• Those app updates you’ve been wanting to start? Still untouched.

• Your new product launch is just around the corner. Your revolutionary marketing ideas = brainfart.

Not the least bit productive, they’re not the states of mind you want when you’re trying to, well… do anything. How do you get out of your slump? I think the first step is simple, although often overlooked.

First things first

Think about it this way. When you realize your problem is just a state of mind, you’ll realize you have the power to change it. Mentally take control of your actions- and know that you’re bigger than they are. Yeah, actions speak louder than words, but actions don’t happen without your willpower leading the way.

Here’s how it goes for me. There’s an internal battle going on in my head: I think about the thing I have to do. I realize how difficult this thing is going to be. I decide to do it anyway. I realize again that this thing is going to cause me stress. I go do something else instead. And then maybe something else. I go back to the thing I have to do. I stare at it for a few minutes, hoping maybe it’ll do itself. When that doesn’t happen, I think how great it will feel to get this thing over with. Suddenly, it becomes a challenge. Then it becomes many small parts as I break it down and conquer part 1 of this thing. It’s manageable now, and as I finish parts 1, 2 and 3, I realize I’m groovin’ right along. This thing isn’t so tough after all. I’ll show this thing!

And so on…

The point of it all is that you have to make the conscious decision to get out of your slump. After that, take your pick of advice articles to follow. Breaking stuff down works for me, but I know it’s not for everyone.

Once you’re back in your positive state of mind, it’s go time. Here are some other questions to ask yourself while you’re riding the productivity train:

• Are you on top of your imaginary deadlines?

• Are you ambitious enough?

• Have you pinned down the purpose of whatever it is you’re doing?

• What are your guiding principles?

Power to ya, friends.

I think Adam Spooner nails it here. I’m certainly guilty of saying “Well, now that I have this productivity app, I’ll get more done” and then reading my guilty pleasure blog five minutes later.

No more. We have to stop blaming our inability to get stuff done on anyone (or anything!) other than ourselves. We have the most important tools already- we just have to dig all the way to the bottom of our toolbox (while hoisting those heavy distractions out of the way) to get to them.

At first glance, you think “Yeah, that makes sense.” When you’re new at something, you try everything because you have tons of ideas. But you become more experienced; you learn the ropes and know what works. You’re seasoned… wise.

And if you think you’re right about the meaning of that phrase, think again.

It’s actually urging you to always have a beginner’s mind. When you think you’re there, head the other direction.

It’s taken you years to acquire the experience you have- now put everything you’ve learned on a top shelf somewhere. Think without inhibitions. Everything is possible without the restraints and ceilings of society. As much as we hate to admit it, we’re human, and most of us conform over time. A beginner’s mind is only trying to find itself- exploring every possible option.

If you can take what you know to be true in your industry, and cross-examine your truths with every other possibility, you’ll be perpetually relevant.

… Isn’t it funny how you work so hard to find your comfort zone, yet to produce greatness you have to continually work outside of it?