Stay Productive on Low-Energy Days
Photo by Andreas Klassen on Unsplash
On days when it feels challenging to find the energy to move forward, how can you muster the determination to take steps anyway? When I say “move forward,” I don’t mean just going through the motions of your daily tasks. I mean making meaningful progress on a lingering goal that you could easily leave inactive, but deep down, you know that consistent dedication would help it flourish. Below are some tips for how to stay productive on low-energy days or in challenging seasons and continue progressing toward your goals.
Take Action — No Matter How Small
This may sound counterintuitive since we often find it hard to muster up energy to start. Many people wait for a burst of adrenaline to motivate them to act and create momentum, but that approach often doesn’t work. One of the best ways to stay productive on low-energy days is to take even a tiny step toward your goal. Taking action, even if it’s a small one, can trigger the momentum you’ve been waiting for.
Instead of scrolling through social media, watching another TikTok, or starting a new series on Netflix, stop. Take a small action toward your goal right away to launch the ripple effect that can lead to a future win. For example, if your goal is to attend your favorite workout class three times a week, register for your first class now. Doing so adds the accountability of knowing your spot is reserved and paid for.
Know Where to Start: Planning Is Key
When you’re overwhelmed with tasks, wondering what’s for dinner, or debating how much longer you can avoid household chores, it’s tough to think about your long-term goals. However, planning is a crucial step in how to stay productive on low-energy days. It’s tempting to think that you need to be in a high-energy state to plan effectively, but dedicating time to plan your day can help you make the most out of small pockets of time throughout your day.
Take a step back and spend some time reflecting on your priorities. Use tools like Monday.com, Notion.com and ClickUp.com to share and organize your plans with colleagues. Having a clear plan laid out in front of you makes it easier to identify which tasks need to be tackled next. On low-energy days, planning will help you focus on what matters most.
Another thing to do is to look at what is influencing your energy level. Read this article about the influencers of your energy.
Watch-Outs: Anticipate Obstacles to Stay on Track
Another step toward staying productive on low-energy days is anticipating potential obstacles, which I call “watch-outs.” These are things that could hinder your progress or that have derailed you in the past. For instance, if you know that going to the gym before work positively impacts your day but you haven’t been able to make it all week, identify your watch-outs. Is it going to bed too late? Not having clean workout clothes? Or maybe failing to plan your breakfast, which leads to wasted time in the kitchen?
Addressing your watch-outs head-on can prevent you from giving up altogether. It may take some extra planning, but it’s essential for effectively managing your goals. Being proactive about your watch-outs helps you avoid obstacles before they can hinder your progress, which can be especially helpful when you’re already struggling with low energy.
Unique Strategies for Low-Energy Days
Recognizing that everyone is unique, the strategies above are general tips on how to stay productive on low-energy days. However, over time, we each develop our own set of specific strategies that reinvigorate or motivate us during low-energy moments. What strategies work for you? Could you systemize them to help you stay productive even on the toughest days?
Take a moment to reflect on the actions or habits that energize you, and think about how you can integrate them into your routine. Sometimes, creating a simple list of go-to strategies can help you stay productive during moments when your energy is low.
Conclusion: Staying Productive on Low-Energy Days is Possible
Although it can feel impossible to stay productive on low-energy days, the small steps you take toward your goals can create momentum that keeps you moving forward. Whether it’s taking action, planning your day, or identifying potential obstacles, being intentional about how you approach these moments can help you make meaningful progress — no matter your energy level.
About Amy Russo Pierre
Amy Russo Pierre is a Certified Life and Leadership Coach with a background in Human Resources. Through her time working within organizations, she became drawn to supporting professionals one-on-one to prioritize their individualized goals while holistically supporting other facets of their lives. Since becoming a Professional Coach, Amy has worked with many entrepreneurs and other professionals to cultivate more fulfilling and rewarding lives. She is dedicated to holistic wellness and is committed to assisting individuals in becoming the best versions of themselves.
If you feel that you are lacking the motivation to stay productive and set clear goals, you can always schedule a free call with Amy or check out other Life and Leadership Coaches, at Coach Link Up.