How to Increase Your Productivity Overnight
Hello, beautiful! After seeing how much you all enjoyed my post Why You Should Choose a Theme for the Year Instead of Making Resolutions, I’ve decided to share another piece of advice with you. This time, I am offering you a simple process that can help increase your productivity overnight! Keep reading to find out more.
Don’t you just love the feeling of being productive? It’s so rewarding to cross off task after task our to-do lists. Recently I graduated from “master procrastinator” to “boss babe who handles her business with ease.” I’m not even exaggerating you guys, I’ve been on a roll lately! What changed? I created a simple process that works for me, instead of trying to do what has worked for someone else. It might take me until the end of this post to convince you, but I have a feeling that if you try this process, it will have the same positive effect on your productivity levels (at least I really really hope so)!
Most folks suggest writing down your to-do list for the next day the night before, as a way to get more done when you wake up. Personally, I’ve never liked the idea of going to bed thinking about what I was not able to accomplish. Instead, I started applying a new process to my nightly routine. I call it the “3 Small Victories Project.” It’s super simple and the results are massive. The 3 Small Victories Project has boosted my self-confidence and tripled my productivity overnight (literally)! I’m going to explain what the process is, how to apply it, and why it works.
What is The 3 Small Victories Project?
The 3 Small Victories Project is a simple journaling activity that I created a few months ago. Each night, before bed, I open my journal and list 3 “small victories” that I accomplished that day. The idea here is not to look for big accomplishments but to focus on smaller moments that would otherwise go overlooked. For example, my 3 small victories list might say:
- Washed clothes.
- Went for a walk.
- Smiled at a stranger.
You could say that these moments are nothing to brag about, but taking time to focus on what you are able to accomplish, versus what still needs to be done, is a very powerful tool (more about why this is so effective later).
Simply put, the 3 Small Victories Project is a list of moments you write down at the end of the day to celebrate yourself and your accomplishments, no matter the size.
How Does This Process Increase Productivity?
Okay, so you may be thinking: The Three Small Victories Project sounds nice and all, but how will it increase my productivity?! I’m going to answer this question based on my personal experience. Consider me the test subject who has tried to this process and is returning to you with the lab results!
I started this project as a gratitude exercise. It came as a complete surprise to me that this short list could have such a huge impact on my productivity and overall self-motivation. Here’s what I realized pretty quickly: Focusing on what you are able to accomplish each day, no matter how small, is a way to practice self-love. It’s a way to show yourself that even on the most non-eventful days, you are still able to celebrate your abilities, rather than dwell upon your shortcomings.
In addition, taking the time (and we’re talking about 3 minutes at the most) to focus positively before bed had me waking up the next day with a renewed sense of self-confidence! As I continued to write down my 3 small victories each night, I noticed something else quite interesting…my small victories were getting bigger! When I took my focus away from what I was not able to do, and instead celebrated what I had already done, there was a snowball effect of productive energy.
Can you see how writing a list of what you were able to get done instead of what still needs to be done can be a positive, habit-changing tool? If you decided to join the 3 Small Victories Project, snap a pic of your list and tag #3smallvictories for a chance to be featured on my Instagram!
A few More Thoughts
To be clear: The idea of a “small” victory is entirely relative. I’m very sensitive to mental health and therefore feel it is important to make this distinction. If “got out of bed,” or “took a shower” feel like small victories for you, then write them down! Do not judge yourself based on how small your victories are. On the same note, your “small” victories might be more complex than mine, that’s great too. We’re all at different points in our journey.
Some of you might prefer to share your 3 small victories out loud during dinner, or just say them out loud before bed, or exchange victories with your partner. These are great strategies as well. However, the reason I suggest keeping a written list each day is that the act of writing your victories down helps to solidify the habit. Also, if you’re having a crappy day, it’s nice to look back on your victories for a little pick me up.
Try it For Yourself!
Grab a notebook and pencil/pen and put it by your bed. Each night, before bed, write down your 3 small victories. Some days you may have more than 3 things on your list and that’s great, just make sure you have a minimum of 3. Do this for at least one week. Once you see the results, you will want to continue writing down your victories and celebrating yourself. I just know it.
Remember, (I can’t stress this enough) to find small moments. Here are a few more examples:
- Read one chapter of my book.
- Cooked my own meals for the day.
- Told my kids that I love them.
- Took a bath.
- Ate lunch outside.
- Made my bed.
Celebrate what you are able to accomplish each day. Even on bad days, push yourself to find your 3 small victories. Try to stay as consistent with this process as possible, and watch as your productivity grows overnight!
Alright, how did I do? Have I convinced you to try out my secret to more productivity? Let me know what you think in the comments! As always, feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Remember: Take a snapshot of your 3 small victories list and tag it with #3smallvictories to be featured on my Instagram!
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Thanks for reading! Until next time,
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Why You Should Choose a Theme for the Year Instead of Making Resolutions
Eliina
March 5, 2018 at 1:37 pmI love this idea! Going to try it out tonight 🙂
D'Ana Joi
March 5, 2018 at 1:47 pmYes!!! Let me know how it goes. 🙂
Jovonne Harris
March 5, 2018 at 2:38 pmDefinitely going to try this starting this evening! Thanks!!!
D'Ana Joi
March 5, 2018 at 2:41 pmHey Jo!
Yes, please do! Let me know how it works for you. Thanks for reading! Xo
Quinn Alana
March 5, 2018 at 10:28 pmWhat a beautiful habit!!! I can imagine it is a much greater motivator than a to do list. Love it 🙂
D'Ana Joi
March 6, 2018 at 6:02 amHey Quinn!
It definitely is a great motivator. I hope you’ll give it a try! Thanks for reading. 🙂
Bg Jimy
March 5, 2018 at 11:48 pmI need to try this 😍
Let’s do this for two weeks 🙏
That’s a lovely blog post as always ❤
Thanks for all the time and effort you put to help us, share you tips and tricks…etc
Big wave of love 🙌🙌
D'Ana Joi
March 6, 2018 at 6:05 amHey Bg Jimy!
Than you for reading! I’m so glad you enjoyed this post. It feels amazing to share the things that have enhanced my life, I truly hope this can help others learn to be more kind to themselves and focus on the good!
Let me know how you feel after the two weeks and don’t forget to use the hashtag to be featured! Xo
D'Ana Joi
March 6, 2018 at 6:06 amAnd big wave of love right back!
Allison
March 6, 2018 at 5:49 amI love this! I’m going to try it tonight!
D'Ana Joi
March 6, 2018 at 6:07 amHey Allison!
Awesome! I had a feeling you would like this idea. Snap a pic of your list at some point so I can feature you if you’d like. Xoxo
Teri
March 6, 2018 at 7:05 amThe Power of Positive Thinking always produces victories! Great ideas here.
D'Ana Joi
March 6, 2018 at 2:33 pmI agree, Teri! Positivity and self-love can produce some amazing results!
nicole stetter
March 6, 2018 at 2:21 pmSo simple yet so impactful. I’m so hard on myself. This is really refreshing.
D'Ana Joi
March 6, 2018 at 2:34 pmHi Nicole!
It really IS so simple. Sometimes we just need to un-do conventional methods to find what works for us. Thanks for reading! Have fun CELEBRATING yourself. Xoxo
Allie Bock
March 6, 2018 at 5:42 pmI am going to try this tonight!
D'Ana Joi
March 6, 2018 at 5:45 pmYay!!! Try it for about a week and you will feel the difference.
TeAsia Battle
March 6, 2018 at 6:11 pmAll of pictures in this post are beautiful! I really enjoyed this post especially the three small victories. I’m going to try incorporating that into my day to see how well that works for me.
D'Ana Joi
March 16, 2018 at 9:53 amHey TeAsia,
Excused this late reply to your very kind comment! Thank you so much for reading and I would love to know how the project is working for you!
Breanna Patricia
March 6, 2018 at 7:49 pmWOW. Love your blog
D'Ana Joi
March 6, 2018 at 10:15 pmThanks Breanna!
Breanna Patricia
March 10, 2018 at 5:07 amYou’re welcome
hadassah
March 6, 2018 at 7:58 pmstarting tomorrow! ove the idea and could use a boost
D'Ana Joi
March 8, 2018 at 6:59 amYES!!! Be sure to use the hashtag #3smallvictories if you join the project. I’m going feature a few folks over on my Instagram! I can’t wait to hear how it works for you! Xo
Darcy
March 6, 2018 at 8:40 pmGreat idea! We do this at work, it would translate well to personal stuff too!
D'Ana Joi
March 16, 2018 at 9:54 amIt’s so cool that you do something like this at work! Thanks for reading. xo
chantellysays
March 6, 2018 at 10:20 pmI never really thought about how making a list of things that I want to accomplish the next day could have a negative impact on your mood before bed and maybe even transfer into the next morning. It does make sense, though! I really like this idea of 3 small victories. There are days where I feel like I didn’t get much done at all in terms of work, but that’s not always true. Sure, maybe I didn’t get what I wanted to get done, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t do anything, you know? This is pretty genius.
D'Ana Joi
March 6, 2018 at 10:22 pmExactly! You’ve got it!! It’s much more beneficial to go to bed feeling accomplished and we all deserve more credit for the little things than we get done day in and day out. 3 small victories is a hero of the mundane. I hope you’ll give it a try!
Stephanie
March 7, 2018 at 2:11 amI love this idea! I’m a competitive person by nature so anything that makes me feel like I’m almost outdoing myself each day or week is great. I’m going to try this.
D'Ana Joi
March 7, 2018 at 6:20 amAwesome! Just remember to focus on SMALL victories so that you can always have 3 things on your list. Try it fir a week and pls let me know how you like it!! Thanks for reading. 🙂
D'Ana Joi
March 8, 2018 at 6:59 amBe sure to use the hashtag #3smallvictories if you join the project. I’m going feature a few folks over on my Instagram! I hope you enjoy the process and the results, Stephanie! Thanks so much for reading. Xo
Rachel
March 7, 2018 at 7:43 amI absolutely love this idea. I am so guilty of focusing on what I didn’t accomplish rather than paying attention to all the things I got done that day. I think this mindset shift could make a huge difference. By the way, your photos are absolutely georgeous. I love all of your plants!
D'Ana Joi
March 8, 2018 at 6:58 amHey Rachel,
I’m so glad you see the benefits of this idea. If you do try it out be sure to use the hashtag #3smallvictories. I’m going feature a few folks over on my Instagram! And thank you re: plants. They make any photo more lovely so I always try to include them where I can. 🙂
blackgirlwhitewine
March 7, 2018 at 8:14 amThis post is so timely. I have so many things on my to do list, I can’t help but focus on what doesn’t get done. I definitely plan on changing my mindset and focusing on the things I do get done!
D'Ana Joi
March 8, 2018 at 6:57 amYes, and they don’t even have to be major accomplishments. That’s the best part! You’ll notice your momentum start to build if you do this consistently. Be sure to use the hashtag #3smallvictories if you join the project. I’m going feature a few over on my Instagram! Xo
Sheena
March 7, 2018 at 8:21 amFirst comment: I love your website layout. I try to be as productive as a Can each day. My focus is becoming more Intentional with my time. I will definitely try your method.
D'Ana Joi
March 8, 2018 at 6:56 amHey Sheena,
Thanks so much! Be sure to use the hashtag #3smallvictories if you join the project. I’m going feature a few folks over on my Instagram! I hope you will see the benefits of this process unfold in your experience. Xo
Olwin Guthrie
March 7, 2018 at 9:18 amLove this! My partner is always telling me to focus on what I did accomplish for the day instead of what I didn’t. I guess I should start listening to him! I have gotten better lately but I think actually writing them down and having a visual will help me out even more!
D'Ana Joi
March 8, 2018 at 6:56 amYes! He’s got the right idea for sure. And focusing on Small Victories is super easy because they happen every day! Be sure to use the hashtag #3smallvictories if you join the project for a feature over on my Instagram! thanks for reading. Xo
Tom @ {Tech} for Travel
March 7, 2018 at 11:56 amI agree. Celebrating even the smallest of victories makes you want to do it again and achieve more.
D'Ana Joi
March 8, 2018 at 6:55 amYES! You get it! Be sure to use the hashtag #3smallvictories if you join the project. I’m going feature a few folks over on my Instagram!
theunspokentestimony
March 7, 2018 at 2:50 pmI love this ❤️ I’m always writing to-do lists and of course, some things aren’t always attainable. Like for instance, there’s a book that I promised myself to read but it’s either I am too busy to get to it or lack the motivation to finish. Definitely think if I started incorporating this into my everyday, I’d be more motivated to get it done! For sure, it will take away the pressure of “having to do something”. Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
D'Ana Joi
March 16, 2018 at 10:05 amHi there! Excuse my late reply. Yes girl, I’m the same way I have a to-do list in every room! Keeping up with my 3 Small Victories project really helps me to approach those to-dos with a lot more self confidence and motivation. I hope you’ll give it a try! xo
Joelle K.
March 8, 2018 at 2:36 amDefinitely starting with this TONIGHT! Thank you D’Ana 🙂
D'Ana Joi
March 8, 2018 at 6:10 amAwesome, Joelle. I hope you enjoy the results! Thanks for reading. 🙂
jporebasoc
March 8, 2018 at 11:50 amThat’s such a lovely post! I sometimes find it awkward to smile to strangers! As many people look at you like you crazy, unfortunately 🙁
René
March 8, 2018 at 12:16 pmThank you so much for this post! I definitely plan on implementing this strategy!
D'Ana Joi
March 16, 2018 at 10:12 amHey Rene! Did you give it a try? Would love to know how it worked out for you! 🙂
simplyshannonagins
March 8, 2018 at 12:28 pmGORGEOUS pictures, first off. Second, I really love the idea of the 3 small victories project. I am so much more motivated when I feel fulfilled and accomplished than when I realize how much I haven’t done. Thank you for sharing!
D'Ana Joi
March 16, 2018 at 10:14 amHey there! Thank you much, I had a lot of fun doing the photography for this post. I hope you’ll join the project! It really does make such a difference. Thanks for reading! xo
Aimee
March 8, 2018 at 12:36 pmThis is awesome thanks for the tip, I am one that i don’t like writing my list to do the night before I rather the same day after I practice gratitude but this is awesome thanks !
Ari
March 8, 2018 at 12:42 pmLove these tips! Small victories are so important to a happy life!
Marquita
March 9, 2018 at 5:55 amI love the idea of having 3 small victories. I will need to try this for my upcoming week.
throughherhespeaks
March 9, 2018 at 7:59 amI have been focusing on acknowledging something that I am grateful for every day. I am also going to start writing down my three small victories. Great post!
SoDazzling
March 9, 2018 at 8:23 amI loooooove this idea!! I’m definitely going to start doing this because some days I feel so defeated and I overlook the “little” things. Thank you for sharing this!
Giselle Santos
March 9, 2018 at 8:24 amFirst I want to let you know that your photos are beautiful!!!!! I love how you did them for this post. Second, I will be trying this out. It’s so easy to get overwhelmed and then feel bad for not getting everything done. This will definitely help me see the bigger picture as a busy single mom.
BehindTheSchmile
March 9, 2018 at 8:56 amLove love love this post! First of all your photographs are amazing! But I also love the way you write AND you’ve given practical advice! I’ve actually been doing this alot lately and it has definitely helped my productivity! Thanks for sharing!
Olivia
March 9, 2018 at 8:57 amI am always looking for ways to be more productive this is a great system! Also, really pretty photos!
RUDii
March 9, 2018 at 9:11 amWow, I’m going have to try this for sure. I love that you were able to make progress. I never thought of anything like this before, I’m most definitely am going to start tonight
D'Ana Joi
March 16, 2018 at 10:15 amHey Rudi! If you give a try, feel free to snap a pic of your list and tag it with #3smallvictories for a chance to be featured! I hope you enjoy the process and results. Thanks for reading!
Gwen
March 11, 2018 at 7:23 amI love this so so much! Such an awesome post! Definitely givin this a try!!!!!
D'Ana Joi
March 11, 2018 at 9:38 amHey Gwen!
Thanks for reading. I’m so glad you’ll be joining the project! Don’t forget to snap a pic of your list and use the hashtag #3smallvictories to be featured! Xoxo
Kareem Trini Edwards
March 12, 2018 at 5:32 pmThis is a great idea. Trying to establish or consistently complete tasks daily can have a negative effect on one’s self worth/motivation levels when you fail at either. This is a sure fire way to satisfy yourself and act as a start point for more elaborate lists. I’ll definitely start, given I often have chanllenges sticking to my own prepared lists. Thank you!
D'Ana Joi
March 16, 2018 at 9:47 amHey Kareem!
Yes, you totally understand where I’m coming from with the 3 Small Victories Project. It has helped me so much with staying grounded even when I have a lot going on. It has been my saving grace. I hope it will have the same effect on you! Let me know how it goes and you can use the hashtag #3smallvictories and snap a pic of your list to be featured on the gram. 😉 Thanks for always reading and supporting the blog! xo
shannon silver
March 13, 2018 at 8:16 amI will absolutely need to try this! I find at times I have no idea what needs to get done and when and I can get so scattered. Thanks for the inspo!! xx Shannon || http://www.champagneatshannons.com
D'Ana Joi
March 16, 2018 at 9:45 amHey Shannon! This is more about focusing on what you have already accomplished as opposed to thinking about what needs to be done. Thanks for reading and I hope it helps. xo
Karisha
March 29, 2018 at 6:21 pmDefinitely worth trying! I may not get to write them down every night but thinking it through and even sharing with my family would make a huge difference!
Marquita
March 29, 2018 at 9:05 pmLove this! I’m going to find me a new journal to start doing this. Let me start by saying my 3 small victories today: caught up on important email, started next blog and caught up on videos.
searchingformyinnerzen
March 30, 2018 at 3:30 amI just stumbled across your blog and your beautiful layout and photos instantly grabbed my attention. Looking forward to reading more of your posts 🙂
D'Ana Joi
March 30, 2018 at 8:26 amHey lovely! Thank you so much for stopping by and taking some time to look around. I appreciate that so much. I’ve got a new post all about houseplant care coming out later today. I hope you’ll enjoy it!! Xo
Kunal Desai
March 31, 2018 at 4:41 amWonderful. Excellent. Awesome. Inspiring.
TailoredbyMeganTaylor
April 22, 2018 at 4:29 amThanks for what you wrote, some great advice and very well written!!! I’ve recently written about something similar that I think you might enjoy! let me know if you check it out and what you think 🙂 https://tailoredbymtaylor.wordpress.com/?p=1025
D'Ana Joi
April 24, 2018 at 7:58 pmAh, I love finding a blog post that has a similar idea to mine! I can’t wait to check it out. Thanks so much for reading! xo.
Nickle
April 25, 2018 at 5:57 amAwesome. I kinda had the same idea a few weeks ago but never actually got around to doing it. Sometimes it takes hearing it from another person before it hits. I’ll give this a try now.
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