Simple Productivity Hacks to Help You Take Action
Do you ever feel like your brain has become a glitchy video game that refuses to load? Overheated, overwhelmed, and completely stuck? If you’ve experienced decision paralysis, you know the struggle of being unable to make even the smallest of decisions. It’s like you’re standing still while the world moves around you.
As someone who deals with decision paralysis on a regular basis, I’ve had to come up with a few creative ways to push through it and take action.
Below are some productivity hacks that have helped me when I find myself frozen with indecision.
1. Random Draw
Sometimes, the hardest part of a task is simply choosing what to tackle first.
When my to-do list is overwhelming, I’ve learned to trick my brain by giving up control over the decision-making process. I’ve adopted a strategy I like to call the Random Draw.
Here’s how it works: I make a list of all my priority tasks, write each one on a separate piece of paper, and fold them up like little paper fortunes. Then, I place them in a jar. When I feel paralyzed by indecision, I randomly pick one slip of paper and commit to it—no excuses.
The simplicity of this process takes the pressure off and forces me to take action, rather than sitting in a cycle of analysis paralysis.
Why it works: Research shows that decision paralysis often stems from the fear of making the wrong choice, which can trigger stress and indecision. The Random Draw takes away the need for perfect decision-making, reducing cognitive load and helping you focus on just doing the work.
According to productivity expert Cal Newport, creating a system that minimizes the friction between you and your tasks can drastically boost productivity (Newport, 2016).
2. Task Bundling: Pair the Unpleasant with the Enjoyable
Another hack I use is bundling tasks—combining something I really don't want to do with something I truly enjoy.
This helps make the dreaded tasks feel more manageable and less intimidating. For example, I’ll pair a task like editing my manuscript (which I dread) with something I love, like listening to a new album. Or, if I’m stuck going for a walk in the cold, I’ll listen to a podcast or audiobook that I’ve been dying to catch up on.
Why it works: This strategy is based on the concept of temptation bundling, a technique introduced by behavioural economist Katherine Milkman. In her research, Milkman found that bundling an enjoyable activity with a necessary but unenjoyable task can increase motivation and productivity (Milkman et al., 2014).
By combining something fun with something you don’t want to do, you’re more likely to follow through on both tasks.
3. Set Clear Boundaries: Embrace the “Two-Minute Rule”
If decision paralysis is your constant companion, setting small, clear boundaries for yourself can be a game-changer.
Another effective strategy I’ve found is the Two-Minute Rule.
The rule is simple: If a task will take two minutes or less to complete, just do it now. This prevents procrastination from building up and helps eliminate the feeling of being overwhelmed by an ever-growing list of tasks.
Why it works: According to David Allen, the productivity expert behind Getting Things Done, the Two-Minute Rule works because it stops you from overthinking and turning simple tasks into mountains of stress. The key is to reduce the number of decisions you need to make, which in turn helps reduce the anxiety that often leads to paralysis (Allen, 2001).
4. Work in Sprints: The Pomodoro Technique
Sometimes, just getting started is the hardest part. Once I begin, I often find that I can keep going—so I use a timer to encourage me to focus without distractions.
The Pomodoro Technique is one of my go-to methods for overcoming decision paralysis and staying productive.
With this technique, you work in short bursts—typically 25 minutes—followed by a 5-minute break. After four sprints, you take a longer break. This approach works well for tackling larger tasks because it breaks them down into bite-sized pieces, which makes them feel less intimidating.
Why it works: Studies have shown that working in focused intervals improves concentration and reduces mental fatigue (Cirillo, 2006). By giving yourself permission to take regular breaks, you avoid burnout and keep your energy levels high throughout the day.
5. Limit Your Choices: Narrow Down Your Options
One of the best ways to combat decision paralysis is to limit your choices.
When there are too many options, it can be overwhelming, which can make it harder to take action. For example, instead of trying to decide which of 20 tasks to do, narrow it down to the top 3. Give yourself a set period of time to work on each one and commit to it.
Why it works: Research in cognitive science shows that too many options can lead to decision fatigue, which results in poorer decisions or a complete inability to choose (Schwartz, 2004).
By limiting your options, you reduce the cognitive load on your brain, making it easier to take action.
Taking Action Is the Key to Breaking Free from Decision Paralysis
In the end, the best way to overcome decision paralysis is simply to take action. It’s not about finding the perfect solution but about finding ways to break the cycle of inaction. Whether you draw randomly from a jar, pair tasks together, use a timer, or limit your choices, these productivity hacks can help you get unstuck and moving forward—even when you feel frozen in place.
Sources
Allen, D. (2001). Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity. Penguin Books.
Cirillo, F. (2006). The Pomodoro Technique: The Life-Changing Time-Management System. Penguin.
Milkman, K. L., Minson, J. A., & Volpp, K. G. (2014). "Planning Prompts as a Means of Increasing Preventive Screening." Preventive Medicine, 68, 32-38.
Newport, C. (2016). Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World. Grand Central Publishing.
Schwartz, B. (2004). The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less. HarperCollins.