"5 Tiny To-Do's to Boost Productivity and Mood Today"

In the fast-paced world of investing, maintaining productivity and a positive mood can be challenging. However, small, manageable tasks can significantly impact your overall well-being and decision-making abilities. Here are five tiny to-do's that can increase your productivity and boost your mood today, helping you stay focused and make better investment decisions.

1. Text or Call a Friend

Positive social connections are proven to improve our quality of life and even help us live longer. According to a 2022 study, people consistently underestimate how much their friends want to hear from them. An unexpected phone call or text is actually very appreciated. This social interaction can help reduce stress and anxiety, allowing investors to approach their decisions with a clearer mind. As Vienna Pharaon, a therapist and author of "The Origins of You," noted, "It makes us feel really good to do for others, and the bonus is that it also creates much needed connection."

2. Do Something You've Been Avoiding

Crossing the smallest to-do off your list causes your brain to release dopamine. Addressing something you've been ignoring lightens the load and allows you to accomplish something that's been weighing you down. For investors, this could mean tackling a complex financial report or making a difficult investment decision. As Pharaon said, "You don't have to pick a traditional chore. 'Going to bed earlier, drinking more water, having a hard conversation, getting in a challenging workout, putting your phone down at night' — any or all can boost your mood."

3. Give Someone a Compliment

People feel better after giving a compliment, according to a 2020 study. Even if they feel anxious leading up to the interaction, the act of giving a compliment can boost their mood for longer than they think. For investors, this positive reinforcement can help maintain a positive mindset, which is crucial for making rational investment decisions. Laurie Santos, a psychology professor at Yale University and host of The Happiness Lab podcast, noted, "That quick compliment may boost your mood for longer than you think."

4. Break a Habit Using Mel Robbins' Five-Second Rule

Mel Robbins' five-second rule involves counting down from five to one and then completing one action that propels you toward your goal. This practice can help investors break bad habits, such as impulsive trading or emotional decision-making. Robbins wrote in her book, "I notice that the longer I wait between my initial impulse to act and physically moving, the louder the excuses get, and the harder it becomes to force myself to move."

5. Delete Your Most-Used App

Excessive screen time can take away from in-person interactions, says Anna Lembke, the chief of the Stanford Addiction Medicine Dual Diagnosis Clinic and author of "Dopamine Nation." To increase the quality of your friendships and even your partnership, get rid of the temptation altogether. For investors, this could mean deleting social media apps that distract from their investment research and decision-making process. Lembke advises, "Delete the app that you spend more time on than you would like and make a commitment to staying off of that app for 30 days."

By implementing these to-dos, investors can achieve a flow state, which is characterized by deep focus, immersion, and enjoyment in the task at hand. This state can lead to better investment decisions, increased productivity, and a more positive outlook on their financial strategies.



In conclusion, these five tiny to-do's can significantly enhance your productivity and mood, ultimately leading to better decision-making in your investment portfolios. By maintaining a positive mindset, reducing stress, and encouraging productive habits, you can achieve a flow state that supports stable profits and cash flows. So, take a few minutes today to text a friend, tackle a task you've been avoiding, give a compliment, break a bad habit, and delete a distracting app. Your investment strategy—and your overall well-being—will thank you.