Hey Reader

Recently I came across a quote that really made me stop and think about my mindset towards goal-getting and productivity.

I very often fall victim to feeling like I could be doing more, even when (especially when? 👀) I'm already drowning in tasks.

On one hand this mindset can be helpful in that it helps me look for ways to optimise my time and make the best use of my work hours.

On the other hand though, this is also the mindset that keeps me constantly questioning whether I should be doing more, especially when I'm trying to take a break 😝

Logical-Jess knows that rest is important.

It lets us do our best work, makes getting things done easier, and helps us use our time better.

Despite this, the “you could do more” mindset is also keeping me stuck.

Stuck working on a zillion things at once because surely I can fit one more in.

Stuck in the brainstorming or research phase of a project trying to think of every single thing that I could do to get to the outcome I'm hoping for.

Or it might be stuck in a feeling of guilt any time I try to take a break.

While I’m working on ways to lessen my “you could do more” mindset, one strategy has proved useful so far.

Let's have a look 😈

The idea - Focus on the finished

Part of the reason that I'm so affected by the “you could do more” mindset is that I'm constantly considering what could or needs to be done next.

Rather than letting myself appreciate work that I have just finished, I almost instantly look towards the next action or project.

While this does keep me moving forward, it also means that I often get to the end of any day or week dwelling on the incomplete, not started or neglected tasks.

There's so much more I could have gotten done.

To combat this, I'm aiming to shift my focus from the "yet to do" or "could do" to the "done".

That itself is easier said than done though 😂

One way I'm focusing on the finished is scanning my task list for checked off items at the end of each day as visual proof that I used my time effectively.

When you've gone so long focusing on the incomplete though, sometimes you need a bit more help.

Three other possible ways to focus on what has been done over what hasn't are:

1. Highlight the accomplished tasks rather than (or as well as) checking them off
2. Write yourself a separate "ta da!" list where you migrate tasks to when they're finished
3. Scribble or cross out incomplete tasks at the end of the day so finished items are the only ones still readable

I've used this techniques myself just yet. Previously though, I've used a Tiny Wins log for a similar reason. This can also help you focus on what you have accomplished rather than dwelling in the feeling of needing to do more.

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Let's take action

If you find yourself feeling like you could be doing more, try to focus on the ways you're already doing enough 💜

"Enough" will mean different things for different people, but to help you pay more attention to the complete rather than the incomplete, have at go at either:

• Paying attention to the checked off items on your task list
• Highlighting tasks when they're finished
• Writing a separate list of completed actions
• Scribbling out incomplete actions on your list
• Setting up a Tiny Wins log

If you've got more tips for focusing on the finished, I'd love to hear them 😄 Send me a reply to let me know!

Until next time!

- Jess

Sick of setting goals that don't get achieved? Learn the system everyday goal-getters are using to make EPIC things happen.