What do you do when you have a big project or a lengthy to-do list but feel unmotivated to start?

Sometimes, tasks can feel daunting and motivation is fleeting. 

If we wait for motivation to strike before taking action, we won’t get much done.

@julia.sophh

Use these strategies to motivate yourself to get things done (even when you don’t want to do): 🌟Break it Down Break the task down into manageable, bite-sized chunks. 🌟Use Time-Blocking Use time blocking to organize your day. Alternate between short, focus periods and breaks. 🌟Use Time-Pressure 🌟Romanticize Your To-Do List Romanticizing life is one of my all-time best tips for improving your life. This includes making undesirable tasks more fun. Ex: wear your favorite outfit, play fun music, go to an inspiring location, light a candle 🌟Parent your inner child Knowing how to self-soothe can help you support and comfort yourself while workin through difficult tasks. 🌟Give yourself treats/rewards Plan a fun treat/reward as motivation for completing the task. #motivation #howtogetmotivated #motivationtips #selfimprovement

♬ sonido original – Life By Julia💖

This is why it’s important to identify strategies to get started and maintain momentum, even when motivation fades.

To Give a Specific Example:

The other day, I woke up feeling unmotivated. But I knew I needed to be on my A-game because I had an important project to focus on. 

So I identified some strategies to get my momentum going and set myself up for success.

Now, I’m sharing these tips that can help you push through life’s less fun tasks ✨with ease✨.

Motivation-Building Habits

◇Break It Down with Time-Blocking

Use time-blocking to break the task down into manageable, bite-sized chunks. Focusing on one small step at a time can make getting started feel less overwhelming.

Watch this video to learn more about time blocking.

@julia.sophh

Time Blocking Dos & Don’ts How to Use Time Blocking to Transform Your Time Management!🕓 Time-blocking is when you take tasks from your to-do list and schedule them into your calendar so you know when you will work on them. Make sure to go back and watch my last video to learn more about the basics of time-blocking. When used correctly, time-blocking is a helpful time-management tool. But, if you aren’t careful, time-bocking can feel overwhelming and can hinder your productivity. These are some tips to keep in mind to make time-blocking more effective. 🕑Assume activities will take longer than you think! Give yourself an overly generous amount of time for any activity to avoid feeling rushed. 🕑Don’t schedule too many things in one day. This can quickly lead to burnout. Leave a comment to let me know how time blocking works for you! And make sure to follow for more realistic and sustainable self-improvement tips!💗 #timeblocking #timemanagement #timemanagementtips #gentleproductivity

♬ sonido original – Life By Julia💖

I decided to time-block my day into 30-minute chunks of focused work. Knowing I only need to commit to a task for 30 minutes feels less intimidating and helps me get over the initial hurdle to start.

Additionally, alternating between difficult work and fun, energizing work (such as focusing on my content), helps keep my energy levels up.

◇Use Time-Pressure

Time pressure is a helpful tool for overcoming procrastination. Giving yourself a set amount of time to complete a task creates a sense of urgency that can help you focus.

@julia.sophh

Understanding This is Key to Transforming Your Time Management! 🕑Give Yourself Deadlines Parkinson’s Law tells us work expands to fill the amount of time you have to complete it. This is why you sometimes procrastinate until the last-minute (we’ve all been there)! Setting deadlines for your goals creates a sense of urgency. Break your goal down into steps and give yourself specific deadlines for when to accomplish each step. Go back and watch other videos to learn how to use time blocking to get more done! Time-Blocking Basics @Life By Julia💖 Time Blocking Dos and Don’ts @Life By Julia💖 Follow for more simple habits to help you be your best self! #timemanagement #timemanagementtips #timeblocking #howtogetmoredone

♬ sonido original – Life By Julia💖

How to Use The Pomodoro Technique for Time Management

The Pomodoro Technique involves breaking projects into focused periods, called ‘Pomodoros’ (typically 25 minutes) followed by short breaks (typically 5 minutes). After completing 4 Pomodoros, take a longer break (25-30 minutes).

I use a Pomodoro timer app, called Focus Keeper, to track my focus time and productivity. 

The app’s ticking clock sound helps keep me focused.

Read my blog post called A Beginner’s Guide to the Pomodoro Technique to learn more.

◇Romanticize Your To-Do List

Romanticizing life is a fun way to make undesirable and mundane tasks feel exciting. Simple strategies, like

⟢lighting candles

⟢playing soft music

⟢putting on your favorite outfit

⟢working in a fun location

can make boring projects more enjoyable!

I do this by playing my beloved Jazz Cafe Ambience YouTube videos in the background while I work.

◇Parent Your Inner Child

Nurturing your inner child by acknowledging your feelings and treating yourself with compassion creates a supportive environment that can inspire productivity.

I honor my feelings and boost my self-confidence by telling myself that I am capable of accomplishing this task and that everything is going to be okay. I also remind myself of the importance of the task at hand.

Read this blog post to learn how you can practice compassionate self-discipline.

◇Give Yourself Treats/Rewards

The last (and most fun) tip is to give yourself treats. Plan an exciting reward as an incentive to get things done. 

For example, I bought myself a new Trader Joe’s scented candle. Planning a treat is a fun way to motivate yourself.

I hope these tips help you get things done, even when you don’t feel like it! This is a topic I am very familiar with, so I hope you can take something away from me sharing my experience.

Leave a comment to let me know if these tips help you! 

What do you do to motivate yourself? Leave a comment to share your strategies and help build a supportive and uplifting community!

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Thanks for reading!