My “Lazy” Secret to Being More Productive

I want to share with you some thoughts about how you can use mini breaks to relieve stress and be more productive.

If you’re like me, you most likely get stressed out when you have a lot to do. I use mini breaks to help keep me going.

A mini break is when you go do something fun for 15 or 20 minutes.

For example, I like playing the claw machine to win a teddy bear for my grandsons. 

I also enjoy a nice cup of coffee.

Taking mini breaks is a great idea when you: 

  • Are stressed out
  • Are working really hard
  • Can’t convince yourself to get down to work

And if you’re wondering what else makes a good mini break, here are some ideas:

  • Get yourself a cup of coffee
  • Call a friend
  • Take a nap
  • Scroll your Facebook feed for 15 or 20 minutes (with a timer to make sure you stop)

The point is, it should be something fun that helps you relieve stress and “let go” for a few minutes. And the best part about mini breaks is that they can help you to be more productive.

How does that work?

Pretty simple…

When you’re less stressed, you can be more productive.

I like to think of a mini break as a reward. 

So when I’ve got a big list of things to do, like writing lots of sales copy, I search for that one thing I dread doing. …The worst part of it all…

Then, I bribe myself into action with a nice cup of coffee. I tell myself that I want to take a 15-minute mini-break and go get a cup of coffee, but I have to finish this task first.

That’s how I convince myself to do that difficult thing I don’t want to do. It motivates me because I know I’ll be able to get a new cup of coffee or play a video game when I finish. This is what I do to trick myself into getting things done.

The Big Idea

The big idea here is that you can use mini breaks to recharge your batteries and to reward yourself.

Use mini breaks to keep you going, just make sure…

  • You choose an excellent bribe that motivates you immediately
  • You set goals and tackle the thing you dread the most right now
  • You commit to only a 15- or 20-minute break
  • You enjoy your reward

By the way, want more tips and tricks? Check out my Sales Copy and Content Marketing Hacks Facebook group!


This changes EVERYTHING

I’ve got something I want to share with you that’s got me jumping out of my pants.

For the past few months, I’ve been hunkered and head down creating something for you that’s pretty darn cool.

It’s going to RADICALLY change your business and even cooler… It works in ANY industry or niche.

Keep an eye open on your inbox…that’s where I’ll share my little secret this coming Monday.


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3 Comments

  • Adventago

    Reply Reply December 13, 2020

    Great tip Jim I have this method that I don’t get to have a break until the job is done

    It makes me feel way better having long breaks knowing that the difficult things are out of the way

    However, I like this method too

    Have an amazing day from your friend Adventago 🙂

  • Lisa Rizer

    Reply Reply December 13, 2020

    Thanks so much for this information! Of course I already know that I should take small breaks from working, but I often just don’t unless there is some kind of prompt to shift my attention. I enjoy working, sometimes too much, and the end result of not taking enough breaks is that I don’t get much done outside of my work, and I often feel like I’m not accomplishing much in my life outside of work- burnout!
    The two things I have implemented that are already making a really positive difference for me are the Distraction Zapper and setting a timer on my phone- one for 50 minutes to work, and when that timer goes off, I reset it for 15 minutes and take a break. Then I reset it for another 50 minutes of work. It’s really easy to do and just shifting my attention, even to setting and resetting the timer causes a shift in my brain that serves as a type of break.
    I feel so much better, and I’m suddenly easily productive in other areas of my life. There’s more balance.
    Thanks, Jim.

  • Michelle Welch

    Reply Reply December 26, 2020

    Great Tips Jim! I find myself so engulfed in my business with so much I want to learn or do and I forget to eat sometimes. I am working better a my daily action plan and taking 10-15 minute breaks every 2 hours of work. So, far so good! Great article!! Thanks for all you do!!

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