How to do your work when you don't want to

So the night before last, we got back from a trip to Dubai. 

After not working for 7 days I’m exhausted from travelling, there’s washing to be done and the dread of my long list is overwhelming...  

The pros and cons of having a business; time off whenever you want but no one to do your work while you’re away. 

So it’s time for some brain tricks to get some work done.
Here’s how to do your work when you don’t want to. 

First: Plan your day (but do it the night before or weekly)

Here’s what my day-to-day planner looks like and my actual day today: Thursday the 29th of January. 

Working hours: 10:30-5:30

**Top 3** 
- [ ]  Boring Issues
- [ ]  Write first launch email
- [ ]  Plan content

**Extra** 
- [ ]  Repost last week’s Boring Issues
- [ ]  SEO blog

**Personal / Rest / Recovery / Connection**
- [ ]  Stardew valley 
- [ ]  Read in bed 

**Movement** 
- [x]  Pilates at 9:15am  
- [ ]  1.5hr early evening walk in park

• Extra is not as important (usually quick tasks so they often get done anyway).
• Movement is a daily non-negotiable for me. 
• Personal is for after work/fun tasks, like playing Stardew Valley (yahoo) or going to the sauna or seeing friends.

Structuring days like this ensures balance and there is always something to look forward to after work. 

Bonus if you work for yourself: assign working hours to each day. This stops you from overworking and also underworking. 

Second: eat before sitting down for work

There’s no need to get up to eat if you’ve already eaten.

Fill up your water, grab a coffee/tea/matcha/soda and sit down at your desk full and satisfied. 

Third: Timer

I put on this guy: Study Buddies. It’s a timer app that works for me. Find your own or use this one, it’s free.

Make sure you’re giving yourself enough time to get tasks done. Over-compensate rather than under because you won’t be fulfilled if you don’t get the task done in time. 

This visible countdown also makes your tasks more bearable as there is an end time to it. He’s also super cute and feels like you’ve got a buddy to work with. 

And finally, put your phone in the other room. 

I’ve reached for my phone 3 times while writing this.
It’s not here though and there’s no way I’m getting up to get it.

Even if that dopamine craving is persistent, my laziness to go and get it from the other room is greater. 

Alright and just like that, Boring Issues is done. 

Getting your work done doesn’t need to be complicated, you just need to have the right tools to do it. 

It all starts with a plan and a couple of tricks up your sleeve.
Try mine and let me know how you go or if you have any tricks for me. 

Remember, motivation isn’t real, but action is. 
Trick your brain into momentum and then motivation will come. 

Love,
Penelope