Photo by Christina Morillo from Pexels
I love my to-do lists. Mostly, I love crossing things off them. I even have a to-done list. Yes, I realize I need therapy. Since admitting that I have a problem is the first step to recovery, what exactly is the problem I’m trying to solve? To-do lists are a symptom. The desire to feel productive is my problem. In his book, The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg says, “Productivity isn’t about getting things done. It’s about getting the right things done.” How do you know that you are productive and not just busy?
Prioritize
Are you constantly putting out fires? Then you are prioritizing the urgent over the important. So, consider setting boundaries around your priorities.
- How do you know what your priorities are? Read your organization’s vision and/or mission statement. Your goals should align with your company’s vision and your objectives should help your company accomplish its mission.
- You will have multiple objectives. Figure out what to do first by using the Eisenhower Matrix. Identify the most important thing to accomplish and calendar time for it.
- Then, allocate specific time blocks for different types of tasks. For example, designate focused work sessions for high-priority projects and separate periods for emails and administrative work.
- You don’t have to do everything yourself. Concentrate on completing the tasks that require your expertise and delegate the tasks that don’t to capable team members.
- Your priorities are constantly in flux. As circumstances change, iterate your task list to reflect the new objectives.
Minimize
Do pings, rings, and dings dictate your schedule? Then you are furthering everyone else’s goals instead of your own. So, eliminate distractions and interruptions as much as possible.
- Maintain a daily routine. It trains your brain to be most productive during specific times of the day.
- Intentionally arrange your workspace for maximum concentration. Get away from household, office, or personal distractions. Organize your workspace for comfort and ergonomics. Is your desk close to electrical outlets? Are pens, chargers, reports, close by? Are non-essential notifications disabled on all your devices? Do you need to block distracting websites? Would using a time-management app help? Try one of these.
- Take regular breaks. Stand up and stretch. Move around for five minutes every hour. Walk away from your desk, find a quiet comfortable corner and box breathe for one minute. You will reduce stress, clear your head, and boost your mental acuity.
Strategize
Are you in a lot of meetings, but not adding any partnerships to your network? Then you are just having coffee with friends. Building and nurturing meaningful connections can provide insights, open doors, and create opportunities for collaboration. So, network strategically.
- What are your networking objectives? Are you seeking industry experts, mentors, or potential clients? Make choices that align with your goals, values, and priorities.
- Attend the conferences, happy hours, and events that will help you connect with like-minded professionals and gain knowledge from industry leaders.
- Remember to follow up with your new contacts after these events to maintain the connections. LinkedIn was built for this.
- Are there professional organizations you can join to connect with influencers in your field?
- Can you volunteer for projects that will help you establish a strong presence in your industry?
What measures do you take to enhance your productivity? Please share in the comments.