4 Ways to Use Your Emotions to Be More Productive

Do you ever feel like the more you try to be productive, the less you actually get done? While productivity is often dependent on your willingness to get tasks done, over-thinking can often be more detrimental.

When thinking of productivity, people usually think of functional productivity — the rational, practical application of our time and energy. The common belief is that if you’re not doing something with your time, you aren’t being productive. Therefore, people may complete tasks that aren’t necessary or essential simply because it means they’re doing something.

Remember: Your time is valuable. You only have 24 hours each day, and those hours should be spent doing task that are actually important, rather than doing something for the sake of doing something.

Often, following your instincts and letting your emotions take the lead can lead to you being more productive in the sense that you will be doing something meaningful with your day.

1. Care About What You Do

Make sure you truly care about what you’re doing. If you’re not enjoying how you spend your time, then it can’t be counted as productive. If you find yourself waking up each morning and dreading the work you have to complete, you are not going to be at your peak productivity levels.

When you feel good with particular jobs or tasks, make a mental note so you can repeat it in the future.

Sometimes there are some unpleasant tasks that are unavoidable. Rather than dreading these things, try to turn the negative into positives.

For example, you can look at a task you don’t like as a way of understanding the whole process — each step is valuable and important. Doing the unpleasant jobs often make the jobs you care about all the more enjoyable.

2. Make Friends While You Work

Let’s be honest — it’s much more fun to work with friends than people you don’t know very well. Having a friend by your side when you’re trying to complete a job can be a huge motivator and can increase your productivity.

Dozens of exercise websites state that having an exercise buddy who can help motivate you will help you accomplish your exercise goals faster than if you were do try them alone. The same can be said about having friends at work. People who work with friends often feel more satisfied with their jobs and feel a greater sense of purpose.

A strong support system is sometimes needed to boost your productivity. Even if you don’t consider yourself a social person, it’s good to have friends by your side if you want to get something done.

3. Have Time For Yourself

While having friends by your side is important, it’s also good to be able to detach yourself from the world. We’re so convinced that we have to be constantly doing something we don’t know how to separate the important tasks from the inconsequential.

Running from one place to the next or doing task after task without stopping will burn you out and have a negative impact on your productivity.

If you’re feeling overworked or stressed out, don’t keep pushing yourself to the breaking point. Take a step back and refocus. For an hour or so each day, take some time to reflect upon your actions or your choices. Going for a walk in the park, doing yoga or even something as simple as meditation can be all you need to reflect and refocus.

4. Do What’s Important

When it comes to being productive, the most common belief that you have to be constantly working is not necessarily the correct one. Remember that productivity doesn’t mean accomplishing the most tasks — it’s about doing tasks that are meaningful.

Are you emotionally productive? In what other ways do you think you could use your emotions to be more productive?