Being Productive

Most times when we are feeling the least productive, it is because of the environment we surround ourselves with. So many distractions to tempt us, steering us away from what we actually need to do. Of course, there's things we want to do, but they're much more exciting than writing that essay or email, or getting all of your assignments done.

What do you try to do when your due dates are coming up and you haven't even started? If you're anything like me, you still wait a couple days and don't start until you're in a state of panic that sends you into overdrive and you pull an all-nighter to completely finish it, because you can't allow yourself to fail. Sound familiar to any of you?

Well currently, I am going through a rut, and I'm struggling mentally because of it. I am not getting a head start on important assignments at the end of the semester where everyone usually begins to get lazy and less productive. At the end of the semester everyone seems to feel a depletion in energy and motivation when they need it most. So what do you do when you want to get out of a rut as such? The power of discipline and perception.

Having self-discipline is one of the most important skills to have when it comes to staying motivated and productive. Lately, I've been hitting snooze on my alarm clock more times than I can count, which usually results in me only having 20 minutes to get ready for class. This tends to ruin the rest of my day, but here's the thing... It doesn't have to. You can start self-discipline with very small changes, whenever. You can make a turn around from a mistake you made today. Personally, pressing snooze too many times was my first mistake of today, but now I found leisurely time to change my day around by eating breakfast after class, showering, and writing this for all of you to read.

When it comes to self-discipline, you cannot become a master of this in a day. It starts with small changes. Set at least two primary goals for the day for yourself upon waking up before checking your phone, emails, and social media. Most of the time our phones are what we first reach for upon waking up, but this isn't the right way to begin your day. You haven't even told yourself what you want to get done today but you just liked your friend's picture on Instagram. Will this help contribute to your day? No, most likely it won't.

You need to set a morning routine that you can and will stick to so that you start your day off right. When that alarm goes off, get your ass out of bed. An extra 10 minutes of sleep will be no help, but an extra 10 minutes to get ready for the day will. Try something new that you've never done before. Wake up a little earlier so you can shower and do yoga before getting ready. Yoga can help with your energy, circulatory health, metabolism, and weight reduction. Doing this everyday can make a significant change in your daily life even if you cannot notice it right away. Getting those muscles moving and that brain flowing early in your day can better improve the rest of it and stimulate productivity and creativity.

Another very important aspect of not only having a productive day, but a productive and happy life is the power of perception. Most often we say "I am tired. I am angry. I am overwhelmed. I am irritated." It is all in the power of "I am." What you say you are is what you will be. Not ready to study for that test? Not ready to get up for work? Not ready to write that assignment? Say to yourself, "I am ready." And ready is what you will become. Most often, we tend to forget or never realize the power of the words we tell ourselves, or even the words others tell us.

You no longer have to be a victim to the negative words you tell yourself or negative words others tell you. If you are not being positive to yourself, how do you expect to see a positive outcome or growth? You have the power to cut out any negativity from people whether it is coworkers, professors, family, or friends. You have the power to choose to be on a higher level of consciousness and say to yourself, "This right here is not helping me grow. I will ignore these words and tell myself I am doing everything I can." And guess what? You will push through the situation and give it your all, but you have to truly believe in yourself.

You can change your perception of a situation or yourself in an instant because it only starts with a positive thought. Be kind to yourself, but also know that progress isn't always easy to make. In order to transcend into higher consciousness and move past a difficult time or situation, you have to put in real effort. Stop telling yourself that you don't feel like doing this and that because it is too hard, because everything will be hard. You just have to ask yourself if the outcome is worth the effort. And sorry to break it to ya, but most of the time it is. You will be happy that you changed your mindset, were kind to yourself, and pushed yourself until you couldn't anymore.

Never forget to reward yourself and make time for yourself between working. Everyone needs a break between being productive. Life is one hell of a journey, but what are we doing if we aren't enjoying it some of the way? Something I want all of you to remember is even though life can seem like it is always working against you, life is here for you. Don't let trivial things tear you down and discourage you from making progress because it is never to late to get back up. You have so much life and light left inside of you to live and give, so start living. And make sure to stretch that body of yours really good during your new yoga routine!