Have you ever written a list of errands and other tasks, often on a piece of paper as a memory aid?

The only thing this guy here ever wrote as a memory aid was an acronym that he had planned to tattoo on his left arm.

It was APRPBPRAA.

If you have been feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list, or struggling to stay focused and get things done you're not alone.

I have gotten started like a thousand times on some newly learned life hacks and stuff, stayed motivated for a few days after acquiring some positive info, and actually stayed on course, a couple of days, but in the long run, none of that lingered.

Damn!

Whatever, let's just cut to the chase.

Don't worry, there are ways to boost your productivity and make the most of each day, even with a busy schedule.

Maybe this might be another article to motivate you some more only to be forgotten in hours or a few days, but just get along anyway.

Here are 10 simple tips that can significantly improve your well-being and efficiency.

Make the first one as the foundation to build on other ways I am going to share with you.

1. The Rule of 21

Being stuck in a pattern of bad habits is not a new phenomenon to most of us.

If you're an alien beat it, but if you're one of us then stick around.

Here's a cool trick:

Good habits are easier to stick with if you replace the bad ones.

The "21-day rule" says that if you do something good every day for 21 days, it's more likely to become a habit.

Think of it like training your brain.

I used to be a chainsmoker, but I replaced that with the habit of reminding myself of a smoking warning (cigarette smoking is dangerous to your health) whenever I felt like smoking.

That's how I started off, and stayed committed for 21 days while reflecting everyday by writing down my progress, not only on quitting that shit, but also on several other bad habits.

Honestly, after 21 days, it felt weird smoking.

2. Starting With a Power Hour

Getting up in the morning used to be the worst.

On the contrary, it's never been the same since I found a way to make my mornings awesome.

Here's the secret: the "power hour."

Not a secret anymore.

It's simple: I spend the first hour after waking up focusing on the most important thing I need to do that day.

This "power hour" helps me concentrate super well and sets me up to feel energized and like I've already accomplished something, making the whole day feel easier.

I still remember how I used to find writing dreadful.

This time around (it's been a few years btw!) I spend my power hour doing the research and outlining, and then the rest of the day writing feels much less overwhelming.

Give the power hour a try and see if it works for you.

This is how mornings can be made easy with the "Power Hour"

3. Embracing the Power of Planning

I used to be feeling overwhelmed by everything I needed to do after waking up.

I would wake up and start tossing and turning for sometime before getting up because I didn't have a plan for the day.

But this one trick became very helpful after I learned about it: I call it the "nighttime plan."

It's easy: before bed, take just 10 minutes to write down everything you need to get done the next day.

This simple trick will help you clear your head and let you sleep knowing you have a plan.

"When I wake up, most of the days, I don't feel stressed or confused, I just jump right in and start checking things off my list." - Unknown.

(This might be you testifying some days in the near future. Maybe)

This is how you can stop the morning scramble with a nighttime plan.

4. Breaking Down Big Tasks into Smaller Chunks

Some of the things we deal with at times seem just too much to handle.

I vividly remember how I applied this trick during my uni days.

Some of my classmates can testify to how I used to finish most of the assignments earlier and submit them on time.

In that sense, the trick helped me. I used to deal with one part at a time, first by brainstorming, outlining and finally typing.

Instead of staring at the whole assignment and feeling overwhelmed, I would break it down into tiny, manageable steps.

It's like chopping a giant tree into firewood, much easier to handle, right?

(I don't think you need more explanation on this.)

This is how one conquers big things with tiny steps.

5. Conquering Distractions with "The Pomodoro Technique"

It's kinda normal to get lost in our phones and forget about important stuffs.

It happens to me from time to time, though not in the intensity that had me off course.

But this cool trick can help you stay focused the way it does to me.

Here's how it works: Set a timer for 25 minutes, and work on one task only. During this time, don't check your phone or get distracted.

Then, when the timer goes off, take a short break and do something, maybe getting a drink or stretching etc.

6. Saying "No" to Feel Your Best.

Saying "no" can be hard, but it's actually important.

Sometimes people ask us to do things that take up too much of our time and energy. Sometimes they leave us feeling drained and stressed.

Learning to say "no" can help you focus on the things that truly matter, like finishing important tasks.

This allows you to take care of yourself and feel your best.

7. Rewarding Yourself for Achievement

Feeling good about what you achieve is very important. It keeps you motivated and makes reaching your goals even more fun.

Finishing my assignments used to feel amazing.

I would reward myself with a small treat after, like roast pork with a glass of smoothie for lunch or supper. Or, if I have a productive week and check off all my goals, I might reward myself otherwise depending on the mood.

These little celebrations make me feel proud of myself and keep me excited to keep working hard.

Even small achievements deserve a little celebration.

Find what works for you, and pat yourself on the back for all the awesome things you accomplish.

This is how we celebrate our wins, big and small.

8. Getting Enough Sleep for Peak Performance

Do you ever feel like you're dragging through the day, exhausted, and unable to focus?

Honesty, that's how I used to feel when I wasn't sleeping enough.

Just like how your phone needs to recharge, so does your brain.

You better understand the importance of getting enough sleep, which is usually around 7-8 hours.

Just make sure you get to bed early enough to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day.

My personal experience on getting enough sleep makes a huge difference. My brain feels sharper, I can concentrate better in different endeavors, and I even have more energy.

So, if you're feeling tired, try going to bed a little earlier and see if it helps you feel more awake and energized throughout the day.

Sleep well to do your best.

9. Taking Breaks and Moving Your Body

Sitting all day can make you feel drained and unable to focus.

That's why it's important to take short breaks throughout the day to get your body moving and your brain back in gear.

I used to spend hours hunched over my desk doing assignments (before I learned the art of breaking down big tasks into smaller chuncks), studying, browsing, and by the end I'd feel tired and frustrated.

But then I learned the power of quick "brain breaks."

Get up and move for a super brain boost.

10. Surrounding Yourself with Positive People.

The people you spend time with can really affect your mood and your day.

Just like catching a smile, happy people can make you feel happy too. That's why I try to hang out with positive and supportive friends who are always encouraging and make me laugh.

I used to spend a lot of time with someone who always seemed negative and complained a lot. It really brought my mood down and made me feel unmotivated.

It still is different when I spend more time with guys who are always positive and see the bright side of things. Being around such kinda guys makes me feel happy and energetic, which helps me do better and have more fun. Literally.

Everyone is different, find friends who make you feel good about yourself and who you enjoy being around.

The right friends can make a big difference in your life.

Be around happy people, feel happy too.

These are just a few suggestions, and what works for one person might not work for another.

Experiment and find what works best for you.

By implementing these simple tips, you can improve your productivity, reduce stress, and create a more fulfilling and balanced day.

Don't be afraid to try new things and step outside your comfort zone.

Don't forget that, it's okay to say "no" to things that drain your energy or make you feel bad.

Most importantly, have fun and enjoy your life.

And hey! That abracadabra-like acronym represented Affirmative Prayers Release Powers By which Positive Results Are Assured.

Shilinde x+