would leave me feeling tired and recovering for a day or two by pushing through the pain.
If you use technology wisely, you can make the most out of multitasking and lead a more productive life.
Eliminate Distractions
While great when used intentionally, technology and the digital world can easily distract you from important tasks. With the millions of social media apps and streaming services competing for your attention, it can be so natural to put on your favorite show and scroll through the latest feed.
At times, this enjoyable brain-break might be necessary, but it’s critical to commit to your larger scale goals. Focus on clear limits and be sure to prioritize your time.
Any type of screen can be put into the distraction category. While we typically think of screen time relating to our children or the younger generation, this can be the case for adults as well. If you spend hours pinning the latest recipes or mindlessly adding items to your shopping cart, you might find yourself in an unwanted cycle of procrastination. (Me, I do this, it’s me).
Resist the temptation, and instead schedule time in your day for breaks. If you allow yourself time to take a moment from work-related projects or at-home chores, you can minimize or eliminate distractions and mindfully balance your priorities.
Try applying the Pomodoro Technique to build in breaks for a useful productivity hack!
Give Yourself Some Tough Love
Within an age of giving yourself a lot of self-love and care, it’s just as important to hold yourself accountable. The only way to reach your full potential and future goals is to honestly check in with yourself in the present moment. Reflect on what is currently working for you and what is holding you back.
Celebrate the wins and make a plan for what needs to improve for the future.
When creating to-do lists or goals, you can let others know about them to hold yourself accountable. Dedicate one day a week where you discuss things like effective planning strategies, opportunities for growth, how you’ve fallen off track and what you plan to do about it going forward.
Whether you include someone in the conversation or not, keep in mind the end goal: balancing your priorities to achieve success in all areas of your life. Challenge yourself to have the courage to push beyond your current routine and comfort zone.
Don’t forget to reward yourself
On the other hand, reward yourself as well. If you complete something you’ve been working on all day or week, treat yourself! It can be a delicious dinner or anything that brings you joy and encourages your desire to thrive. When you make time to celebrate your success, you are more likely to continue on a productive path.
Celebrating can also look different for everyone. Show yourself you appreciate the successes you are accomplishing with just a little quiet time. Meditate and reflect while you sit with yourself and breathe. This simple act can do wonders when you need some me time. Being mindful of what your mind and body are asking for can help you reach your goals faster than you imagined. Although this can feel as if you are wasting those precious minutes, this breath of calmness can propel you to being more productive than if you pushed through that chaos.
In time, you’ll start to realize just how much you can do in a day. There will be things you know can easily throw you off track and strategies that work to avoid them. What matters is setting goals, whether it’s balancing a productive life with a clean environment, or anything you imagine, and believing in your ability to achieve anything you put your mind to!
Ready, set, goals!
PS. I work with people to achieve 90 day goals and beyond! If you’re looking for clarity on how to get started, hop on my calendar for a free thirty minute call.
Caitlin Liz Fisher 