How do you guys stay productive?

I'm another +1 for the to do list. I tend to create a list of all the jobs I have on and then break each job down into small tasks. Each day I work on a different job and complete as many tasks on that job until I fall asleep on the keyboard!

I use the franklin planner method but I have it on a spreadsheet.
List all things to be done for the day.
Put the letter "A", "B" or "C" in front of each item. "A" needs to be done first, "B" next and "C" last if there is time
Then put a number in front on them as well A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, C1etc
The "A" MUST get done today, It would be nice to get the "B" done today, If I have time I will get to the "C"

I have used it since 1985 and Ive owned my own business from 1990 working from home
Good luck

PecosBill said:

If I turn the TV on for just a minute to watch ESPN then it does not bode well for my day. I end up staying downstairs and watching TV while I drink my coffee for hours.

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usdachoice said:

For each day I try to make the list first thing and on a sticky note. I found the sticky note keeps me from going overboard in the morning.

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You guys, thanks a million. I can really relate to the fact that whenever I turn on the tv for a minute, it turns into an hour. I have disconnected and boxed up my xbox, but I do find the tv a big distraction, yet the two quoted posts gave me the solution(does not work if you have a 40 + inch tv)

I'm just gonna stick sticky notes on my whiteboard, but on top of that also on my tv. You cant watch with the notes on, and taking them off without doing the actual work seems pretty stupid and confronting really..

Try with a to-do list for daily tasks and match your achievements at end of the day
and Also carrot and stick approach might be quite useful in this regard.....so place some
incentive if all all tasks done and otherwise a punishment.

I wake up late, I feel like I've wasted the day hence I do nothing, and then I go to sleep late.

Constant loop. I hate loops. lol

To me, it's partially about time management as well. I created an excel file with my absolute can not miss obligations. I have my classes marked, my workout times blocked out, my 2 meetings and the sleep schedule I would like to follow. 8 hours of sleep per night and as consistent as possible. Week days sleeping 12-8 is usually no problem. I know weekends will go awry but I still limit myself to 8 hours (on my schedule at least...).

Then before closing my laptop for the night I plan my next day. If you know when you are going to work on things you can see your free time. If you actually do what needs doing during the time you allocate to it then you can actually stress free enjoy the actual free time.

As far as staying motivated... I like to take a look at growing analytics stats over time and view my work as progress towards increasing those stats. Relating to backlinking, check your backlinks daily. See growth over time. See results in the search engines, in the traffic.

I keep a to-do list where I write all my upcoming tasks before I go to sleep. Next year I'll start a journal or diary where I will chronicle my moneymaking activities and progress.

I also block websites that are not related to IM or making money online using Hostsman. Yes, that includes Facebook! I use my smartphone to check my Facebook and do some leisurely surfing.

How I dressed and got ready for my day really affected things for me. Go downstairs, make coffee, make some breakfast, go up and shit, shower, and shave and put on a nice shirt and a pair of slacks, get my coffee and good, head to the office. Btw, I greatly recommend getting an office away from your home. People around you do not understand why you need to be glued to a computer for 8 hours a day... so "Can you just go to the grocery store?!" tasks can begin to consume your day. Renting an office for $500 a month was the best investment I ever made. I would probably be stuck at making $4,000/mo at home being my own slave.

crashed said:

I make a list of everything I need to do when I wake up, and don't allow myself sleep until done

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True for any profession...Nicely said

By having a look at what I have currently and what more can I get if I keep working..
And also make sure you love what you do so it doesn't looks like some kind of work burden..
That should be enough for motivation but if you still want some more, open youtube and watch some motivational videos...

I reward myself with a sequence from Assassin's Creed 3 each night