• 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.