It was not until after I had heard the quote "don't be busy, be productive" that I realized they weren't the same thing. Before, if I had a to-do list of ten things and I raced around to get them done that meant I had had the most productive day. Sure, I got a lot of stuff done, but it was never done to my level of expectation. I just doing to stuff to do it. There was not any real intention behind the things that I was doing. Eventually, I heard the quote above, made some adjustments to the way I approach the tasks I need to do, and now I don't think of myself as busy. . . instead I am productive.

But, it was never just as simple as switching a light switch on and off. When you decide to stop being busy there are a ton of obstacles that will stand in your way and cause you procrastinate. A lot of them are the little things that you do everyday and you don't even realize how much of your time they take up. So, here are a few ideas to help you stop busy and instead be productive.

1. Social Media

Of course this is going to top this list! If any of us actually recorded just how much time we spend on social media every single day we would have a huge reality check. Our lives today are centered around it, and while it does have it's positives it also has it's negatives. There are more aspects of life that don't revolve around social media than those that do. Turn on your notifications and set your phone somewhere out of reach.

2. Plan

Don't make a list in your head and tell yourself you will remember. When you make a to-do list physically write in down on a post-it note, planner, notebook, or the cute new notepad you bought just bought. Be as specific as possible with what your goals are. Don't get too ambitious and write down every little detail of day, but it can help motivate you if you write down your intentions that go along with the tasks you listed.

3. Say Good-Bye to Multitasking

A lot of us will try and do five different things at once, but it is overwhelming and you will spend a lot longer trying to accomplish simple tasks than you actually should. Focus on one thing at a time. Start with the things you really don't want to do and when you get to the end of the list you will (hopefully) being doing tasking you at least some-what enjoy.

4. Utilize Apps

There are a number of good apps out there than can help you be more productive. You may have to try a few out to see which ones you like, but just like finding the perfect planner you will fall into a routine of using these apps whenever possible. So, whether you need help with time management or organization there is an app out there that can help you. Just make sure to stay away from social media when you are using them. ;)

5. Sleep

Sleep affects you way more than you probably know. While getting one night of bad sleep may not be the need of the world, the more consecutive bad nights of sleep you get will affect your performance and you may not even realize it! Strive to get your eight hours of sleep and stay off social media before going to bed (try reading a book!. You will feel the difference!

These are by no means the only tricks to being productive. What tehnqiues do you use to help you stay productive (and not busy!)?