Productivity Increases with Awareness

Productivity Increases with Awareness

Few of my thoughts on productivity are unique. What you will find to be different in the way I think about productivity is that awareness and self-compassion are the two most important factors. This may surprise you, but pushing myself to do something when I really am in a space to be doing a totally different task, is counter-productive. That’s right; it’s the opposite of productivity, and I don’t want to be doing that to myself, when instead I could be actually getting something crossed off my list.

Take this post for example. I wanted to write this yesterday (and for a few days before that, but let’s stick with yesterday). When I tried to imagine writing yesterday, I found myself feeling stuck, and very resistant. I don’t know about you, but my thoughts don’t flow when I’m feeling resistant. I also find it difficult to focus on a topic, and am very easily distracted. So, I let go of my attachment to getting this done yesterday (and the other days), and let myself do what my attention span was more attuned to in that moment, which was some online education. And I was productive at that. I learned about a topic that was interesting, and useful for me, and with that knowledge I could begin a project that had been on the back burner for a few weeks. And most importantly I enjoyed it all. Productivity without fun is no productivity at all.

For me it includes the following steps:

Noticing: The first step is noticing that I’m not actually doing what it is I set out to do. Sometimes I do that actively, and other times it sneaks up on me, and I’m way into a mindless task that is not the one on the list, before I notice. When it happens that way I usually giggle at myself, (that’s self-compassion at a work) I know it’s then time to review what’s going on with me, in that moment.

Breathing: Pausing and taking a few deep breaths, I now let myself become aware of my mental and/or emotional state. I’m not someone who focuses deeply all the time, although I can. I get distracted at the best of times, but with this practice, there’s no need to punish myself for this behavior (which would be pointless anyway). In fact, beating myself up is just another a time suck. It’s also demotivating and entirely counter-productive. Instead, taking a moment to feel what’s going inside, helps me choose the best way to proceed (the awareness piece in action). Sometimes getting back to with the task at hand with more awareness is what’s required, though often it’s not, but letting myself work on another task, for which my current mental or emotional state is better suited.

Begin: Next I just simply get started on the job I’ve decided is the best fit for me for now. It may be a small job that will enable me to feel a sense of achievement by crossing something off my list, or something that will actually help me get prepared for the avoided task. Whatever it is, I know I’ve chosen it carefully and I commit to it. After its done, I can then review once more, and see if I’m ready to get back to the task I’d planned for this time.

Rinse & Repeat: And my day continues. Sometimes I’m achieving the larger tasks, and sometimes getting the little things done. But through all of it, I’m feeling good about myself, making conscious choices, and because of that, I’m being more productive.

There is no replacement for being kind to myself when I’m not accomplishing exactly that I have set out to do. Plenty of the events in my life can leave me feeling beaten down, and I don’t want to be adding to that burden. I suggest you offer loving support to yourself, rather than being a nasty taskmaster. As a bonus, in time I imagine you’ll come to like yourself more.

I’ve set out to discover other ways that can support me in getting more done, rather than simply feeling constantly busy, rushed, and overwhelmed by how much I still have to do. Many of the ideas that I’ll share in coming posts are designed to help you to be in charge of those parts of the mind that keep you from getting things done. Sometimes we just need to trick ourselves to increase our productivity, and sometimes all it takes is to get ourselves into the right place, with the right tools.

Decide to give this practice a try, and I bet you’ll notice that your commitment to it will help keep you moving forward and enjoying more productivity, and perhaps even enjoying the process more. I hope some of my ideas help you achieve more productivity in your life.

Leave me a comment about what you learn about yourself, as you begin to practice. And if what I share here on my blog gets you wanting to know more, book in for a free 30 minute Discovery Session. I’d love to meet you, and share ways that coaching could make a difference for you.