Feeling stuck and unproductive is natural and it can be caused by overwork, lack of momentum, a bad mood, a success block, the weather and/or dozens of other factors. And, while it's helpful to understand why you're stuck and unproductive, sometimes it's just better to do one or more of the PRACTICAL things which follow!

1. Play the Check-In game.

Call a friend/colleague and say, "I'm stuck/unproductive. Can I check in with you every hour for a couple of hours until I get cranking again?" This really works! And, your friend may want to play along too! Just share what you want to get done, specifically, between now and the next time you call in. Your friend would listen and accept what you're saying -- or ask you to increase/decrease the goal for the hour. In either case, keep the check in call to be less than 5 minutes.

2. Take a walk, go to the gym, go running, move your body.

Increasing your body's metabolism also loosens up your mind and spirit, resulting in a greater energy flow. It's that simple.

3. Take a nap.

Sometimes, your mind needs a break to work through an idea or block. Take a 1-3 hour nap and see if that helps.

4. Turn up the music.

I use music as a prompter, especially when I'm feeling draggy or alone. Rap, disco, instrumentals work for me. And when I'm really stuck, Frank Sinatra does the trick.

5. Eat/drink something that you will respond to emotionally or physically.

If I'm REALLY stuck, I'll have a couple of cups of coffee -- caffeine is a great unblocker for me.

6. Completely clean up your work space.

It's said that "stuff" around you that's not in its place, can be a drain of energy. When I get stuck, one of the first things I do is take 10 minutes and put things in piles or file stuff away or clear my immediate work area so that there's less stuff dragging me down.

7. Work on another task or project.

I don't know about you, but I'm not willing to push myself through a project that I'm just not in the mood to work on. So, I find a project/idea that I DO want to work on and my productivity picks right up!

8. Have a schedule/routine.

A routine provides momentum and momentum will keep you from getting stuck. So, schedule in an hour or three of dedicated work between appointments/calls/meetings.

9. Play the reward game.

This may not be spiritually healthy, but I'll give myself rewards when I finish a tough project. Like a vacation, a trip, a shirt, a massage, etc. Hey, whatever works!

10. Go on a trip.

I find that I'm especially creative when on a plane, train or bus. So, sometimes, I'll book a 3-10 hour trip, bring my laptop and be incredibly productive. And, financially, it's WORTH IT.

The late Thomas J. Leonard was founder of CoachVille. Copyright 2000-2005 CoachVille, LLC. http://www.coachville.com.

Thomas's list provides great ideas for getting those thoughts and actions flowing. I love number 10 -- Go on a trip. And you could actually combine 9 and 10 and work on the way to a great vacation reward. This week if you feel your energy slipping, feel stuck or unproductive, check out this list as to what your Next Action Step should be.

Warm Welcome to
Keefe Tech Program Attendees for Empowering Yourself

A warm welcome to our new Coaching Tip of the Week subscribers who I met at Keefe Tech last night during my program "Empowering Yourself." I enjoyed sharing my tools for gaining control of your life and participating in the new openings, ideas and visions that people experienced.

May 2, 2005
Empowering Ourselves at The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP)

Andrea will provide her 5-step program for gaining control of your life to the Greater Boston Chapter of the IAAP -- the world's leading organization promoting the education and recognition of the office professional. http://www.greaterbostoniaap.com

May 5, 2005
Coach Andrea is part of DWC- Boston "Meet the Experts" Roundtables

For the end-of-the-year send-off, Downtown Women's Club - Boston is hosting a series of roundtables staffed by coaches and experts. Everyone will get to visit 3 tables for 20 minutes each. There'll also be a raffle of various items, services and products during the changeovers between tables! There will be light appetizers and a cash bar. Come join in for fun, learning and networking on May 5th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Long Wharf Marriott. http://www.downtownwomensclub.com For more information, contact betsy.totten@marriott.com.

The "Check-In" game inspired my monthly offering of Pounce on a Project. Watch your upcoming tips to learn more about May's Pounce on a Project.

Coach Andrea's Coaching Tip of the Week is brought to you by Andrea Novakowski, Master Certified Coach who provides Business and Personal Coaching to Corporations, Businesses, and Individuals. Andrea is a professional coach who partners with people to set goals and create momentum to produce effective results in their business and/or personal lives.

Andrea is available for individual coaching. If you are serious about reaching your goals and living with greater fulfillment and satisfaction, consider using a coach. To schedule a COMPLIMENTARY initial consultation, send an e-mail to Andrea at
andrea@coachandrea.com.

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Coach Andrea
Focusing your vision, achieving results

email: andrea@coachandrea.com

web: http://coachandrea.com