How to Build a Routine That Works Even When You’re Unmotivated
How many times have you found it difficult to be productive when you lost inspiration? You
are not alone. The reality is that inspiration isn’t the key — it is learning how to create a habit
or routine that helps you continue even on the bad days.
Many people wait to feel motivated to work, but high performers know that important truth:
routines beat motivation every time.
Take Sarah as an example, a graphic designer who often relied on bursts of creativity. Some
days she would produce incredible work, while on other days she felt lost. Then one day she
created a simple routine for her morning: devote 20 minutes to sketching, then do a few
sessions of deep work and schedule breaks. Within a couple of weeks, she was no longer
waiting to feel ready. By creating her routine, she was consistent and her results started to
improve.
Here are some productivity tips to develop a routine that will stick:
- Wake up at the same time and go to sleep at the same time every day
- Start with one small task and use the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of work timer)
- Stay organized — if your desk is tidy, you will have clearer mental habits to work
Choose 2-3 tasks that are important for that day so as to not overwhelm yourself
To push through feeling uninspired, your habits will need to become habitual and you will
not put think about them, just as brushing your teeth; you do not have to think about being
motivated, it is part of your day.
If you want to grow, succeed in your endeavours, and maintain consistent productivity,
establish a system for accountability regardless of motivation! But instead of relying on
mood, let the habits of success dictate your actions.
So next time you find yourself feeling stuck, don’t hesitate. Trust the system, take the first
step, and witness your energy follow.