by Nikki | Jan 14, 2015 | Blog, Motivation, Productivity, Successful projects
More Productivity
This is the third post in my blog series about productivity. You can see the first here, and the second here.
This tip, about getting clear about where to begin, is one to get you organized, so that you know exactly what it is you need to do to actually be productive. What are the physical steps you need to take to make a difference to your to do list, today.
Exactly Where to Begin
If we go back to your BIG list that you created after my previous post, and take a look at the items on the list, you’ll notice that some of them aren’t actually physical steps that you can take. When my clients get the full list written out, and then pay attention to the actual items listed, they begin to notice that some are actually projects, rather than actions that can be taken. So if you have an item on your list like clean out the hall closet, it may well be a project that will take a little organizing before you can complete, or even start it.
If that closet is full of coats, hats and even sports gear that you’ve been meaning to get rid of, then you’ll need to decide on where it’s going. You could donate it all at a thrift store, or sell it on Craigslist, or perhaps donate to the local recreation center – and maybe some of each. All valid options, but also decisions that need to be made before you’ll be able to get the job finished. Until you decide the first physical action that needs to be taken it’s probably unlikely that this one will move off the list.
That Might be a Project
How to know where to being
The hall closet hasn’t stayed full because its a simple task that you don’t want to do, its a little more complex than that, and I would guess that’s why jobs like that don’t get done when you want them to be. Instead of having to consider everything about the task, just to get started on that closet, making a project list is the way to break it down into physical actions. Any task that has multiple steps belongs on your project list. Once its there you then focus on breaking it down into the steps required, and as you can, you add them to your daily to do list (We’ll discuss that one next week).
Once you realize that something is a project, and that there is a series of small and manageable steps that need to be done to get it completed, it becomes much more attainable, and you’ll have the added sense of achievement of crossing a whole lots of steps and the overall project off your project list. And as the steps are small, you’ll be much likely to take one of those simple steps more quickly and easily, instead of trying to bite off more than you can chew, by trying to tackle the whole closet in one step.
Any project will seem much more manageable when you break it down into simple physical actions, and then make a start on those actions. As you get more clarity on your projects and tasks, you’ll notice that where to begin becomes clear and simple. Share your thoughts or experience in the comments below if you’ve tried this. I’d love to hear how its working for you.
by Nikki | Dec 30, 2014 | Blog, Motivation, Productivity
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.
