Have you ever stopped to think about all the little things you could do during the day that would get you one step closer to reaching a goal? Productivity, which we define as achieving a desired result, is best accomplished through habits or routines, little things that you can put into place without much thought.

Setting rules and stacking habits

One strategy we like to teach is stacking a new habit on top of other, existing habits. For example, maybe you have a goal to stay better hydrated. What times of the day could you fit in an extra glass of water, along with another habit? When you wake up in the morning, after you brush your teeth, before or after a meal, etc. Before you know it, you’ve added 5-6 extra glasses of water each day with very little effort. 

If you’re weighed down by paper clutter, start with this “little thing” from Simply Placed professional organizer, Lynette Apley. Lynette makes it a rule to dump ALL junk mail in the recycle bin before even walking in the house. Only the mail she actually needs to process or take action on comes in the door. Another daily habit that makes her mornings run more smoothly is to spend 3 minutes each night prepping for what she needs to have to get out of the house the next day. Little things = big difference.

What goals could a rule or habit make easier for you?

• Are you trying to learn a new language? Make vocabulary flashcards and spend 15 minutes studying them each day.
• If your goal is to write a book or to journal, wake up 30 minutes earlier each day and use that time to write.
• Want to reach “inbox zero” for your Email? Make a rule to process 25 Emails or spend 15 minutes processing Email each day.
• Are your file drawers overstuffed with paper? Take a break, set a timer, and clean out 5 files each day. 

It is the cumulative results that matter

Daily habits that you practice at home and at work can help you reduce stress and increase energy. When you have organized systems and routines in place, you’ll have more energy available for creative efforts and deep work. Your mind is free of clutter when you let routines help shape your day.

Watch below as Debbie shares a little thing she does each day that helps her get closer to her desired result of 10,000 steps each day, an active lifestyle, increased energy, fitness, and regular movement. 

What is it that you want to accomplish? 

What are the little things that you incorporate into your day that are getting you closer to your goals? What rules can you set or build upon to make it easier to accomplish your goal?

Our professional organizers and productivity consultants are experts at helping to bring organized systems and productive habits into the lives of our clients. Please contact us if we can be a resource to help you reach your goals and be your most productive.