The Routine That Supercharged My Productivity as a Part-Time Creator

#3 Saying goodbye to caffeinated coffee

Being productive is a skill in itself.

It’s talked about a lot, and often it’s overcomplicated by so-called “productivity masters”.

In reality, it’s small adjustments every day that will make you more productive. Here’s how I went from a Netflix binge-watcher to a hyperproductive robot.

#1 Finding the right time

We all have a particular time throughout the day when we are extra productive.

For me that’s early in the morning — so that’s the time when I create a few posts for my Instagram, study for my exams, and prepare for work.

#2 Overcomplicating is killing you

I wake up, brush my teeth, brew a cup of coffee, and turn on the computer.

That’s it. No cold showers, no eight different vitamin pills, and no ten minutes of meditation while listening to Beethoven.

I simplify.

#3 Non-caffeinated coffee

To improve my sleep and to get rid of the energy waves, I substituted caffeinated coffee with non-caffeinated coffee.

Whether it’s pure placebo or not, I don't know — but I’m much more energized now.

#4 Give everything and expect nothing

What happens if you expect everything and you receive nothing? You quit.

Same question, but the other way around? You continue.

It’s self-explanatory yet most of us want something, we expect something, and if it doesn’t come we put up a victim mentality.

Just create, and expect nothing.

#5 The success hides in shit

Finish one boring activity on your to-do list today. Do it again tomorrow.

As you continue, it will compound, and soon you’ll find it easy to do two boring tasks a day, then three, and so on.

#6 Set up support systems

This can be done in many ways. The way I do it is to choose two to three close relatives and tell them about my goal and plan.

By doing so I’ve created a small accountability system where I can get support when needed.

#7 If-then plans

Taking the first step can be difficult, but to make it a little easier you can create some if-then plans.

If it goes wrong you have a plan B.

#8 Cue-Routine-Reward

Cue kicks the brain into automatic mode. For instance, putting your gym clothes next to the bed.

A routine is a physical, mental, or emotional response that repeats itself.

Reward isn’t just a reward. It should be a prize that tells the brain that this cycle is worth repeating. For instance, if you want to run more, reward yourself with new running shoes instead of a cake.

Combine these three, and watch the magic unfold.

#9 Identify motivations

What is it that I want or don’t want?

Career advancement? Fear of regret? Validation? A happy life?

Take a step back and think of those when you lack motivation to keep going.

#10 Knowing we are all the same

We might have different starting points, we might have different challenges, but deep down we’re all the same.

Realizing this will reduce the fear of creating and building your empire.