Everyone knows it’s no secret that staying focused today can be quite a challenge, especially with social media’s constant pull. Like many, I’ve struggled with procrastination and often found myself caught in the endless scroll—leaving me feeling unproductive and out of control. Over time, though, I tried various strategies to break this habit. I watched countless YouTube videos, read insightful books like ‘Atomic Habits’ and ‘The Power of Habit’, and experimented to find what really worked.
Through these experiences, I discovered practical ways to break the distraction cycle and manage my tasks with more ease and intention. In fact, during my three years in university, I mastered these techniques so well that I never had a last-minute panic over assignments. Staying organised became second nature, and whenever I set a goal, I saw it through. You might be wondering, “How did you avoid procrastination? How did you stay so organised?” Here’s the secret: it’s simpler than it seems. With the right systems and commitment, you can build habits that keep you on track.
In this blog, I’m sharing five essential tips that have genuinely transformed how I approach my goals. Plus, I’ve created a free habit tracker, planner, and accountability checklist to help you stay organised along the way. If you’re ready to reclaim your focus and work towards your biggest dreams, these tips and tools are just what you need!
Tip1: The way you wake up and go to sleep will dictate how your day will go, so plan ahead!
Planning your day ahead is a wonderful skill that can truly make a difference! Taking a moment to jot down what you’d like to accomplish tomorrow in an organised way can help you feel more prepared and motivated. Get as detailed as you can! If you’re looking to avoid opening your phone and scrolling, don’t just write “don’t open Instagram.” Instead, create a new habit that’s even more appealing and fulfilling, so you naturally steer clear of Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube. Often, we find ourselves opening these apps not because we’re eager to watch something, but because we’re unsure of what to do next and just want to buy some time. A good example would be:
Wake up at 9:30, turn off the alarm, and drink the water next to it. Then, wash your face with cold water for 1 minute and brush your teeth. Head to the kitchen for the sandwich you prepared yesterday, eat it with tea, and read the first ten pages of Atomic Habit
Having a detailed plan for our day helps us stay on track by leaving us with fewer excuses to avoid our tasks since we know exactly what needs to be done.
Tip 2: Prevention is better than the cure. Figure out where all your booby traps lie, and STAY AWAY from there.
We’ve all experienced this, haven’t we? We work really hard and stick to our schedules, feeling like we’re on a roll—almost invincible! But then, something happens. We pass by our favorite coffee shop, and suddenly we think, “I deserve that little treat for all my hard work!” Or a friend sends us a fun reel, and we convince ourselves it won’t hurt to just take a quick peek—just one minute! And then, oops! We forget to wash our gym clothes, which means no gym today. It’s a little setback, but that’s okay! It’s completely normal to slip back into our old habits; they often feel like our comfort zones. So, how can we effectively avoid these little traps that can sometimes go unnoticed? Take a moment to reflect and explore what might be at the root of these habits you want to change. Consider jotting down the habits you’d like to improve and everything you wish to adjust in your daily routine. Then, think about what triggers these habits. For Instance:
| My Bad Habits | Triggers | Prevention Strategies |
|---|---|---|
| Open Instagram in the Morning | Receive notification from friend | Turn off notification from Instagram |
| Icon easily accessible | Delete from phone and only use on the web | |
| No limits set for screen time | Set a one-hour limit and have accountability partner |
Understanding your triggers and take steps to prevent them means we can steer clear of our bad habits! Bear in mind that discovering these triggers can be a journey of trial and error. We might stumble along the way, but the most important thing is to recognise how vital it is to get back up again and keep moving forward to reach our goals.
Tip 3: Start with the hardest task first (“Eat the frog”)
One of the best ways to feel empowered and complete the tasks you set for the day is by ranking them from easiest to hardest and starting with the most challenging one. The reason this method works so effectively is that when you tackle the hardest task first thing in the morning, the rest of your day feels significantly easier. You’ll experience an immediate sense of relief that helps elevate your serotonin levels and boosts your energy for the day. We’ve all felt that rush of accomplishment after finishing a task that’s been weighing on our minds. It clears up both space and time for you to focus on other projects. Identify the “frog” the night before so you can dive into it right after your morning routine.
Tip 4: Build a Support System for Accountability. Find a buddy who keeps you in check.
You’re doing everything perfectly! You’ve planned your day with so much detail, checked all the possible booby traps, and even picked a “frog” to eat. It’s great that you feel confident about achieving all your goals for today. But hey, it’s common to slip up sometimes and think things like, “I’ll do it later” or “A break wouldn’t hurt.” That’s totally okay; we all have those moments! The important part is acknowledging those feelings. And what’s a great way to stay on track? Having an accountability buddy by your side can really help us stay focused and ensure we get our work done! Find someone you trust and care about, and send them your weekly update on what you’ve accomplished and what you hope to achieve in the upcoming week. This way, we can feel more accountable for fulfilling our goals and avoid the embarrassment of not following through on our promises. Sometimes, it really helps to have a firm friend or a supportive boss to encourage us when our motivation is low. Remember, you possess strength on your own, but having others by your side can amplify your power. Never underestimate the influence of those around you, and always look to them for that extra bit of accountability!
Tip 5: Celebrate Small Wins to Keep Momentum Going
Celebrating these small wins rewires our brains to associate positive feelings with our new good habits. It’s actually been shown that forming a new habit typically takes about 60 days! For those neuron synapses to connect and make our habit stick, you’re looking at around three months. So, let’s take a moment to celebrate those small victories along the way! By marking each small success, we remind ourselves that we’re moving in the right direction, no matter how big or small the step. Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight; it requires time and commitment. So, keep your eyes on the long-term goals because the best and most lasting results definitely take some time to achieve.
You Can Do It – So Get Out Your Way:
Are you excited to take charge of your goals? Why not start by signing up for your free habit planner, tracker, and accountability checklist? These tools are here to support your journey and help you make the most of every single day! Navigating through life can be especially tricky in your twenties when things often feel a bit overwhelming. Remember, you hold the power to shape your future through your daily thoughts and actions. Focusing on good habits isn’t about being perfect or never stumbling; it’s about organising your life so you know how to bounce back when challenges arise. Keep that positive mindset; little steps can take you much further than giant leaps. Build your resilience one day at a time and embrace those uncomfortable moments because nothing truly worthwhile comes easily. If you genuinely want something—and I wholeheartedly believe you do—you’ll put in the effort to make your dreams a reality!
If you have any questions and want to chat, feel free to email me. Leave your comments and recommendations for tips that help you focus and stay on track.
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