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Do you feel that despite a massive list of tasks, your motivation is disappearing like gasoline in the tank of an old BMW? In this article, you will find practical techniques that will restore your will to action and increase your productivity, regardless of the situation.
What Can Block Action?
Over the years as a programmer and tech lead, I’ve noticed several key factors that have drained my motivation to act.
The first was a toxic work environment. I once found myself in such a place—a team filled with complaints and constant blame-shifting. Standups felt like gloomy meetings of pessimists, and retrospectives resembled group therapy sessions. When I finally switched to a more positive environment, I immediately felt the difference in my productivity.
Excessive stress is another motivation killer. I recall one project where the pressure was so intense that I started avoiding work. Deadlines were unrealistic, and I felt like just a small cog in a massive machine. It seemed like disaster was inevitable, and despite my efforts, I couldn’t change anything. Only when I learned to manage stress and set boundaries did I regain control of the situation.
Another common issue is the lack of a clear goal. I’ve worked on projects where the objectives were unclear, and I didn’t fully understand why I was doing what I was doing. I realized that when I’m involved in projects that interest me, where my work makes sense and someone is actually waiting for it, motivation comes naturally.
Task overload is a trap I fell into as a tech lead. I wanted to be everywhere, help everyone, and solve every problem. The result? Total burnout. I learned that sometimes you need to let go of certain things to focus on what truly matters.
Finally, there’s the fear of judgment. When I started blogging and openly sharing my opinions, I was paralyzed by the fear of criticism. What if I was wrong? What if someone pointed out my mistakes? This fear kept me from taking action. It took me a long time to accept that criticism is part of the growth process.
First Attempts and Failures
As a tech lead in a large IT project, I tried everything. Task lists in Notion? Done. Pomodoro? Of course. Time management apps? I’ve had at least ten. Some worked for a month, others for even less.
I remember one particularly tough period—I was leading a team of several developers, the project needed my attention, yet I sat in front of my monitor, staring at Jira, unsure where to start. I was doing something, but in reality, I was avoiding the difficult tasks that needed to be tackled, and the work was at a standstill. I felt like a fraud—supposedly a tech lead, but unable to manage my own productivity.
How I Stopped Fighting Myself
Change came at an unexpected moment. After yet another day filled with unproductive meetings and unfinished tasks, I sat down in the evening to analyze what made some days productive while others were a complete failure.
I realized the problem wasn’t the tools or apps but my approach. Instead of looking for the perfect app or method, I began experimenting with different techniques, adapting them to my work style and limitations. What’s the point of reading yet another book telling me to focus on one thing when my brain just doesn’t work that way, and I can’t force it to follow the advice of some productivity coach?
I also stopped worrying about what a tech lead “should” do. Instead of pretending I always knew what to do, I began openly admitting my struggles and seeking solutions. When I told my manager about my challenges, I received support. It didn’t have to be much—just talking to someone worked like a placebo.
This opened my eyes, and I started experimenting more. If something didn’t work, I discarded it instead of forcing it. That’s when I discovered techniques that actually work for me. Below, I describe some of them.
1. The “5-Minute” Technique
When I was working on the frontend for a major e-commerce store of a well-known company competing with Lidl and Biedronka in Poland, just looking at the backlog terrified me. I started using the five-minute rule—“Okay, I’ll just work on this view for a little while.” Often, those five minutes turned into two hours of productive work. It turns out my brain doesn’t like starting tasks, but once I begin, it’s hard to stop. You can read more about this technique here: https://zarzadzanieczasem.pl/hakowanie-prokrastynacji-za-pomoca-5-minut/
2. The First Step
In professional life, we often face an overwhelming amount of tasks. When I was a maintainer of an open-source project, there were moments when the sheer number of pull requests and code reviews was daunting. However, all it took was starting with one, and I got into the groove, continuing with greater engagement.
This approach is closely related to the “5-Minute” technique—just start, and the rest often follows naturally. The first step is crucial because it breaks the barrier and builds momentum.
3. Mel Robbins’ 5-Second Rule
This technique saved me during a difficult meeting with a director. I didn’t agree with a particular decision and was afraid to speak up. Instead of postponing the hard conversation, I counted down in my head: 5-4-3-2-1, and then I spoke up about the issue. My brain didn’t have time to come up with excuses after the first word was spoken. You can learn more about this rule here: https://thespeakerlab.com/blog/mel-robbins-ted-talk
4. Writing Down Thoughts
I started keeping a journal. I write down everything: technical problems, thoughts about architecture, frustrations with the team, to-do lists, and meeting notes. You might wonder how this helps with motivation. I’m not an expert in this field, but I understand it like this: when I write something down, it’s like I’m offloading it from my mind.
Sometimes thinking about a problem gets in the way of starting work. But once the thought is on paper, it’s easier to move forward. Sometimes, during the process of writing, you might even have an epiphany.
5. Running as a Trigger for Action
When I feel like I can’t push myself to act, I often go for a run. It’s not just physical activity but also a way to reset my mind. The endorphins released during exercise act as a natural motivation booster. After coming back, I feel energized, and problems that previously seemed insurmountable suddenly feel manageable.
It’s not about running for time or results—it’s a simple way to disconnect from work, clear my thoughts, and gain a fresh perspective.
6. When Nothing Helps… Let Go
Sometimes the best solution is… letting go. There are times when fatigue, lack of motivation, or sheer overload make all techniques fail. In such moments, it’s worth giving yourself some slack, taking a break, and doing something you enjoy.
Work will still be there, and you can return to it with renewed energy and a fresh outlook.
The Path to Action
Building productivity is a process. Each of these techniques is like a new move in a parking lot practice session—you need to try it out and refine it over time.
Don’t expect to become a productivity master overnight. Start with one technique, master it, then add another. Find what works for you. Don’t blindly trust coaches or bloggers like me. Approach everything with curiosity but also a healthy dose of skepticism.