If you google the word “productivity” you’ll get a gazzillion pages of advice. Interestingly, though, I found that the secret to being very productive isn’t on many of those pages. In fact, it isn’t about doing more, better – it’s something else entirely.
And I got a one-two punch reminder recently.
Yesterday, I was talking to a client about the work involved with changing my company from Mattson Business Business Services, Inc. to doing business as Your Organized Guide. There were so many details involved in this project that I had to create a two page long checklist to keep it all straight.
My client asked me, “So, are you working every single weekend or are you able to go out and have a little fun?”
A big part of me thought I should tell her I’m working round the clock, utterly committed and dedicated to the business and getting the changes made.
Instead, I was honest. “I’ve worked a few hours on the weekends over the past few months, but mostly I’m out playing. Hiking, kayaking, gardening, camping, biking. Anything outdoors will do.”
And this relates to increasing productivity how?
I just read through a terrific article in Inc. magazine, “Learn From the Superproductive.”
Between my conversation with my client and this article, I realized that the secret to productivity isn’t about doing more, better. It’s about doing less, well.
And there are specific habits and behaviors that will help tremendously.
- Get some rest. Seriously! If you’re tired, productivity and focus plummet.
- Go exercise. You increase the oxygen in your brain, sweat out toxins, and increase good hormones.
- Eat well. Good fuel for the body = good fuel for getting things done!
- Get a hobby – anything that gets you “in the zone” will do. Focusing on non -work related tasks boosts focus on work-related tasks later.
- Get a team. Outsourcing is what the cool kids do. Figure out the best and highest use of your time and do that. Outsource everything else.
- Play. Draw, paint, play video games, play football with the kids. Skip, hop, jump. Anything that gets you moving mentally and/or physically will help you release stress, relax, laugh, and be in the moment.
Ooooh, I can hear you already, “But I don’t have time to do this stuff – I have work to do!”
Put the whine away, please!
Work-a-holics die young. They have heart attacks, strokes, and suffer from a poorer quality of life. The uber-productive folks in the Inc. magazine article are at the top of their game – and it’s NO accident. They find a variety of things they love to do and that includes – but not to the exclusion of everything else.
And I’m not talking about balance. It’s really more about FOCUS. Choose the thing you love to do. Choose the healthy activities that will support you being productive doing that thing. Let the rest go.
That’s what I’m talking about when I advocate not doing more, better.
Simply do less, well.
Not sure how to get started doing less? If you feel anxiety at the thought of “not doing” then let’s talk. Consider how a Solutions Session – a 30-minute phone call – can change your anxiety to relief. The advantage of investing a small amount of time in this can pay off handsomely: reduced stress, clear priorities, focus, increased revenue, happier clients, fun! Call me at (704) 553-8082 or be in touch.
Love it, Angie. As I’ve aged, I’ve realized the benefits of choosing NOT to do so many things. I remember as a woman in the 80’s, some wanted to believe we could “have it all.” I have always said, “we CAN have it all, but not all at once.” Squeezing too much into your life will squeeze the life right out of you.
Ah, I think I’ll go take a walk!
Denise – taking a walk is a GREAT way to refocus on the great work you do. Many people feel guilty about taking time away from their businesses – but that time away is what will keep them motivated, creative, and engaged for the long run!
Wonderful post, Angie! It’s been a long time coming for me to internalize your message of doing “less, well,” and I still can’t say I’ve mastered it, but I’m getting there. I think an important addition to the message is that when we’re doing just the things we love and that feed our soul, we need fewer of the traditional trappings of “success” – as defined by our culture.
Not that I’m opposed to having creature comforts! But a happy soul has nothing to prove to anyone. Or, as Henry David Thoreau said, “That man is richest whose pleasures are cheapest.”
Love your new format and branding for your business. It’s a whole lots “sexier” than MBS, Inc., too!
Thank you, Sharon! Those trappings of success are external – you right that the “internal” rewards we get for doing what we love are what make us the most rich! And toys and creature comforts are AWESOME – but not when they come at the expense of our relationships, health or sanity. 🙂
Here, here, Angie! As with money, there are serious opportunity costs for spending our time here rather than there – ot there rather than here. Trying to do everything means not paying proper attention to anything. Focusing away from the job is one of the best ways to be able to focus properly on the job. Thanks for your reminders.
“Focusing away from the job is one of the best ways to be able to focus properly on the job.” Well said, Mary!