Episode 362: 7 Productivity Tips To Create A Goal-Oriented Routine For Success

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FULL TRANSCRIPT

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Hello, beautiful souls. Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Life Balance Show, episode 362. I’m Pascale Gibon, your host, and I’m thrilled to have you here with me today. Thank you for tuning in. I know how much you value living intentionally.

In episode 358: "Goal Setting Success – 4 Months To Achieve Your Dreams," which was released last September, we paused to reflect on our goal-achievement journey. We focused on our most significant goal, the personal goal that would transform our lives if we achieved it.

As a follow-up, we are going to design, in this episode, a productive routine that highly supports you in achieving your significant goal while still feeling aligned with your heart and helps you commit to excellence. This routine will include seven recommendations to increase productivity and achieve your most important goal. If you struggle to achieve your goal, observe your daily habits because they will determine your results.

Brian Tracy mentions in his book "Goals": “Success is goals and all else is commentary”. He tells us, in this powerful statement, that you don’t achieve success if you don’t have a goal. A goal gives us something to aim for, a direction, purpose and motivation.

If you set a significant goal this year, congratulations!

First, let’s look at who you are on your goal-achievement journey:

Are you a Brave Beginner?

You've taken your first steps; however, it may be necessary to cultivate a mindset that helps you adapt when you hit a roadblock and become unstoppable.

Are you a Consistent Climber?

If so, you are making progress every day towards your goal achievement. Momentum is your best friend, so keep nurturing it and protecting it.

Are you a Lost Explorer?

If you feel stuck, note that it’s a STOP sign, not a dead end. Take some time to reassess your life direction.

And lastly, are you a Comfort Zone Dweller?

You are in your comfort zone because you still hesitate to take your first step due to a lack of clarity or fear. To shift your thinking, I recommend you ask yourself more empowering questions such as: “How can I get started right now?”

Setting goals is the easiest part, but achieving them takes you on a challenging journey.

If you are a good starter but not a great finisher, you will highly benefit from the seven productivity tips I'll share. You can implement those tips right now to build a routine that works for you. I must insist on creating a routine that works for you.

For example, a routine that works well for me is using the 5-hour working block strategy, taking 5-10 minute breaks every 55 minutes and utilizing the breaks to rehydrate, move around, stretch, nourish my body and revitalize.

One thing worth noting is that this productive routine does not leave you exhausted. It helps you create a flow that nurtures you and provides the necessary structure to bring your dream or idea into reality in a feel-good manner. You deserve to move through your days with purpose and ease, knowing each step takes you closer to your goals.

Here we go! Let’s dive right in:

Productivity Tip #1: Set Daily Intentions, Not Just To-Do Lists

We’ve all felt overwhelmed by a to-do list that keeps getting longer. Instead of focusing only on tasks, start your day by setting an intention. Ask yourself: “How do I want to feel today?” and “What is the most meaningful thing I can accomplish that would move me closer to my goal?”

When you approach your day with intention, it’s easier to prioritize tasks that align with your bigger goals. This mindset shift helps you avoid busy work, stay motivated and focus on the high-value activities that truly move the needle. It also reinforces the positive emotions you wish to feel throughout the day.

Productivity Tip #2: Plan Your Day in Advance

This productivity tip is a game-changer: Spend 10-15 minutes each night mapping out your next day. List the essential tasks, appointments, and even breaks you need. By planning beforehand, you remove the guesswork and decision fatigue in the morning, and you can start your day with clarity and purpose.

Here is a pro tip: prioritize the needle movers, the top three most important tasks each day. This strategy gives you a clear focus and ensures that even if things get busy, you’ve already made progress on what matters most.

Productivity Tip #3: Batch Similar Tasks Together

We are like a juggler and lose focus and efficiency when we constantly switch between tasks, emails, meetings, personal responsibilities and creative work. Batching is a simple but effective way to solve this. Group similar tasks and accomplish them in dedicated blocks of time.

For example, set aside specific times of the day for answering emails, handling admin work, or working on creative projects. This reduces the mental strain of switching between tasks, helping you stay in the productive flow.

Productivity Tip #4: Prioritize Rest and Breaks

I cannot stress enough how important it is to take breaks! Productivity isn’t just about doing more; it’s about working efficiently, and rest plays a huge role. Schedule short breaks throughout your day, even if it’s just a few minutes to stretch, breathe, or have a moment of calm.

Try the Pomodoro technique: 25 minutes of focused work, followed by a 5-minute break. This prevents burnout and keeps your mind fresh. Remember, my beautiful soul, rest isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity for your energy and well-being.

Productivity Tip #5: Create A Morning Routine That Energizes You

Your morning routine sets the tone for the entire day. And it doesn’t have to be long or complicated! Whether journaling, stretching, sipping your favourite tea, meditating or practising gratitude, choose something that nurtures you and helps you feel grounded.

When you start your day from a place of calm and alignment, you can approach everything that follows with increased focus, ease and intention. It’s about finding your rhythm and honouring that first moment of the day for yourself.

Productivity Tip #6: Use Time Blocks For Focused Work

One of the most effective ways to stay on top of your tasks without feeling overwhelmed is to use time blocks for focused work on the most important tasks. Set aside uninterrupted time blocks, perhaps 60 to 90 minutes, where you focus on one important task and complete it. Turn off notifications, put your phone on silent, and create an environment where you can dive deep into your work without distractions.

During these time blocks, fully immerse yourself in the task at hand. After your focused time, reward yourself with a break and pat yourself on the shoulder. You’ll be amazed at how much more productive you can be when you work in concentrated sprints rather than trying to multitask throughout the day. You will experience great results with time blocking for focused work.

Productivity Tip #7: Reflect and Adjust Regularly

Productivity is a journey, not a destination. At the end of each day or week, take a moment to reflect on what’s working and where you might need to adjust. Ask yourself: “What tasks brought me closer to my goals?” and “Where did I feel stuck or unmotivated?”

This reflection allows you to refine your routine in real-time, making it more effective and aligned with your goals as you evolve. It’s all about progress, not perfection. Be kind and flexible with yourself as you grow.

So, beautiful soul, I've just shared seven productivity tips to help you create a routine that supports your goal accomplishment while nurturing your heart and soul. You can implement these simple, practical changes to bring more flow and ease into your life.

Let’s do a quick recap:

Tip #1: Set Daily Intentions to focus on how you want to feel and the most meaningful tasks.

Tip #2: Plan Your Day to start each day with a clear roadmap.

Tip #3: Batch Similar Tasks: Group tasks together to avoid energy-draining multitasking.

Tip #4: Prioritize Rest and Breaks by scheduling breaks to stay refreshed and energized.

Tip #5: Create an Energizing Morning Routine to start your day in a way that lights you up.

Tip #6: Use Time Blocks for Focused Work to dive deep into your tasks with uninterrupted time blocks.

Tip #7: Reflect and Adjust Regularly to keep refining your routine and stay aligned with your goals.

Remember, productivity is not about doing more but about accomplishing what matters in a balanced and joyful way. You are fully capable of controlling your time and activities and creating a life that flows with ease. I’m here cheering you on every step of the way.

Until next time, stay balanced and stay blessed.

I’m sending you lots of love and light.