How to make yourself work

10 rules of efficient work

Every person has at least once faced the fact that it is incredibly difficult for him to force himself to work. For example, the report must be submitted tomorrow, and you have not yet written a single page. Laziness rolls over with such force that even the possible anger of the boss does not save. You spend whole days browsing forums, chatting  and cannot find the strength to start, finally, doing a report. What to do? How to get yourself to work? There are some easy rules to follow to help you become more hardworking.

Following these simple rules will help you tune in to work efficiently:

Rule one: motivate

Promise yourself a prize for your work. A new perfume or a box of your favorite chocolates, for example. The main thing is that the promised reward should be desired. It helps to concentrate on the goal of buying something of value. For example, a watch or a ring. Find a colored image of what you’re dreaming of and hang a photo over your workspace. Whenever you want to open a link with the next forum, the picture will remind you of the goal and make you work.

Rule two: breaking a large task into several parts

Sometimes fear of work arises when you have to fulfill a large order. It seems to us that we will not cope with the task or that we will look stupid in the eyes of others. As a result, we get scared of responsibility and start being lazy, and all you need is to break the task into several points. For example, you have to cook dinner for your husband’s colleagues.

This is a very responsible event, and it is quite understandable that you are scared. But leaving your loved one’s colleagues hungry is unwise. Therefore, try to plan the entire process carefully. The first step is to create a menu. Then write a list of products. Go to the store. You see, half of the work is already done! It remains to cook dinner, set the table and accept words of gratitude from the guests. And initially everything seemed so complicated …

Rule three: lower the bar

Often a person is afraid that he will not meet someone’s expectations. Here you have to understand that your judges are the same people. They are also worried about someone’s critics and also make mistakes. Lower the bar a little. Don’t try to make the best impression. Try to understand that if you were hired for this position, then your level of knowledge and your abilities were taken into account. Work the way you can. Moreover, you will be scolded for a mistake much less than for idleness.

Rule four: make a plan

Start each morning by making a plan for the day. When you have a long to-do list in front of your eyes, you involuntarily start to wonder: isn’t it time to work? Plus, having a plan will allow you to get a lot more work done during the day than if you had done everything from memory. For those who are particularly undisciplined, we advise to set a time frame for yourself. For example, for the first task, you set aside two hours of working time. For the second, forty minutes. Leave half an hour for breaks and an hour for emergencies. If you are not keeping up with the schedule, do not scold yourself, but simply state it as a fact. The next day, try to be more responsible. This technique will not only make you work, but also make you more responsible.

Rule five: rest

Before asking how to get yourself to work, think about it: isn’t it time for you to really take a break? Maybe your body is on strike because it is tired of working? Ask yourself: when was the last time you took a day off and how many hours did you sleep the night before? No one doubts that you are a strong person and endure serious stress, but sometimes you sure need to rest. Otherwise, you will bring yourself to illness. Moreover, one day of good rest will be able to provide you with active performance for the next week.

Rule six: do the hardest tasks at the beginning of the day

Tell me: when is it easier for you to work? At the beginning of the working day or at the end? Many people do the same amount of work during the first two hours as in the remaining time. And this is a simple explanation. In the morning we are full of energy. Whereas in the evening our body gets tired of stress. We just can’t go on working, dreaming of a home and a cup of hot lemon tea. Of course, you won’t be able to leave before the appointed time, however, everyone can plan their day correctly and unload the second half of the day a little. Do not plan anything important for the time of day when you feel tired. Leave for the evening only simple routine work that you can cope with even with closed eyes.

However, there are exceptions in this rule. Their names are heavy sleepers. People who are accustomed to sleeping more in the morning and working at night are unlikely to be able to get the most work done at the start of the day. Their body is still “sleeping” and is not ready for active mental or physical activity. What to do? Determine the best time for yourself to work. If you think the best time for it is three o’clock in the afternoon, then the most important tasks should be done at this time.

Rule seven: Change the Environment

If you’re having trouble getting to work in a good mood, try to distract yourself a bit. Go to the post office, to the bank, refuel the cartridge. Sometimes a change of scene can help improve the situation. Just don’t abuse this rule. What kind of bosses would like a constantly absent employee?

Rule eight: don’t use unnecessary words

Remember the law of attraction? Like attracts like. So, it works not only in Physics, but also in real life. If you say that you are not doing anything and that your report will certainly be rejected, then it will be so. Only talk about what you would like to see in your life. About a successful career, strong family and health. Down with negative phrases and endless complaints! You shouldn’t feel sorry for yourself. You are a beautiful and successful woman who is loved at home and appreciated at work! So start doing your report and do not waste time on complaints and excuses.

Rule nine: get rid of the competitive spirit

Sometimes it seems to us that others do it better. We try our best to be like a boss or a colleague. As a result, the work is delayed. Because to be like someone is an unbearable burden. All we need is to remain ourselves. OK, the co-worker has better handwriting, but your report is more detailed and accurate. Remain a person you are, then you will not face a stupor at work.

Rule ten turn on the music

Sometimes a good song helps. We’ve listened to a couple of verses, the mood has improved and our efficiency increased. No wonder many offices are allowed to listen to the radio. Leaders are well aware of the positive qualities of music and use this to improve the quality of the work of their employees. Just make sure that your music does not interfere with other colleagues.

If none of these rules helped, we advise you to think: did you choose the right occupation? Maybe what you are doing is simply not to your liking? You can’t go to work just because you need money. You have to enjoy the whole process. And if you are sick of reports, and the unthinkable number of numbers makes you melancholy, then maybe just change your occupation? Then you won’t think about how to force yourself to get started. Do what you like and working will be a joy.