Stop counting your daily tasks.

One problem you will face if you measure your productivity by the number of tasks you do is that you will be disappointed and frustrated. You’re prone to differing energy levels and emotions.

This means that even with the most enthusiasm, there will be days when you don’t feel like doing much work.

Instead, consider setting a few non-negotiables. These are the tasks you commit to, regardless of your energy levels, giving you a sense of control and reassurance.

That could be your morning routines, communications, or a specific aspect of your work. You may make five calls per day; that becomes your non-negotiable minimum.

Now, you’re measuring whether or not you did your minimums. Not the number of tasks you complete.

I consider myself reasonably productive. Yet, on far too many days, I begin the day with a list of fifteen or twenty things and end the day rescheduling five or six of them.

And that’s fine. It’s okay because I did my minimums. I spent at least thirty minutes responding to my actionable emails, created some content — even if it was just a paragraph or two — did my morning routines, and took Louis for a walk.

Job done. Things got moved forward.