You’ve probably seen countless videos and read endless articles about productivity hacks, systems, and methods. Maybe you’ve even tried some of them: waking up at 5 a.m., filling endless to-do lists, downloading habit trackers, or forcing yourself to “just be disciplined.”
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably discovered they don’t always work. They sound good in theory but fall apart in practice.
Recently, I found myself going in circles — procrastinating, feeling guilty, and wasting hours on YouTube or random distractions. So, I tried something different. Something much simpler. And it worked.
In this article, I’ll share the method I’ve been using — one that doesn’t fight against your mood and energy, but works with them.
Why Traditional Productivity Hacks Don’t Work
Don’t get me wrong: routines, lists, and apps can be useful. But there’s a big problem: they ignore the reality of being human.
Life is unpredictable. Our energy fluctuates. Our moods change. Unexpected stresses pop up. So when we try to impose a rigid system, it often backfires.
Here are some common pitfalls I’ve noticed:
- Rigid schedules don’t fit unpredictable lives. Getting up at 5 a.m. sounds impressive — unless you’re a new parent who hasn’t slept properly for months.
- To-do lists can feel soul-destroying. They often end up as long, uninspiring task dumps that create overwhelm rather than focus.
- Timers and flow “tricks” ignore motivation. You can’t always trick your brain into focus if your energy is shot.
- Apps that block distractions miss the point. Sure, you can block Facebook — but that won’t stop you wandering around the kitchen or tidying your desk instead.
The result? We procrastinate. We get frustrated. We beat ourselves up for not being productive enough.
And yet, the real problem isn’t laziness. It’s that these systems don’t take into account one crucial factor: how we feel in the moment.
A New Approach: Working With Your Energy and Mood
Instead of trying to force myself into a system that doesn’t fit, I started asking myself four very simple questions each day. These questions help me tune into how I’m actually feeling, then guide me toward the best action to take.
Here they are:
- How do I feel right now?This builds self-awareness of your emotional state. For example, today I woke up after only four or five hours of sleep. I felt tired and frustrated.
- What is my energy level out of 10?A quick check-in to measure your fuel tank. Today, I gave myself a six. Not enough energy for big, creative work — but not running on empty either.
- What do I feel like doing?Be honest. My answer this morning was “absolutely nothing.” That’s not laziness — it’s just information about where I was mentally and physically.
- What would feel satisfying or gentle?This is the key question. “Satisfying” helps you choose something that feels rewarding. “Gentle” means taking care of yourself with compassion. My answer was to play guitar. That felt gentle enough for my mood, yet satisfying because it lifted my energy.
After 20 minutes of playing, I felt lighter, calmer, and ready to record a video for my YouTube channel.
Why This Method Works
- It meets you where you are. Instead of forcing tasks when you’re drained, you choose actions that align with your energy.
- It prevents wasted time. If you try to push through tasks you’re not ready for, you often procrastinate, go in circles, or do them poorly.
- It reframes productivity. Playing guitar, taking a nap, or going for a walk might not look “productive” — but if it restores your energy and mindset, it’s actually the most productive choice for that moment.
- It builds self-compassion. Instead of guilt and frustration, you treat yourself with kindness, which makes it easier to return to challenging work later.
“But Won’t This Make Me Lazy?”
This was my first doubt too. What if I just answered “take a nap” every time?
Well, sometimes that’s the right answer. The other day, I really did take a nap. Afterwards, I went through the four questions again. This time my answer shifted toward a more active task.
That’s the beauty of it: you repeat the cycle throughout the day. The questions move you gently from one state to another. You rest when you need to. You create when you’re ready. You take care of yourself while still moving forward.
How to Try It Yourself
Here’s how you can use this method today:
- Pause for a moment.
- Ask yourself the four questions.
- Write down your answers honestly.
- Pick one small action based on the last question.
- When it’s done, repeat the process.
You don’t need fancy tools. A notebook, a notes app, or even a scrap of paper will do.
Final Thoughts
Most productivity systems focus on discipline, routines, and hacks. This method is different because it focuses on awareness, compassion, and alignment.
By asking yourself:
- How do I feel right now?
- What is my energy level out of 10?
- What do I feel like doing?
- What would feel satisfying or gentle?
…you create a more natural rhythm for your day. Some answers will be restful. Others will be challenging. But both matter.
Productivity isn’t about squeezing the most out of every second. It’s about taking care of yourself so you can show up fully when it counts.
So try it out for a week. Notice how your energy shifts. Notice how much less guilty you feel. Notice how often you end up doing more — simply because you worked with yourself instead of against yourself.
Take care of yourselves,
Chris from Mindful Way to Be
