Hitting a wall and not knowing how to get started? We’ve all been there. You’re staring at your to-do list, but instead of knocking out tasks, you’re scrolling your phone, reorganizing drawers, or just zoning out. Sometimes getting started is the hardest part. But here’s the good news—you can break out of that stuck feeling and be productive with a few simple tricks.
In this post, I’ll show you how to be productive when you feel stuck using 6 easy tips. These small steps will help you reset your mindset, build momentum, and feel so much better—without the overwhelm. Let’s dive in!
Let’s jump in!
Table of Contents
How to be Productive Now
1. The Five-Minute Rule: Start Small and Build Momentum
The hardest part of any task is starting. That’s why the five-minute rule is one of my go-to productivity hacks. The idea is simple: tell yourself you’ll only work on something for five minutes. No pressure to finish, no big expectations—just start.
Why does this work? It taps into something called the Zeigarnik Effect, which means our brains hate leaving things unfinished. Once you start a task, your brain nudges you to continue because it craves closure.
Examples of the Five-Minute Rule in Action:
- Inbox chaos? Spend 5 minutes deleting junk emails.
- Dishes piled up? Wash as many as you can in 5 minutes.
- Avoiding a work task? Open the document and just start typing.
- Even if you stop after five minutes, you’ve still made progress. But most of the time, you’ll want to keep going.
2. Brain Dump and Pick ONE Task
Feeling overwhelmed is usually a sign that your brain is juggling too many thoughts at once. This is where a brain dump can help. It’s a simple way to clear mental clutter and regain focus.
How to Do a Brain Dump:
- 1. Grab a piece of paper (or open your planner).
- 2. Write down everything on your mind—work tasks, grocery lists, random reminders.
- 3. Once it’s all out, pick just ONE task to focus on.
This technique reduces cognitive load, which is the mental effort your brain needs to process information. When your brain isn’t overloaded, it’s easier to take action on what matters most.
Ask yourself:
- What’s the most urgent?
- What’s been bugging me the most?
- What will make me feel accomplished today?
Once you’ve picked your one task, you’ll feel more in control and less overwhelmed.
3. Tidy Your Space for a Clearer Mind
Sometimes the problem isn’t your to-do list—it’s your environment. If your desk is cluttered, it can make you feel mentally stuck. Your brain processes all that visual noise as “unfinished business,” which can sap your focus and energy.
But don’t worry—you don’t need a deep clean. A quick tidy-up will do the trick.
Lazy Clean Tips:
- Stack papers into a neat pile instead of sorting them right away.
- Throw random clutter into a basket to deal with later.
- Wipe down your desk with a cleaning wipe for an instant refresh.
Why this works: Visual clutter creates mental clutter. By tidying your space, you reduce mental distractions and make it easier to focus. You can read more about how environment affects productivity on Healthline.
4. Do One Thing to Help Future You
When you’re learning how to be productive when you feel stuck, sometimes it’s easier to focus on helping Future You. You don’t have to do everything now. Just one small task can make tomorrow feel much easier. This trick can save you from decision fatigue and give you a head start on the next day.
Decision fatigue is what happens when your brain runs out of energy from making too many choices. By prepping a few things in advance, you’ll reduce the number of decisions you need to make the next day.
Examples:
- Lay out your clothes for tomorrow (whether it’s gym clothes or comfy work-from-home clothes).
- Pre-fill your planner with specific tasks—not vague goals like “be productive.”
- Set up your coffee maker or prep your breakfast if mornings are usually chaotic.
These little tasks take just a few minutes, but they can completely change how your next day feels.
5. Use Music or a Timer to Build Momentum
Sometimes all you need to get moving is a little momentum. My two favorite ways to jumpstart that are The Pomodoro Method and a good playlist.
The Pomodoro Technique is simple: set a timer for 25 minutes, work on one task, then take a 5-minute break. This helps your brain stay focused without burning out.
Or, if timers aren’t your thing, create a “Get Stuff Done” playlist. Music can boost your mood and trick your brain into focusing. I personally love a mix of upbeat pop and lo-fi beats.
6. Move Your Body (Even for 1 Minute)
When you’re feeling stuck, one of the quickest ways to reset is to move your body. You don’t need a full workout—just stand up, stretch, or take a quick walk around your house.
Why this works: Movement increases blood flow to your brain, which helps clear that foggy, stuck feeling. Even a short burst of activity can boost your energy.
Ideas to Get Moving:
- Take a walk to the kitchen and back.
- Do a quick one-song dance break.
- Stretch your arms over your head, touch your toes, shake out your hands.
It may sound simple, but it’s one of the most effective ways to reset your mental state.
Small Actions Lead to Big Results
If you’ve been feeling stuck, I hope these tips help you take that first step. Learning how to be productive when you feel stuck isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing something. Even the smallest action can build momentum and lead to bigger results.
What’s Next?
If you found this post helpful, share it with a friend who might need a little productivity boost! And if you want more practical tips, check out my membership Productive Game Plan club for a step-by-step guide to getting things done without burning out.
What’s one small thing you’re going to do right now to boost your productivity? Let me know in the comments!
