Feeling overwhelmed and out of control can significantly impede day-to-day productivity, creating a barrier that hinders our ability to accomplish our daily tasks.
The weight of feeling overwhelmed often leads to a scattered mind, making it difficult to focus and get anything done. When a sense of control is lost, our to do list may seem insurmountable, leading to procrastination or being in a constant state of stress. Regaining control is essential for productivity; otherwise, the cycle of overwhelm creates a challenging environment where productivity becomes an elusive goal rather than a daily reality.
The secret of getting ahead is getting started.
Mark Twain
The Three Priorities Rule
Amidst the chaos, simplify your day by identifying and focusing on three key priorities. This approach replaces the exhaustive to-do list I’m sure we all have and we have a more manageable list. Once you’ve found that you’ve accomplished the three priorities you have chosen for the day, that’s when you can glance at your long to do list and choose another task from it.
Proverbs 16:3: Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
Pause and Pray
When I can’t think and I know I’m not being productive, I take a moment to sit in quiet reflection. I pause and I pray. Taking a step back from the chaos and ignoring it for that brief moment, I’m allowing my mind to focus on calm. The act of pausing and praying serves as a powerful reset button so try it the next time you feel overwhelmed.
Philippians 4:6-7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
The prayer journal I’ve used for years that can help you with your prayer life is from Val Marie Paper. I’ll be creating a walkthrough of the prayer journal for an upcoming blog post so be sure to keep visiting!
Other recommendations to help with prayer:
Brain Dumping for Mental Clarity
Our minds often become cluttered with a barrage of thoughts, to-do lists, worries, and concerns, hindering our ability to think clearly and be productive.
Combat mental chaos by engaging in a brain dump. Write down all the thoughts racing through your mind, clearing mental clutter and getting them out of your head.
You don’t need a lot of tools. I use my phone and the Notion app. If I feel like actually writing, I’ll grab fun colored pens and some paper. Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can focus without distractions. This sets the stage for a more effective brain dump. Begin writing down everything that comes to mind. Don’t worry about structure or organization at this stage; the goal is to capture thoughts as they flow (tasks, concerns, ideas, and even emotions).
Once you’ve completed the brain dump, review your notes and categorize them. Identify tasks, goals, and ideas. Prioritize them based on urgency and importance. Transform your brain dump into actionable steps. Break down larger tasks into manageable components, creating a roadmap for implementation.
If you’ve never done a brain dump, I encourage you to do it at least every week.
Want to learn more about how you can use Notion in your life and business? Schedule a free 30 minute call with me and I’m happy to chat!
Psalm 55:22: Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.
Productivity Ahead
Trying out the three ideas above — focusing on three important tasks a day, taking time for quiet thinking and prayer, and doing a brain dump — can really boost how much you get done. It’s like having keys that unlock a better way of doing things. These tools can make a big difference. So, start with one step at a time, and know that you have the power to make positive changes in how you get things done.