9 productivity habits that successful people always practice (even when they’re tired)

Lucas Graham by Lucas Graham | April 22, 2024, 2:41 pm

Productivity isn’t just about getting things done, it’s about getting things done well and consistently. And let’s face it, even the most successful people can get tired.

But here’s the thing: successful people have certain habits that keep them productive, regardless of how they feel.

In this article, I’m going to share with you nine productivity habits that successful people never skip, even when they’re tired.

So buckle up, and get ready to learn how to keep your productivity high when your energy levels are low!

1) Prioritize the important

Success doesn’t happen by chance. It’s a result of consistently focusing on what’s important, even when you’re feeling fatigued.

Highly productive people understand this reality. They know that not every task holds the same value.

So what do they do? They prioritize.

They always have a crystal-clear understanding of what tasks are crucial and which ones can wait. This is a habit that they practice daily, regardless of their energy levels.

Think about it. When you’re tired, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of tasks and responsibilities. But if you have your priorities straight, you can still make significant progress towards your goals.

2) Embrace the power of routine

A few years ago, I found myself struggling to maintain productivity, especially on days when I was feeling tired or overwhelmed. That’s when I decided to implement a daily routine.

I started by identifying the tasks that were critical to my success and then designed a daily schedule around them. Over time, this routine became second nature.

Even on the days when I’m exhausted, my routine keeps me on track. It eliminates the need to make decisions about what task to tackle next, saving mental energy.

Let me tell you: This habit is a game-changer, and it’s one that successful people practice consistently.  

3) Take regular breaks

You might think that working non-stop is the key to high productivity. However, that’s not necessarily true.

Studies have shown that taking regular breaks can actually boost productivity and creativity. The human brain just isn’t designed to focus on tasks for long, uninterrupted periods of time.

Go-getters understand this. They don’t push themselves to the point of exhaustion. Instead, they pace themselves by taking short, regular breaks throughout the day.

This practice allows them to refresh their minds, maintain their focus, and prevent burnout. 

4) Stay hydrated and nourished

Don’t downplay the impact of basic physical health on your productivity—it’s a game-changer. Your brain? It’s a powerhouse, but it needs fuel to function at its peak.

Result-oriented individuals never skimp on their physical well-being, even when they’re running on fumes. They know the drill: staying hydrated and fueling up with nutritious eats keeps their energy levels and focus on point.

Here’s the thing: Water isn’t just for quenching thirst—it’s a fatigue-fighter, focus-booster, and mood-lifter. And those balanced meals ensure your brain is firing on all cylinders.

5) Practice mindfulness

Amidst our hectic lives, it’s a breeze to lose sight of the task at hand, especially when fatigue creeps in.

But here’s the scoop: high achievers swear by mindfulness as their productivity secret weapon. It’s all about dialing into the here and now, blocking out distractions and future worries.

Whether it’s through meditation, a serene stroll, or a quick breather to reset, practicing mindfulness keeps them laser-focused and productive. 

6) Show gratitude

Here’s something you might not expect: Successful people make it a habit to express gratitude. It puts them in a positive mindset, which boosts motivation and thus productivity.

When you’re grateful, it flips the script. Suddenly, you’re focusing on the wins, not the woes. It’s a pat on the back for how far you’ve come and the peeps who’ve had your back.

A quick shout-out to a colleague or a pause to celebrate your wins? That’s the secret sauce to feeling pumped and purpose-driven. And when you’re riding that purpose wave, productivity? It’s a walk in the park.

7) Set realistic goals

Here’s the scoop: I used to think aiming for the stars was the only way to make waves. Turns out, it just left me drowning in overwhelm.

Then I learned a valuable lesson: successful people set realistic goals. They understand that it’s not about doing everything at once, but rather about taking consistent steps towards a bigger objective.

Realistic goals provide a clear direction and make tasks more manageable, especially when you’re tired. They also create a sense of achievement when accomplished, which fuels further motivation and productivity.

Ever since I started setting attainable goals, I’ve noticed a significant boost in my productivity. It’s been a game changer and it’s a habit I wish I had adopted sooner.

8) Embrace delegation

Let’s keep it real: nobody’s a one-person army, and successful folks get that. They’re all about teamwork and passing the baton.

Delegation isn’t about offloading work you don’t want to do. It’s about recognizing the strengths of others and allocating tasks accordingly.

This not only ensures the work is done well, but also frees up your time and energy for other important tasks.

And you know what? When you’re tired, delegating tasks to others can keep projects moving forward without compromising on quality or productivity.

9) Keep a positive mindset

At the end of the day, your mindset plays a crucial role in your productivity. Successful people understand this and consistently maintain a positive outlook, even when they’re tired.

A positive mindset doesn’t mean ignoring challenges or difficulties. Instead, it’s about approaching them with confidence and a belief that you can overcome them.

When you’re tired, it’s easy to slip into a negative mindset and feel like you’re not accomplishing enough. But by focusing on the positive, you can keep your motivation high and continue working towards your goals.

Final thought: It’s about consistency

Here’s the deal: keeping your productivity on point, even when you’re running on fumes, isn’t about a magic bullet or a quick fix. It’s about stacking up those small, simple habits that keep your well-being and focus in check.

Highly successful people understand this. They don’t just rely on bursts of energy or motivation. Instead, they cultivate habits that fuel their productivity consistently, regardless of how they feel.

Each habit, in its own way, supports sustainable productivity. But their true power lies in their combined effect when practiced consistently.