How To Have The Most Productive Year Ever | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

How To Have The Most Productive Year Ever

No more excuses, it's time to get s*** done.

19
How To Have The Most Productive Year Ever
James Hodge

Look, I'm just as lazy as the next person, if not lazier. I'm an 18 year old college student - I don't want to do anything but eat, sleep, and watch Netflix. But, the first week of my spring semester was a harsh awakening after the lounge-fest that was my winter break. I woke up this week and I've devised a plan for myself so I can get s*** done. Now, I don't have any excuses. I have all the tools I need to be successful and if I don't build my own future, it's on me. So, now I'm putting that pressure on you. Here's the tools you need, get buildin'.

1. Live A Healthier Lifestyle

Eat healthy and you'll have more energy. Sleep more than the appropriate amount of hours and you'll have more energy. Exercise and you'll have more energy. Sensing a pattern here? The more energy you have, the more productive you'll be. No more two p.m. slump. No more naps. You'll look better, feel better, and work harder. Don't say "Oh, I'll start next week," do it now.

2. Set Goals And Create A Plan To Achieve Them

Keep your goals challenging but attainable. No need to set yourself up for failure. Make life time goals, long term goals, and short term goals. Not every goal has to be groundbreaking, even small victories are still victories! And make sure you create a plan of action to achieve those goals as well. Writing "re-do the kitchen" on a piece of paper is a start, but just looking at that monumental task can be stressful. Break it down into little bite size pieces. Get it done step by step and soon enough you'll have the kitchen all your friends are absolutley living for.

3. Make A Daily Schedule And Stick To It

Plan out what you're going to do and when you're going to do it. Put it in a planner, put it into a calendar, write on your hand, I don't care. Just get it down. Make sure you check it everyday and keep track of what you completed and what you still need to do. Don't stop grinding until you get everything done. There's no better feeling than going to sleep knowing you got everything for today done and having a plan of action for tomorrow. Make sure you keep the plans updated and get ahead if you have lots of free time!

4. Surround Yourself With Motivated People

Competition is one of the most powerful motivators. Healthy competition, that is. We all have that one friend who has their life together with seemingly minimal effort, but I can guarantee you that they didn't start out that way. Instead of getting annoyed or discouraged because they're "just so perfect", admire them, let them inspire you to do better. Watch what they do and take notes. I'm sure they could teach you quite a lot. That being said, keep your big projects to yourself. Nothing will discourage you more than a skeptic. Some people love to tear others down.


Here's a few little tips that could help you with those four things or help you get through a slump. Stop multi-tasking. Nobody is good at it. You're just going to make your life harder. Eliminate distractions. Pretty self explanatory, I think. Reward yourself. Go get some cake. You earned it. Go with your gut. Don't get caught up in decision making. Your gut is always right, trust it. Embrace the panic. Sounds crazy, but a little stress is a good thing. Don't let anxiety freeze you, let it fuel you. Be positive. No "I can't!" Be flexible/adaptable. S*** happens, just reschedule what you can't do and get it done as soon as possible. Don't stress over it.

You can do it, you just have to get up and get it done.

"Anything's possible if you've got enough nerve." -J.K. Rowling
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

183432
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

10020
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

454417
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

24456
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments