The Secret To Productivity

Well, I can tell you that the secret to productivity is not about getting more things done.  

That’s certainly what most of us have been duped to believe. 

I can also tell you that if you’re thinking of being productive, then you are wanting something to change.

And when it comes to change, you either want to change or you don’t.  It really is that simple.  

Simple, but not easy.  

Change is hard and often times even uncomfortable. But if you truly want “things” (any thing) to change, you first have to change your mind. Yep, it’s starts with a choice, a decision. 

Did you know that any goal you decide to go for actually happens twice? First, in the mind, you decide what you want. You see it, envision having it and start formulating the plan to get it. Then, if we actually get to the second part, the goal/change is achieved! (of course only through the actions we take, the mini decisions make consistently)  

We act what we believe.

What we believe has a lot to do with what we choose to take action on, or not.  

Odds are you have (or at least can get/improve) the knowledge, skill, resources, time and effort needed to go for your goal. You just need to make up your mind, and grow the belief it will take to actually make the changes and take the actions. 

Before you can even begin to think about the secret to productivity, you first have to decide if you are ready and willing to make changes.  

You must decide, courage or comfort. 

So now we’re back to change. Hey, I get it! Change is both scary and a mix of the reality (aka scary reality) of what is happening. And only you can answer if that “happening”is intentional doing or intentional neglect? 

You see, you get to decide what is important, when you will take action and how. (and if you’re waiting til you feel like it, I’m guessing you’re pretty comfortable with where you are – ‘cause nothing’s changing) 

So are you ready to find out the secret to productivity? Here it is in case you haven’t figured it out yet… 

The secret to productivity is ACTION.  

But, not just any action, prioritized focus on intentionally making progress on the things that actually matter to YOU. 

Again, simple concept, but not easy to actually do!  

This is where that decision to be courageous can come in.  

You don’t have to have it all figured out, just focus on the very next step.  

“The only man that makes no mistakes is the man who never does anything.” Theodore Roosevelt 

Yes, you will make mistakes. Learn from them. Hint: if you are repeating the same mistakes, you’re not learning. 

We often get caught up in being hyper-focused on the finish line, the unrealistic deadlines we give ourselves (so we push back or abandon them) or anything else to procrastinate! 

Instead, we should be focusing on our PROGRESS.  

How often do we plan perfection in our mind to achieve the goal 100%? But then what happens when we only succeeded in achieving 60% of the goal, is that a FAILURE or PROGRESS?  Being only 40% away from your goal as opposed to 100% away from it when you started is what I would call progress! 

So yes, the essential “secret” to productivity is action, but as with most secrets there’s always more to the story. 

Productivity takes action. Specifically, one step of prioritized focus intention at a time and most definitely taking progress victories over planned perfection! 

 

Planning my progress & productivity right there with you,

Deana

Need some help with prioritizing your focus? Check out any one of these:

4 module e-course Prioritized Focus Bootcamp