I’m trying a new thing lately where I keep two different to-do lists: one for the week, which I make on Sunday night, and one for the day, which I make at the beginning of each day. The daily one is stuff I NEED to get done that day, plus maybe one or two things that it would be nice if I could get them done but they’re not absolutely critical. I’m finding that the daily list is keeping me a lot more productive than usual because I’m less inclined to put things off until later in the week. I find it super satisfying to be able to check off every item on a list, so this method works well for my particular brain and it might for yours too.
Setting time limits also works great for me. Like, this morning I had a bunch of stuff to do, so I decided I’d work from 9 until 12, and finish however much work I possibly could within that time period. It’s a simple technique but it can be very motivating.
Also I’m finding that daily exercise is helping with my productivity and energy a lot. I know that’s a super boring suggestion to make, because everyone recommends exercise for everything, but that’s because it actually works.
I also make a big chart at the beginning of each semester that has a row for each week and a column for each class, so I know exactly what I have to do and by when. I keep it above my desk and refer to it frequently.
To sum up: make lists and charts and stick to ‘em, treat your body well, learn what times of day work best for your brain, take breaks when you need to, and remind yourself frequently of how much better you’ll feel if you just GET IT DONE NOW instead of putting it off. That one has been big for me lately.
Hope that helps! xox