Productivity Tip:

Use Commitment Devices

Struggling to stick to your goals? Try a commitment device. It’s a simple but powerful tool that can keep you on track. 

Here’s how it works: create a consequence or reward linked to your goal. For example, tell a friend about your deadline and ask them to check in with you. Knowing someone else is watching can push you to stay focused.

Research backs this up—people who use commitment contracts are more likely to succeed. You can even try apps like Beeminder that charge you money if you miss your target.

Accountability can be a game changer for procrastination and self-control issues. Give it a try and see how much more productive you can be.

Routine Breakdown

Jun Yuh, Influencer

A Night Routine for Stellar Mornings

“When I try to pull myself out of a rut, these anchor points are the first things I look to,” says Jun Yuh, who vlogs about learning and productivity. His night routine helps him wake up rested and ready to go. He:

The Routine:

• 8.30 pm: First night alarm. This indicates it’s time to stop what he’s doing and initiate his night routine. Jun starts his routine with wash and skincare.
• 9 pm: Cleaning time. He does about 15 minutes of batching his day’s cleaning tasks together: dishes, trash, tidying his desk, etc.
• 9.15 pm: Prep time for the next day. This allows him to enter his peak productivity time in the morning already organized. Updates his calendar, has the right tabs open, and prioritizes his tasks. “When you don’t prioritize [important tasks], usually they don’t get done. This is a good time to ensure you’re allocating time for them.”
• 9.30 pm: 30 minutes of reflections. He journals, recapping on the day and tracking his wins, which he breaks down into mental wins, physical wins, and spiritual wins. “This allows you to see your life through a completely different lens.”
• 10 pm: Second night alarm. All screens turned off and temperature slightly lowered for better sleep.

Why it works:

• Setting a night alarm helps you stick to your night routine and turn it into a habit.
• Batching cleaning tasks at the end of the day allows him to give his energy to other things. (Of course, this isn’t possible for everyone—do what works for you.)
• Prioritizing your to-do list ensures you focus on the right things. 
• Journaling is powerful for mental health, and celebrating wins boosts confidence and motivation. Have you tried using the nightly reflection section of Panda Planner to track your wins?
• Going screen-free before bed and having your room the right temperature are elements of good sleep hygiene. So is having a consistent bedtime!

Night routines are all about, as Jun says, putting emphasis on the areas that you know will actually make an impact for you the next day. Prepping your space, reflecting, and setting yourself up for a solid night’s sleep are all things to consider prioritizing.