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Productivity begins with a plan

“I’m going to be more productive”

It sounds so easy – just kinda rolls off the tongue. In fact it’s so easy to say that we’ve all parrotted this phrase hundreds of times. The problem is that saying is not doing. This is just another one of those “little details” that often gets ignored.

1. Productivity begins with a plan

(photo courtesy of akaalias)

You will not become more productive by accident! It requires a combined commitment of time and effort – but your rewards will be substantial.

• What do you want to accomplish? What is your goal? The point of being more productive is so that you can move toward the realization of your goal. Do you have a goal? If not, then you need to stop right now and decide why you need to be more productive and then write it down.

• What is your level of dedication? A person who’s vision is defective needs to have it corrected before he/she begins to drive toward some distant point. Trying to accomplish anything without a clear statement of your goal is as impossible as trying to drive with defective vision. How will you know if or when you have succeeded? This unwillingness to commit your goal to paper provides an easy way out for many people. In fact when goals are not written down, they have no power and therefore are ineffective as a source of motivation. No accountability = no action.

2. Productivity moves beyond time management

• Being productive doesn’t end with time management. Though increased productivity has a time component, but it encompasses much more as Dustin M. Wax states in the cited article – productivity involves your personal fulfillment.
• But don’t forget the time component of productivity. Time is our most precious commodity and how we use our time is directly responsible for our level of achievement. Guard your time against time bandits.

3. Prepare for a productive day

Preparation is the mother of accomplishment. Devote a few minutes each day to creating a routine and asking yourself a few simple questions:

• What one thing can I do that will have the greatest impact on my production today? Then do it.
• How can I perform my duties in a more efficient manner? Ask others whom you value if they can see areas of your life that need improvement.
• What can I do to motivate and encourage my employees or fellow associates toward the accomplishment of our goals?
• How can I add value to others?

4. Some things that I do

• I keep a notebook or voice recorder with me at all times. Ideas, phone conversations, commitments – if you don’t record your thoughts, they will disappear – forever or at least until you have been sufficiently embarrassed by failing to keep a “forgotten” commitment.
• I use my notebook as an idea farm, planner, reminder and journal.
• I read my notes – often.
• I use an inexpensive ($29.95 at Office Depot) voice recorder when driving. I bought one after leaving the highway while trying to record my thoughts. I missed the mailbox, but not the lesson. Get a voice recorder.
• I prioritize my notes, then do the highest priority first and move on down the line.
• Anything left undone gets reevaluated and re-prioritized for the next day.
• I review old entries for new ideas.

5. Goal accomplished!

(photo courtesy of Wolfgang Staudt)

Tags: productivity, time+management, goals, success

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