Be More Productive

There is so much you want to do but you always seem to get held back. Maybe you don’t know where to begin and feel lost so you just play video games or watch tv instead of working towards your dreams and goals. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed and then get stressed and depressed thinking I won’t be able to accomplish anything. There are a few things I have learned along the way to help me focus and become more productive.

Become more Productive with LISTS

When I am feeling down and overwhelmed, lists are my go to. Not only does listing tasks organize my scattered thoughts, but it’s satisfying crossing off each one you’ve completed. Even if you don’t fully complete all of the tasks, if you have worked on at least a couple you will feel better than if you didn’t do anything at all.

You can either write it all on a sticky note or use an app on your phone. There are plenty of great apps! I like using Color Checklist and handwriting on a sticky note/notepad to organize my ideas. 

Here is what my list would look like on a Saturday when I have the day to myself:

     6:00 a.m – Warm up sketches

     7:00 a.m. – Draw out thumbnails for comics

     9:00 a.m. – Finish the next webcomic page/ post on site

     10:00 a.m. – Start next page (draw out/ink/tone) 

     2:00 p.m. – Work on new graphics for website

     4:00 p.m. – Color in inked drawings

     8:00 p.m. – Scan and edit artwork

Now, do I complete all of these tasks? Nope. But even if I just start working on my webcomic and design some graphics for this website, that’s better than sitting on my phone playing Clash of Clans until I go to bed.

Also a lot of times I do not do everything in order. To do lists gives me an idea about how to time manage and what to focus on instead of being on social media all day.

And remember to give yourself credit for getting even two or three of the tasks done! It’s better than getting nothing done at all.

Do What You Want to do

You put something on your list that you REALLY don’t feel like doing at the moment. That’s okay! Don’t let it make you feel guilty. Just skip it and save for later or for another day.

If you force yourself to do something you are really not into at the moment, you won’t get much done and will spend too much time stressing. This will end up with you staring at a blank sheet of paper for way longer than you should when you could be getting something else done.

Stressing is not productive.

Basically don’t always force yourself because you feel like you HAVE to do it. You are less productive when you force yourself, it will end up feeling like a chore and you’ll burn out quicker.

When the time is right, the ideas will flow through more naturally.

Get Comfortable

Some people may prefer to sit at an art desk to get tasks done, but sitting in a more casual spot helps me to relax and think better. I’ll sit at my desk every once in a while.

When it’s really nice out, I like to be outdoors with my work and get some fresh air.

If I am inside, I have a comfy chair in my den I like to sink into with a notepad and pencil in hand.

Music 

Put on some music while you work! Create a playlist that will last you the whole day. I like playing instrumental music because singing voices can distract me a bit.

I’ll listen to some video game music or play some jazz. I really love listening to music on the Cafe Music BGM channel on Youtube. 

Have Fun!

Sometimes we forget why we do this stuff in the first place. You do it because you love drawing/writing/creating. You don’t like going to work and you don’t want to do something that just feels like a job.

So why look at the hobby you love and are passionate about as just something you have to do. 

Do you have any ways that help you to stay productive? Share them in the comments section!