There’s something about this time of year which makes productivity drop – at least around here. Lately I’ve been struggling a little with getting things done, but I feel like I’m coming out of the other side, and it’s time to get motivated again.

There is so much pressure on us all – we feel like we have to do more, be more, work harder, look better, be funnier, more intelligent, authentic, have the perfect Instagram feed, be flawless, don’t share anything too negative – the list goes on. Although, I have noticed a slight shift in this, with people liking to see behind the facade to learn that life isn’t all roses for everyone. We can’t keep trying to compete with something which doesn’t actually exist; we’re only human.

It’s no surprise that sometimes we burn out and need to take a break. Everything is so overwhelming that it has to become too much at some point, and you need to switch off and come back to things at a later date.

Here’s how I get motivated

Take a step back

Lately I’ve become so frustrated with myself. I didn’t like that nothing was getting done and that things weren’t how I wanted them. Taking a step back and seeing things with fresh eyes has really helped.

Another person can look into your life and see things more clearly, without emotion, black and white – it’s not always correct, but it can be helpful. It’s difficult to apply this to your own life, but it can be a good exercise to come back to a project or task and try to see it as if for the first time.

Take a step back, remove some of the emotion, and think logically – what needs to be done and how can I achieve the best results. It can suddenly seem so much simpler.

Stop overthinking

More often than not, I’ve found the answer is to stop overthinking every detail and just get on with it. I’ve let my emotions and anxieties rule my life for too long, and I’m used to thinking, “I can’t possibly do that.” It’s silly, and it means I hardly ever fulfil my potential. In the words of Shia LaBeouf, just do it.

Set goals

Imagining an end goal is good too – having an aim in mind. I find visualising this is really useful, and spurs me on to do more – whether its work, home stuff, health, or a personal project. Think about what you want to see at the end of it, what you really want out of this.

Keep track

Keeping track of progress that you’ve already made, or similar projects that you’ve completed can help too. Sometimes, it can feel like nothing is really changing if your progress is slow, so it can be good to remind yourself that it is worth it and it’s making a difference.

Ask a buddy to help

I’ve noticed lately that freelancers and bloggers that I know are having little meetings with each other – hanging out with someone who has similar aims in mind can be so therapeutic, and you may get that outside perspective that you need. If any Bristol pals would like to have a monthly meet along these lines, let me know.

I do kind of feel like I need a huge piece of paper pinned to my wall with my to do list on it too…

How are your motivation levels lately, and what do you do to increase productivity?