Breaking Through The Productivity Blocks

Staying productive isn’t about working nonstop – it’s about finding the right approach to stay focused and motivated, even when progress feels difficult.

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Life Hacker

Productivity naturally fluctuates, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you’re having an off week. Instead of focusing on frustration, think back to a time when you felt highly productive – what factors contributed to your success? When progress feels difficult, it’s easy to get discouraged. Rather than fixating on setbacks, take a step back and evaluate what’s holding you back.

Here are three key areas to examine that can help you regain momentum and move forward:

Define the Goal

It’s easy to fall into a routine of completing tasks simply because they need to be done, without considering the bigger purpose they serve. Menial tasks – like responding to emails – often feel tedious and unimportant.

However, motivation increases when you connect these small tasks to a larger goal. By identifying the ultimate purpose behind what you’re doing, you can prioritise more effectively and stay engaged. Start by defining your overarching goal, then work backward to determine the steps needed to achieve it. This shift in perspective can make even the most mundane tasks feel more meaningful and worthwhile.

Break it Down

Sometimes, productivity stalls because the task at hand feels overwhelming. When a project is too large, tackling it all at once can lead to frustration and procrastination. This is where structured systems like Kanban or the jar method can be invaluable, helping you break the work into manageable steps while also tracking your progress.

By dividing a big project into smaller, prioritised tasks, you not only make the workload feel more achievable but also gain a clearer sense of how much time each step requires. This approach prevents you from underestimating or overcommitting your time, leading to more efficient and sustainable progress.

Determine the Obstacles

Understanding why you’re avoiding a task can be more valuable than simply forcing yourself to push through it. Instead of battling resistance, take a step back and assess what’s holding you back. Applying the hierarchy of needs to your current situation can help identify underlying issues – whether it’s a lack of motivation, clarity, or even necessity.

It might feel like an excuse to question whether a task is truly important, but not everything on your to-do list deserves your time and energy. Some tasks are less essential – or even unnecessary. By eliminating or deprioritising them, you free up mental space and motivation to focus on the work that genuinely matters.

Productivity isn’t about constant output – it’s about working with intention and efficiency. By defining your goals, breaking tasks into manageable steps and identifying obstacles, you can regain focus and make meaningful progress. The next time you feel stuck, take a step back, reassess and adjust your approach. Small changes in perspective and strategy can make a big difference in helping you move forward.