Ever wake up feeling like you’re running on fumes, or staring at your to-do list with a blank mind, wondering how you’ll ever get anything done? We’ve all been there. It’s that moment when your usual drive and enthusiasm just aren’t there, and you’re left thinking, “I’m just not feeling it today.” It’s a common experience, whether it’s due to a poor night’s sleep, overwhelming stress, or simply the monotony of routine tasks. But what if these moments of low energy or demotivation aren’t roadblocks, but rather subtle signals guiding you toward a more effective and fulfilling way of working?
My co-host, Brooks Duncan, recently shared a relatable story about his wife’s search for her fitness tracker. She knew she wanted to work out, but the simple act of not finding her tracker created a friction point. It’s a small example, but it highlights a fundamental truth: when things aren’t in their place, or when we’re not operating at our best, even the simplest tasks can feel monumental. This idea of having a “place for everything” extends beyond physical organization; it applies to our mental and emotional states too. When we’re not “feeling it,” it often means something is out of place in our internal system.
At Asian Efficiency, we believe that happy people are productive people. This isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s a core philosophy. We’ve seen time and again that when you prioritize your well-being, productivity naturally follows. And the good news? You don’t need to make drastic changes to see massive results. Often, it’s the small, consistent tweaks that create the biggest impact. Our goal is always to provide simple, actionable strategies that you can implement right away, even when you’re not feeling your best.
When Your Tank is Empty: Navigating Low Energy and Sickness
We’ve all experienced those days when we wake up and our energy tank is practically empty. Maybe you only got five hours of sleep instead of your usual seven, or you’re battling a lingering cold. In these moments, pushing through with your usual intensity can feel like running a marathon with a weighted vest. You might finish, but at what cost? As I learned the hard way after a trip to Mexico City, constantly pushing yourself when you’re not at 100% can lead to a cycle of burnout and prolonged recovery. It’s like trying to outrun a bad diet with more exercise; eventually, something has to give.
The key here is to redefine success. Instead of aiming for your usual 15 tasks, what if you focused on just one? Brooks often talks about the importance of identifying your “one thing” for the day, and this becomes even more critical when your energy is low. If you can accomplish that one crucial task, consider it a win. It’s about acknowledging your current limitations and adjusting your expectations accordingly. This isn’t about lowering your standards; it’s about being strategic and sustainable.
Another powerful strategy is to lean into “productivity snacking.” When you’re feeling drained, those big, deep work tasks might feel impossible. But what about those smaller, less demanding tasks that still need to get done? Catching up on emails, organizing files, or filling out expense reports might not be glamorous, but they can be incredibly satisfying when you’re not at your peak. It’s about finding ways to be productive without depleting your already limited energy reserves. Think of it as a gentle hum instead of a full-throttle sprint.
For me, my Oura Ring has been a game-changer in this regard. It provides objective data about my sleep and biometrics, giving me a clear picture of my recovery. When my Oura Ring tells me I didn’t sleep well, it validates what I’m feeling and gives me permission to take it easy. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is prioritize rest and recovery. There’s no such thing as a free meal; if you push yourself too hard today, you’ll pay for it tomorrow.
The Weight of the World: Overcoming Stress and Demotivation
Stress and demotivation can feel like a heavy blanket, making it hard to even start. Brooks shared a powerful personal story about dealing with a house flood and his mother’s stroke simultaneously. In such overwhelming situations, even lifting a hand to your mouse can feel like an impossible feat. While taking time off is often the best solution, that’s not always an option. So, what can you do when you’re staring at your to-do list, feeling completely paralyzed?
The first step is to identify what you can control and what you can’t. So much of our stress comes from focusing on things outside our influence. I’ve seen this with clients who are stressed about their in-laws. While you can’t control your in-laws’ personalities, you can control how often you see them, or the duration of your visits. It’s about shifting your focus to the areas where you have agency. When I was preparing to teach my AI sprints for the first time, I felt a lot of stress. But I realized I could control my daily routine: my sleep, exercise, and sunlight exposure. By focusing on these controllable elements, I was able to reduce my stress and approach the course with excitement.
Another crucial aspect is getting to the root cause of your stress or demotivation. Is it a specific colleague, a demanding boss, or simply a lack of passion for your work? Once you identify the source, you can start taking small, positive steps toward a solution. It might not be an overnight fix, but even small actions can create momentum. For example, if your job is the source of stress, you might start exploring new opportunities or developing new skills that align with your passions.
Reframing your mindset can also be incredibly powerful. Instead of saying, “I have to do this,” try “I get to do this.” While this might sound cliché, it encourages you to find the positive aspects of a situation. Even in challenging circumstances, there are often small pockets of good. Focus on those. And just as important as what you do is what you stop doing. When you’re stressed, avoid behaviors that exacerbate the problem, like listening to sad music or eating junk food. These might offer temporary relief, but they ultimately make things worse. Instead, choose activities that uplift you, even if it’s just a quick happy dance before you sit down to work.
The Monotony Trap: When Boredom Strikes
Boredom is often seen as a negative, something to be avoided at all costs. We fill every spare moment with distractions, scrolling through our phones while waiting in line or multitasking during mundane tasks. But what if boredom is actually a secret superpower? I’ve come to believe that embracing boredom can unlock creativity and peace.
David Allen, the creator of Getting Things Done, once used the analogy of a poet staring out a window. On the surface, the poet appears bored, but internally, a wealth of ideas and thoughts are swirling. This is the power of allowing your mind to wander. It’s why our best ideas often come to us in the shower; we’re not distracted by external stimuli, allowing our brains to make new connections.
Of course, there’s a difference between embracing boredom for creative thought and being bored by your tasks. We all have those mundane, repetitive tasks that feel like a drag. My first accounting job involved endless filing and error-checking, tasks that most people would find incredibly boring. But I learned to approach them with a goal in mind, like finishing a stack of files before lunch. This gave me a sense of purpose and made the work more engaging.
When faced with a boring task, ask yourself: Can I delegate this? If not, how can I make it more fun? This might involve playing upbeat music, turning it into a game (how fast can I finish this?), or even doing it with a friend. I once did my taxes with a friend over the phone, and it transformed a dreaded chore into an interesting conversation. Another simple yet effective strategy is to change your environment. If you work from home, try a coffee shop or a hotel lobby for a change of scenery. A fresh environment can often inject new energy into a stale task.
Your Blueprint for a Better Day
Ultimately, navigating those moments when you’re “not feeling it” comes down to intentionality and self-awareness. It’s about recognizing your current state, adjusting your expectations, and implementing strategies that support your well-being and productivity. The most powerful exercise you can do is to describe your perfect day in detail. What does it look like? What elements bring you joy and energy? For me, it’s a good night’s sleep, a matcha latte, a morning walk, deep work, and some pickleball.
Once you have that vision, identify one or two elements you can reintroduce into your current daily routine. Even small additions can make a significant difference. As we always say, happy people are productive people. By focusing on what makes you feel good, you’ll naturally become more focused, more productive, and ultimately, happier. So, go ahead, describe your perfect day, and start building it, one intentional step at a time.
