If you’re a creative or a self starter, you have to set your own standards for success and productivity. You may set those standards based on the work of others, or you may create expectations for yourself. If you think you’re capable and talented, it can be easy for those expectations to become inflated. This can lead to you overreaching with the scope of your work and then becoming frustrated when you don’t hit certain marks. Instead of making a huge to-do list for the day, focus on one thing. What is the one thing you absolutely have to get done today?

Focusing on One Thing Helps You Prioritize Your Own Schedule

There may be a number of things that you should get done or you feel like you need to get done during a given day, but try to shut that out at the start of your day. Think seriously about the time you have on this day and the work you have on your plate. Decide on one single thing that absolutely has to get done today. Then focus your time and energy on that thing. Crucially, you need to acknowledge your success when you complete that one thing. It’s too easy to simply move on to the next task when you finish something. Instead, try to acknowledge that you did indeed do the one thing you said you would.

A To-Do List of One Can Lift a Huge Burden from You

Many people work best with a deadline, however, a long to-do list can make you scattered mentally. A to-do list of one item lifts the burden to get so much done within a limited timeframe. You may find that prioritizing your day this way actually gives you the mental freedom to think clearly and move on to a new task after finishing that one thing. It can get the creative juices flowing in a way that flitting back and forth between tasks simply doesn’t allow for.

This Is a Mindfulness Technique that Can Add Calm to Your Day

Prioritizing one thing each day can actually help you be more mindful throughout your day. It’s easy to be hard on yourself as a creative, goal-oriented person. You focus on all of the things you didn’t get done throughout a day, rather than what you did accomplish. Again, this is why it’s important to acknowledge your accomplishment each day. If you choose one thing that you must do today and you do it, that’s enough! That’s not to say you can’t work on other things or have bigger goals for the day, but try not to be hard on yourself.

Start Your Mindful Morning at Dunn Brothers Coffee

We understand what a motivating force passion can be — we’re a team of people who love coffee. However, we also understand that it can feel like there’s never enough time in the day. By implementing mindful practices into your day, you can better take care of yourself mentally. Start your mindful mornings at Dunn Brothers Coffee with one of our freshly roasted brews. To learn about our coffee selection, contact Dunn Brothers Coffee in Coralville, IA at 319-665-2020.