The Power of Productivity Mantras
Sometimes despite my better judgement, I let time slip away, usually down a deep rabbit hole on the internet. Even when I use all the productivity systems that I tout on throughout this blog, I still fall into time wasting habits. Thankfully, last year I stumbled across the concept of using mantras to change habits. This was a game changer for me. It helps me me be more mindful of how I am spending my time.
What are productivity mantras?
Mantras are statements repeated frequently to help drive change in your thought process or even behaviors. Productivity mantras, are somewhat like affirmations, in that they help you focus your thoughts and energy on something positive. The difference, however, is that they are action oriented. They are statement or question that reminds you how to change and also why that change benefits you.
How to write a good productivity mantra?
I love using mantras and the good news is I don’t have to write them all myself. I come across mantras often times when I am reading books are articles. I also like to search for quotes. If I can’t find a good quote to help me through my productivity rut, I write my own mantra. I start by identifying what behavior I want to change.
For example, I needed a mantra to help me when I was off task scrolling Instagram or Pinterest. I came up with the mantra…
“Give yourself the gift of progress.”
This is my cue to do something that will help me make progress in some area of my life. I’ve found that the most effective productivity mantras are action oriented and also uplifting. They are not meant to be an admonishment. They should be statement that encourages you to make a better choice.
Where can you learn more?
I learned about the concept of using mantras for habit changing after listening to a podcast with best selling author, change expert and executive coach, M.J. Ryan. In the podcast M.J. Ryan shares how to mindfully realize your goals through mantras. Her book, Habit Changers, is chock full of ideas on how you can permanently change your negative habits to positive ones to become happier and more successful. My life was forever changed by that one show and the book.
Below are some of my favorite productivity mantras that I’ve written or learned from M.J. Ryan.
