How I Actually No-BS Became More Productive

This video is a brief synopsis on how I've been better at starting and keeping up with new projects in my free time. I've always struggled with having the energy to use my time to create things and pursue my passions after a long day of work or school, it was really easy to lose motivation.

For the past couple years I've found that I've really improved at starting new habits and sticking to them, so these are a very small chunk of my thoughts on the topic. In any case, do what works for you, I'm not prescribing anything, just giving an opinion.

Also: another video will be out by the end of April, and there will be a stream tomorrow (April 16) at 9AM PST on Twitch!

[gruffyddgozali]

When you watch this video instead of studying

[boradmay]

will start working, just after another ten vids

[Nalopotato]

My motto over the past year or two has been "One brick at a time". If you have a long task list, just take one brick at a time and if you only put one or two bricks in place per day, that's OK, because you're still getting stuff done. And often times, after you do one or two tasks, you'll feel like doing more.

[superbubulubu]

Just before I start your video: thank you so much for still uploading videos. You're such an inspiration for so many people.
Blessings and success to everything you're doing! :)

[feralcrafter]

These match a few of my self rules:
- Never compare yourself to others, only yourself
- Set time a side to do work ... even if you stare at the screen of 4 hours is good

[bgbong]

A lot of this video reminds me of a forum thread where a new programmer asked "How can I stop worrying about code re-use so I can actually finish a project?" The advice they were given was "Just make the code work for what you need right now, and change it later if you need to; make code usable before you make it re-usable". It's like you're taking that advice and applying it to real life. I think a lot of us fall into the hole of "planning-as-procrastination", and you're hitting the nail on the head. Great video.

[qwerty]

Hi Happie! I really loved your video, and for me the journey to higher productivity is going very similarly! I posted a while back on your subreddit asking about what engine I should use for my next game. Since then, I realized I didn't even have a proper ending in mind to the story and that that question about engines was just an excuse too. Instead, I am right now writing out the plot of that game instead into what I hope will be a fun novella!

[gurunext]

Thats not a secret to me that "being yourself" makes you do amazing things - because you can freely realize your passion/intention. And the first step to take is analyze yourself - which is incredibly complicated... Glad someone is going on a similar journey. *Bonus Encouragement* to post them blogs.

[FlameoftheDragonfly]

Well shit, I didn't expect to see something this mature on YouTube today!

Exactly what you described in your video has been the life system I have been integrating myself, and I am 100% on board with you on this. I hope that this comment is as validating to you as the video was a validating/pleasant surprise ^_^

[rorschach]

I've been dealing with this a lot lately. Going to school full time for my 3rd degree, working a physical job full time, trying to exercise three times a week, eat healthy and sleep well. I don't even remember what I'm doing most of the day. My body is being abused. I think there may be an unhealthy obsession with being productive also though. I've packed my day full of more stuff than most other humans probably ever do and if I don't finish homework I get depressed. I don't think productivity is the problem. I think there's an appreciation gap for the amount of work people put in and that's why we idolize people. You seem more busy than me. You seem like you're on a better mountain. You may want more but I like your videos. I'm glad you make them. Whether you make more or not I will still very much appreciate the work.

[threadbearr]

Here's a super strict alarm tip for not sleeping in:
Get an alarm app that has a barcode feature (like Alarmy)
Tape a barcode in a locking file cabinet or other container.
Tape a barcode somewhere in your car (like a visor)
Set an alarm for inside the cabinet (bedtime) and one outside in the car (time to get up).
Lock up the phone and put the key in the car.

Now you're forced to dress yourself and go outside in the cold with other people to unlock the alarm and then go back out to shut it off. You're welcome.

[PersonaRandomNumbers]

I've been trying to up my productivity for a while now, myself. Sometimes it feels like I'm working nonstop but still can't get everything done, and that really doesn't help my motivation. But being able to just put some vague plans on paper and get to work honestly helps, at least a little. Thanks for the video!

[manualvarado]

I have been trying to struggle with the noise in my mind, but it has been so terribly loud.

This video really sheds some light on me, i just want to enjoy the path for sure.

Thank yoy so much!

[tempest_dawn]

I really like your drawing videos, the only downside is that then I have to watch the video twice because the first time I'm too focused on the drawings to actually hear what you're saying. Keep up the awesome work!

[DetectivePoofPoof]

THE CAT IS WISE! I also came to pretty much the same conclusions on my own, and it's been pretty effective. Don't overthink things just focus on the process and enjoy it. Try to have a positive outlook about everything that happens (especially when its not what you wanted) and the big stuff will just resolve itself.

[Omnic_Monk]

In short and in Shia's words: "Just.... DO IT!"

[HeadphoneTarnish]

I really appreciate your honesty in this video. Productivity is such an emotionally charged topic in our society, and many people tie it strongly to self worth. I think your approach is healthy and uses self-compassion in a way that many people fail to consider, or pretend not to need.

Thanks for putting this out there

[randomasdf]

You dont imagine how helpful are being your videos for me. I felt so lost and hopeless (srs) but now I recovered hope and i feel motivated and ready to learn a lot about my passion:video games and programming. Thank you very much, greets from Uruguay!
i really want to hug you lol

[courtneym]

So basically, make to do lists and enjoy the process because in life your always going to be chasing something :)

[MyLittleMagneton]

Something that helps me a lot, is identifying the tasks that are the most important and difficult, and just starting on that straight away. That way I won't feel stressed about this big ass thing that should've been done but isn't even started. At least not as often.