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10 Daily Habits that Will Make You Incredibly Productive

September 21 // 20 Comments // 6 Minute Read

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When it comes to "productivity," where do I even start?? I've read dozens of books on productivity, but the pieces never quite came together in my mind. Turns out, I've been doing it all wrong! I never would have thought to look past the day and dissect the individual choices I'm making and habits I'm repeating that torpedo my productivity. I am SO EXCITED to overhaul my day now and can't wait to write down my to-do list tonight!
Ever had a day that can only be summed up with the word “UGH!”?…There is hope! These ten powerful habits increase mental clarity and eliminate distractions so you can have a productive day EVERYDAY. (A few may even surprise you!)
 
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy here.
When it comes to "productivity," where do I even start?? I've read dozens of books on productivity, but the pieces never quite came together in my mind. Turns out, I've been doing it all wrong! I never would have thought to look past the day and dissect the individual choices I'm making and habits I'm repeating that torpedo my productivity. I am SO EXCITED to overhaul my day now and can't wait to write down my to-do list tonight! #productivitytips #dailyhabits #dailyhabitideas #howtobeproductive

By 9:02pm, it’s hard to hide the frustration of a day gone wrong.

This particular day, I got off to a late start, fielded multiple phone calls and texts each hour, had to run errands that afternoon, and felt like I was spinning in eight different directions without crossing a single task off my to-do list!

As much as I would rather wallow in self-pity, blame everyone else, and fuel my emotions with a bowl of chocolate peanut butter ice cream (Turkey Hill, please), my analytical brain can’t help but contemplate what went wrong and why my day didn’t go as planned.

In other words,

Are there practical things I can do differently to prevent this from happening again?

You bet.

Even though I may not do all of the following habits every day (overachiever I am, but perfect, no), I’m less likely to experience the day I described above as long as I practice most of them. In fact, whenever I implement these 10 best practices, my day runs so much smoother, and I feel way more productive than before!

So if you’ve ever had a day that can only be summed up with the word “UGH!”…there is hope!

These ten powerful habits will keep your day running smoothly, help you learn how to transform your life, and minimize any possible mishaps along the way. (A few habits may even surprise you!)

1. Write out your to-do list the night before

Mornings can be stressful! (Amen?)

Take away some of the stress by creating your to-do list the night before. Not only will you feel ready to start working right away (because you already know what to do!), you also establish a definitive end to your current day and can relax, knowing that tomorrow’s list will be there to tackle…tomorrow.

I personally spend 10 minutes before bed going over the tasks I didn’t finish that day, and I migrate them to my next day’s to-do list in my bullet journal using a time-blocking method I’ll explain more about in #7!

Related: Weekly vs. Daily Logs: How to Pick the Perfect Bullet Journal Layout

2. Get Enough Sleep

While writing out tomorrow’s to-do list is great way to clear your mind before bed, I would argue that the most important thing that helps set any day up for success is getting enough sleep the night before. It’s also often one of the first things to go when life gets busy!

But a good night’s rest makes all the difference between a “stumble through everything in a fog” type of day and one where you have energy, clarity, and focus. Your body craves this time to renew itself. Plus, you won’t need as much concealer to cover up the lasting effects of night gone wrong. 😉

Have trouble falling asleep? Try one of these 11 Ways to Sleep Better Tonight.

3. Make the bed

Knock this simple, one-minute task off your list the moment you wake up and you’ll instantly feel like all is right with the world and you can tackle anything you set your mind to.

Okay, maybe not to that extent, but you’ll be ready to tackle anything with a neatly made bed jumpstarting your day! In fact, make this part of your morning routine so you don’t have to even think about doing it anymore—you’ll just do it.

Speaking of which…

4. Create a morning routine

The difference between a day that starts with a morning routine and a day that doesn’t proves how effective a morning routine really is. Without it, I’m toast. With it, I create a foundational support system that helps everything else fall into place and helps me have a productive day.

The first thing to ask yourself when creating a morning routine, is WHY do you want to do it? Those WHY’s will carry you through and motivate you to crawl out of bed each morning.

I share more about my own morning routine (including my WHY!) HERE.

Start Your Day Right

 

Make Over Your Mornings is a remarkable resource that helped me establish my morning routine (and stick to it!).
LEARN MORE

 

5. Look presentable

I’m not saying you can’t be productive in your pajamas or workout clothes, but if you’re like me, you’ll be even more productive if you get dressed, do your hair, and put on a little makeup.

Here’s why: looking your best helps you be more confident about yourself and your abilities, which means you’ll be inspired to tackle your to-do list rather than tempted by the thought of scrolling through social media or watching “just one episode” on Netflix.

I know it sounds crazy, but it totally works. (Even if you just put on a little mascara and lip gloss!).

6. Do the most important things first

Brian Tracy recommends you tackle the hardest things first in his popular book, Eat That Frog, but I disagree.

You should actually do the most important things first. And sometimes, that is the hardest task on your list! But when you make this distinction, you switch your focus to your priorities versus what feels urgent but isn’t necessarily important.

No matter how many tasks land on my to-do list each day, I prioritize just 1-2. In fact, I trick myself into accomplishing more tasks by only giving myself those to complete because 1-2 feels much more doable, and I’m ready to take on more when I have a couple wins under my belt.

Bottom Line: Accomplishment fuels motivation!

7. Try time blocking

This post goes more in depth about time blocking, but in short, time-blocking means you batch certain tasks at certain times of the day or on certain “themed” days in order to be more efficient and get more done. Basically, you segment your to-do lists.

And it works!

When you know exactly what you need to get done and when you’re going to do it, you stop “spinning your wheels” and make actual progress toward that one thing, rather than getting distracted by all the things.

Related: How to Do More in Less Time

TAKE BACK YOUR SCHEDULE

Crush your to-do list with these powerful time blocking worksheets and end the day with time to spare!

8. Resist the urge to multi-task or you won’t have a productive day!

Believe it or not, multi-tasking is a myth. And believe me, I understand how frustrating that is for someone who just wants to get more done!

The truth is: our brain can literally only focus on one thing at a time.

That means doubling your efforts by opening another browser tab while you wait for the current one to load (totally guilty!) doesn’t help you have a productive day. Clear out the mental clutter (and the physical clutter too!) so you can give 100% of your attention to that one thing and finish what you start.

9. Get Moving

Whether it’s a 10-minute walk outside or a 30-minute workout, get your body moving! I’m no biology major, but when your heart-rate increases, it sends a feel-good signal to your brain that motivates you to tackle a task or project right after (even if it doesn’t feel too awesome in the moment!).

Even though I hate running, I make myself do it 3x a week because not only do I feel better afterward, I also have more energy.

If you struggle to stay committed to exercise, I suggest getting a Fitbit. It’s an investment up front, but it keeps me moving more often than I did before—I want to see my heart rate and steps increase! The device also “buzzes” my wrist when I’ve been sitting for too long as a reminder to get up and walk around. Sometimes I hate that interruption, but it does work.

10. Do a 10-minute pick-up

Ever since I established a 10-minute evening pick-up routine, my house has continued to stay cleaner and less cluttered than before. It’s not always completely clutter-free, but dedicating just 10 minutes a day to putting things back in their place, washing the remaining dishes, and tidying up the living room keeps you in total control.

So how does this relate to productivity?

Because clutter in your physical space translates to clutter in your mind. A clear countertop = a clear head. (And you’ll be able to get more done because you’ll have more space!)

With these ten habits as a part of your daily routine, the next time 9:02pm rolls around, you won’t look back on your day in frustration and wonder how you managed to accomplish so little. Instead, you’ll take a proactive approach over a reactive one and stay on track a lot easier than before. You’ll have a productive day!

And while they’re not miracle workers for a perfect day—life is LIFE!—these habits will set you up for greater success in the long run. So much so, that you’ll be ready to create another amazing day again tomorrow!

Let’s chat about your day:

What habit helps you keep your day on track?

Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

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Comments

  1. Kim says

    October 1 at 2:27 pm

    I am so motivated by this! I make lists already and feel my life is organized chaos. This has been so helpful. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      October 2 at 11:00 am

      You’re welcome Kim!

      Organized chaos is the first step of getting out of pure chaos. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Angie says

    October 22 at 1:38 am

    Most days I write my to-do list the day before. Some days I am so into what I am writing or creating that I end up burning the clock at both ends.

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      October 26 at 2:26 pm

      Angie,

      I know that feeling so well! I get up to do that one last thing before I go to bed, and the next thing I know it’s past midnight and I’m kicking myself knowing that tomorrow is going to be harder because I didn’t get enough sleep.

      Reply
  3. jan says

    January 1 at 11:01 pm

    Kalyn, I just fo to battle daily with a und your blog. I have to battle daily with a rare illness. It is often hard for me to feel motivated to do much of anything. I am battling very hard to find organization and purpose for my life.
    Thank you for giving me motivation to get on track for my life. I have been boosted up by this first artice and will be reading more.

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      January 2 at 3:04 pm

      Hi Jan,

      I’m so sorry for the difficulties you’re facing. I hope that anything you find here will be helpful in your journey forward and continue to be an encouragement for you to keep pressing forward.

      Kalyn

      Reply
  4. Norma | We Bananas says

    February 8 at 2:03 pm

    I do a lot of these things too. Making the bed in the morning and taking a few minutes to tidy makes it easier to get into a work routine.

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      March 13 at 11:53 pm

      Morning routines are so key. When I get out of my routine I find my days, and weeks begin to crumble.

      Reply
  5. Jhoei says

    June 7 at 10:20 pm

    I also make my to-do list a day before. This gives me direction for the next day and allows me to finish a lot of things. I always make it a point that I will be productive every day.

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      June 20 at 3:45 am

      That is a fantastic habit! Lately I’m discovering that I need to either do it in the late afternoon, or wait until the next morning. If I do it at night, I end up with my mind keeping me up going over the list.

      Reply
  6. Grace says

    October 11 at 5:46 pm

    Hiiiiiiyyyyyaaa!! Oh man I can’t tell you how hard all of this resonated with me!! I am literally having that exact day and the same instinct was waving over me that I needed to streamline and prioritize to avoid this feeling//day from happening again, and so prompted a ‘brain dump’ search on Pinterest and I found your site, it is literally EXACTLY what my soul was asking for, the universe is beautiful and exhilarating, and so are you!! Keep inspiring and creating and sharing your truth, it is so so abundantly needed in this word and beautifully inspiring !!

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      October 24 at 2:39 pm

      Aw, thank you Grace. I’m glad you popped in and your encouragement was just what I needed to read this afternoon. 🤗

      Reply
  7. Suzi Whitford says

    April 20 at 3:49 pm

    I really appreciate the tip on creating the to-do list the night before! Time blocking has been a huge help in helping me manage time. Great post 🙂

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      April 24 at 11:19 am

      Yes! Getting everything off my mind before bed is a HUGE help! I’m glad you found it useful as well. 🙂

      Reply
  8. Princess says

    August 20 at 7:08 pm

    Wowww!!! This blogpost has truly helped.me.and I can’t wait to practice everything tomorrow. I’m guilt of always feeling unproductive everyday and I agree that multitasking is a myth.

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      August 21 at 2:10 pm

      I’m so glad!! Yes it’s so important to stay focused for sure.

      Reply
  9. Shelley says

    September 4 at 1:54 pm

    Hi Kalyn!
    I haven’t been organized since we had our 3rd child – 14 years ago! Being a military family, we’ve had to break down a home and set it back up in a new house lots of times, making what worked in one place fit another. It’s so tough! I have tried over and over again, but nothing seems to work. Now, I need medication, and I have started a morning routine to make sure that I get my medicine taken in time and take my vitamins an hour later. Starting a new routine with taking care of myself seems to be sticking! It seems selfish, but I have to stick to a schedule, and therefore, I am. Before I floated on a whim because we are stuck at home with no schedule.

    I appreciate the reminders of how to get stuff done – I’m adding getting presentable early to my new routine – baby steps!

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      September 7 at 3:49 pm

      Wow, it sounds like you’ve made amazing progress! I’m so glad you’ve found my tips helpful, keep up the good work!

      Reply
  10. Linda says

    October 8 at 11:39 pm

    I do list the night before some times if having appointments needing to take things I put the all in a bag or folder. By my bag or even pre load them in the car so they will be with me when I go to places. Ahead of time so in the last minute rush to get out the door. Leaves me to focus on routine. And I don’t forget to take those papers or things ad they are already in my car from or bag from the night before. This tip also helps me to be organised. Plus doing a bake up. The night before a 3 day summit mental health issues. Which is 15 hours in 3 days. Helps me get easy food and healthy food. So doing things in block times.

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      October 9 at 1:42 pm

      Yes! Having a great evening routine is so key to making the mornings go more smoothly.

      Reply

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Hi, I’m Kalyn—a recovering perfectionist who nerds out about organizing systems, personal productivity, and helping you prioritize what matters over the pressure to do it all. I have a feeling we’re about to become the best of friends! Learn more >>

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Minimalism ≠ Deprivation.⁣
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Sadly, I find m

Minimalism ≠ Deprivation.⁣
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Sadly, I find most people resist minimalism because they can't wrap their head around "having less." People tend to equate this movement with blank walls, white IKEA furniture, and decluttering everything in your home down to practically nothing so you can live full-time in an RV. Like me. 😉⁣
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But, while minimalism could be all that, this mindset misses the point. Minimalism is not only about “having less.” 🚫⁣
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It’s so much more than that.⁣
⁣
This week on the blog, I'm sharing the REAL definition of minimalism (that people who love their stuff can totally get behind!) as well as practical ways to incorporate minimalism into your life. 🎉⁣
⁣
Drop a heart emoji in the comments below and I'll send the link to your DM's! 💖

I love lazy Saturday mornings…as long as I have
I love lazy Saturday mornings...as long as I have a book and a cozy blanket! 😍

I wrote this in my journal the other day: 📓⁣

I wrote this in my journal the other day: 📓⁣
⁣
“I’ve been thinking about what tech boundaries I want to instill, including boundaries related to work and productivity. I’ve become less careful about my media consumption, and it’s having a negative affect on my mental health.” 💞⁣
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Have you ever felt a similar tug? ⁣
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I can’t begin to tell you how many times I pick up my phone because I’m bored or lonely or jealous or unhappy. It almost always makes me feel worse. And yet...I struggle to stop. 😝⁣
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Here are the ideas I’ve been trying this month and I’m already seeing a positive effect:⁣
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➕ No logging into social media after 8pm. I need to wind down for the night, not get lost in my phone! 📲⁣
➕ Open Instagram with a purpose—either to post or to interact. Stop endlessly scrolling.⁣
➕ My only screen time before 9am should be for Bible Study apps or News. 🗞⁣
➕ Turn my phone on Do Not Disturb during Tiger Time (when I need the most focus for work) 💪⁣
➕ Work no more than 4 hours on my business per day. If a task isn’t complete, push it to the next day. This time frame has really helped me prioritize! 💻⁣
➕ Watch one show per day (or two if they are short!) and leave movies for the weekend. 📺⁣
⁣
What tech boundaries have you set up? Are any new as of this year? I’d love to hear your ideas! 😃

What’s one thing you budget for that other peopl
What’s one thing you budget for that other people might not? I always find those interesting. 😃⁣
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You might have a mortgage. I budget for campgrounds. You might want a separate clothing budget, while I’m fine combining it under “Beauty and Style.” Recently, we also added a new line item for our motorcycle—something I NEVER thought would appear in our budget. ⁣
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See, we’re all different! ⁣
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Recently, I rearranged my budget categories and created this “cheat sheet.” Sometimes I forget where things go, like picking up new wall art for the living room. Does this item belong in the categories of Household Items or Home Maintenance? 🤔⁣
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Now I know! And I save time processing receipts each Friday. 🧾⁣
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What budgeting categories do you use? Share one of your random budget line items with me in the comments below! 😃

I call 2020 the Year of Abandoned Books. ⁣
⁣
I

I call 2020 the Year of Abandoned Books. ⁣
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I’m never afraid to stop reading a book if it doesn’t live up to the hype. Why invest more time in a book I’m not all that excited about when I could be exploring new authors and storylines where I can’t wait to turn the page? 🤷⁣
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But in 2020, I let more books go than I normally do. I suppose my patience dwindled when I thought the world was ending. Not that I thought the world was actually ending…but you know what I mean. 😉⁣
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As an Enneagram 1, I hate giving up on a book. I’m prone to the all-or-nothing mentality, even in my reading habits. My eyes could glaze over boring prose and I’d still repeat to myself: “You MUST finish this book!” 😫⁣
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Why? ⁣
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No one is adding a plastic star to your Book-It pin, (Remember those?) This isn’t assigned reading from your high school English class. This is YOUR reading life. ⁣
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And YOU should choose what books deserve your attention. 📚⁣
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There are too many good ones out there anyway.  Like one of my favorite reads from 2020. 😍⁣
⁣
This week’s newest blog post rounds up everything I read last year (43 books total!) including 5-star psychological thrillers, a delightful royal series, a couple self-help books, and of course, historical fiction.⁣
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Click the link in my bio to read it! ☝⁣
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What were your favorite books in 2020? Our literary styles might be a match made in heaven! ✨

My planner/journal lineup for 2021. 👆 ⁣
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T

My planner/journal lineup for 2021. 👆 ⁣
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These small but mighty sidekicks will be my saving grace this year. 📚⁣
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1️⃣ Bullet Journal (Blue) - for everyday planning and goal setting⁣
2️⃣ Regular Journal (Yellow) - to track gratitude (5 things a day!) and to process ALL the feelings⁣
3️⃣ Growth Journal (Sand) - a space for me to brain dump everything I learn from books, podcasts, sermons, etc ⁣
⁣
That last one is new to me as of this year and I can't wait to flip back through all my notes come December! 📆⁣
⁣
What planners/journals are you using for 2021?


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