In this space I often talk about how to be more productive, and it’s for a good reason. Productivity is how we actually get things done and achieve more.
We can plan all we want, we can make a list of goals (which you should), and we can strategize endlessly, but nothing ever comes of all that unless we eventually take action and do so efficiently.
So think about your next goal right now. Here’s how you’re going to accomplish it…
Forget About Multitasking
For some reason, society has become obsessed with doing several things at once. I believe it makes us think we’re getting more done, but in all actuality it hinders our productivity.
Instead of transitioning from task to task and sharing your focus between objectives, focus on one thing, get it done, and then move on to the next thing. You’ll start checking things off the to-do list faster than ever.
Take Breaks
The only issue with real productivity is that it can be taxing. You need to take breaks from time to time to recharge, refocus, and attack each task at full strength.
Allow yourself to get away from the objective at hand by reading, playing a game, etc. for a few minutes, and you’ll be surprised at how ready and willing you are to complete your objective when you return to it.
Keep Meetings to a Minimum
Meetings feel productive, but they usually only serve to waste time. Sure, you can definitely have meaningful meetings where strategizing, staying updated on others’ work, and coordinating can happen, but that can happen in a short amount of time.
Keep meetings concise and on point, because the real work gets done outside of meetings.
Delegate When You Can
This can be difficult for the perfectionists and control freaks out there, but delegating exponentially increases productivity. Delegate what you can so you can focus on the most important tasks of the project.
At some point you’ll have to trust others to complete tasks, and you’ll oftentimes be surprised at how well others can do.
Don’t Mistake ‘Busy’ for ‘Productive’
This is a topic I stress over and over – it’s easy to fool yourself into thinking you’re being productive when you’re really just completing small, insignificant tasks.
Make sure you’re always focused on the objectives that actually get you closer to your goal.
When you do all of these things, reaching your next goal is only a small matter of time.
Awesome ; You are so right. I’ owned my own businesses for the last 40 yrs. You want to make money ? Get others working for you. Smiling
This was really good. I needed this. Thank you.
Greg
Thank you for reminding me of the most important things that go unnoticed. We tend to over look what is in front of us. I wanna thank you for offering a great amount of knowledge that should be taken more serious than not. Jim Sampson you are Awesome!