How To Build Momentum For Better Productivity & Results

I want to share something simple but surprisingly powerful: prioritizing your tasks. You might be wondering, “Does it really make a difference if I prioritize my to-do list?” The short answer: yes. And the longer answer? It can change the way your day flows, how much you get done, and even how you feel about your work.

Let’s go into how I approach this, what I’ve learned, and some practical tips you can try out yourself.

Why Writing Down Tasks Is Step One

First things first, I always write down my tasks. Doesn’t matter if it’s an old-school notebook or a fancy digital tool like Roam Research or ClickUp. The key is to get everything out of your head and onto a list. That mental clutter can weigh you down if you keep everything swirling inside your brain.

For me, writing down tasks is laying the groundwork — it’s the starting point. But here’s the kicker: just writing them down isn’t enough. You should go one step further — that’s where prioritization comes in.

The Brain Dump and Why Order Matters

When I do my task list, it often starts as a brain dump — a collection of everything I need to do.

Sometimes those tasks are already in priority order, especially if you’re someone who naturally organizes as you go. But for most of us, the list is a mixed bag.

Maybe you have:

• Emails to respond to
• Calendar events to prep for
• Errands to run
• Home upkeep tasks
• Computer work that needs focus

These tasks come from different areas and have different urgencies.

Some might be more pressing today, others are long-term projects that shifted in priority.

That’s why taking a minute to reorder and prioritize is so important.

How I Prioritize: The Simple Mental Relief

Here’s a little trick that’s helped me: after listing out all my tasks, I take a moment to number them in order of priority. It only takes a minute or two, but it’s a big mental relief.

Imagine looking at your list and knowing exactly what to tackle first, second, third, and so on. You don’t have to waste brainpower deciding what to do next every five minutes. The decision is already made, and you can focus on the work itself. Sounds small, but it builds up.

For example, on a typical day, I might have 10 or 11 tasks that each take more than a couple minutes. If they were quick, I’d just knock them out without much thought. But since these require some time and energy, prioritizing helps me avoid overwhelm.

Batching Tasks: Work Smarter, Not Harder

Another thing I do when prioritizing is grouping similar tasks together — something called batching. It’s about efficiency.

Say you have a couple of errands to run, some house upkeep, and a few things to do on the computer. Instead of switching back and forth between these different types of tasks, I batch them:

• Run all errands in one go
• Do house-related tasks together
• Knock out computer work in one focused session

This approach saves time and reduces the mental load of constantly switching gears.

Prioritize in a Way That Builds Momentum

Here’s one of the most important parts: prioritize so you build momentum. What does that mean? It means picking tasks that get you going and keep the ball rolling.

There’s the classic “eat the frog” method, which says you should do the hardest or most dreaded task first. That can be great if you have something you know you’ll procrastinate on — just get it out of the way and feel that relief.

But sometimes, I find it better to start with a smaller, simpler task — maybe something that takes five minutes or something you actually want to do. Completing that quick win gives you a dopamine hit, a little mental high-five, and suddenly you’re motivated to keep going.

Why Momentum Matters So Much

Once you get a few tasks done, something interesting happens. You feel better. You get more done. You want to keep the streak going. It’s like a flywheel spinning faster and faster.

By getting things done, you’re more likely to get things done…weird.

Testing What Works for You

Here’s the thing: there’s no one-size-fits-all. The “eat the frog” method might work for you. Or maybe starting with a few easier tasks feels better.

The best approach is to experiment and see what helps you get into flow.

One tip I can confidently share is this: if you have a task that absolutely must get done and you tend to put it off, put it first. Getting it done will feel like a weight lifted.

Otherwise, try mixing in some quick wins early on. Pick tasks you’re good at or actually look forward to, and use those to get started.

Don’t Forget Breaks — Productivity Isn’t About Grinding Nonstop

One last thing: prioritizing and momentum-building don’t mean grinding your way through a marathon work session. You need breaks.

I like using Pomodoros — working for 45 minutes, then taking 5, 10, or 15 minutes off. Stand up, stretch, walk around, maybe get some fresh air. It helps reset your brain and keeps you sharp.

Working smart includes pacing yourself.

Wrapping Up: Prioritize, Batch, Build Momentum, and Take Breaks

So, to recap what’s worked for me:

1. Write down your tasks — get them out of your head.
2. Prioritize your list — number your tasks in order of importance or logical flow.
3. Batch similar tasks — group errands, computer work, or home upkeep together.
4. Build momentum — start with a quick win or the hardest task, whichever feels right.
5. Take breaks — use Pomodoros or a similar technique to avoid burnout.

Prioritizing your tasks this way isn’t just about getting more done. It’s about feeling better while you do it and making the most of your time. I hope you try some of these ideas and find what clicks for you.