by Dr. Christine Li
If you’ve been with me for a while, you know that I am obsessed with helping people move past procrastination and overwhelm so they can unlock their productivity and potential. Over the past 25 years, I’ve been studying, testing, and refining strategies to help people become effortlessly productive. Because let’s be real—too many of us associate productivity with stress, burnout, and endless to-do lists. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
I believe productivity should feel empowering, energizing, and yes—even fun! When we work with ourselves instead of against ourselves, we gain momentum, clarity, and the ability to create success on demand. That’s why I developed Simply Productive, my signature program designed to help you make productivity feel natural and enjoyable.
In today’s post, I’m sharing 11 core principles that will help you break free from procrastination and step into a more aligned, confident, and productive version of yourself.
1. Stop Yelling at Yourself and Avoiding Your Work
Too many of us try to “motivate” ourselves with harsh self-criticism. But let’s be honest—beating yourself up doesn’t work. It creates resistance, drains your energy, and makes you want to avoid your work even more. Instead, practice self-compassion. Drop the harsh inner critic and replace it with a supportive voice that encourages action over avoidance.
2. Focus on Your Goals, Not External Approval
If you’re always worried about what other people will think, you’ll never get started. Instead of seeking validation, shift your focus back to your vision. What do you want to create? What excites you? Clarity and commitment to your own goals will help you stay on track without the fear of judgment.
3. Build Self-Trust and Take Aligned Action
When your thoughts, beliefs, and actions are in sync, progress feels effortless. Trust yourself to make decisions, take action, and handle whatever comes next. When you trust yourself, you stop overthinking and start doing.
4. Work With Your Energy, Not Against It
We are energetic beings, and when we force ourselves to work in ways that don’t suit us, we create unnecessary struggle. Pay attention to your natural rhythms—when do you feel most creative? Most focused? Most drained? Adjust your schedule to work in flow instead of through force and you will unlock your productivity in the process.
5. Stop Feeling Betrayed by Your Body
Your body isn’t working against you—it’s trying to help you. Fatigue, stress, and burnout are not random; they’re signs that you need to slow down and recalibrate. Listen to your body’s cues, prioritize rest, and treat yourself with care. When you do, your productivity will naturally improve.
6. Focus on a Bigger Vision (Beyond Yourself)
If you get stuck in overthinking, shift your focus outward. How does your work serve others? How does it impact the world? Expanding your perspective can reignite your motivation and remind you why your work matters.
7. Wellness is the Foundation of Good Performance
If you don’t feel well, you won’t perform well. Simple as that. Prioritize sleep, hydration, movement, and emotional well-being. A well-rested mind and body will always outperform an overworked, depleted one.
8. Live Clutter-Free for Mental and Energetic Clarity
Clutter—whether physical, digital, or mental—drains your focus and energy. The less clutter you have, the more clarity you gain. Start small—clean up your workspace, streamline your schedule, and remove distractions that pull you away from what truly matters.
9. Strengthen Your Focus
Focus is a muscle you can train. The more you practice eliminating distractions and honing your attention, the sharper your focus will become. Small adjustments—like setting clear priorities, using time blocks, and limiting multitasking—can make a huge difference.
10. Play Full Out (No More Playing Small)
Too many of us hesitate to go all in because we’re afraid of failure. But here’s the truth: playing small is the real risk. When you embrace your full potential, you open yourself up to incredible opportunities and a richer, more fulfilling life.
11. Make Productivity Feel Light, Fun, and Expansive
Productivity doesn’t have to feel like a struggle. When you replace stress with curiosity, playfulness, and creativity, you’ll find that you can unlock your productivity which feels exciting rather than exhausting. The key is to reframe productivity as an opportunity rather than a burden.
It’s Your Time to Thrive
If these principles resonate with you, I invite you to join Simply Productive, my proven program that helps you develop effortless productivity while protecting your energy and well-being. The doors are open for enrollment soon, and I would love for you to be part of this transformative experience!
Sign up for the waitlist at maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/SP and take the first step towards a more productive, energized, and fulfilling life.
