Productive, or just busy?

Recently, while engaging in routine behavior compiling lengthy to-do lists (compounded over past months roll-over tasks) I stopped to think…is this working?

 Am I being productive, or just busy?

In a society where convince is King, achieving rapid results through efficient productivity is of top priority. I am certainly an advocate of efficient work efforts aimed at increased productivity.  Though I’m learning, in order to maximize results I must first slow down.

Slowing down, to get more accomplished may seem counterintuitive. I assure you it’s not.

 5 Tips to Increase Productivity by Slowing Down

1. Meditate– Meditation in its own right deserves considerable attention (I’ll elaborate in a future blog post). If you have no idea how to begin a meditation practice I recommend downloading the app Headspace. Headspace is an easy to use, guided tutorial, aimed to ease you into self-practice.

2. Sleep– Sleeping certainly doesn’t sound like a solution to increasing productivity. Trust me, it is!  Recovery time is crucial in order to hit top performance.  If you’re not getting enough sleep, you’re not going to fire at full potential.  A rejuvenated mind will produce higher quality work in less time than that of an over-exerted one.

3. Reward yourself– I like to set dinner dates once I’ve hit specific goals. Not only do I thoroughly enjoy wining and dining, I also find I’m comfortably present in intimate gatherings. Good company, quality food, stimulating conversation, I’m dialed in. Fully engaged. 100% living the moment.

4. Limit your list– With 24 hours in a day and 24 items on your list you don’t stand a chance of executing everything as planned. Instead, try and limit your list to 5 items. Take care of top priorities as well as tasks you’re least looking forward to early in the day. As the day progresses distractions may arise. I try and accomplish my top priority by 10am. Feeling accomplished by 10am is a beautiful thing!

5. Get comfortable saying NO– With so many invitations it’s easy to lose sight of your intentions. Don’t fall into the trap of hanging out with someone or doing something out of guilt.  Reserve plans for highly anticipated events or obligations.  Exercise your ability to kindly decline.

Feel free to share any insight or experience you’ve had upgrading your lifestyle from busy to productive. 🙂

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