6 Secrets to Masterful Productivity no one talks about…

Masterful Productivity. Do you ever wonder how you could be more productive – and therefore, at EASE?

Almost everyone I know is looking for ways to get more done, with better results, and in as little time as possible.

The reality is that our modern lives are so FULL, and even if much of what you’re doing is something you like or even love, we’re all familiar with the stress of “running out of hours in the day”.

Struggling with decisions.

Unmet goals.

Results that fall short of our expectations.

And the exhaustion and insecurity that comes with all that.

I’m there with you and understand the frustration.

But there are some simple strategies you can implement, which can bring you much deserved relief, confidence and success.

And don’t miss our post on “You’re SO BUSY! But what if you didn’t need to be?”, which is a perfect complement to the following.

 

So let’s get started!

 

1) Secret #1 to Quality Productivity: Understand YOUR Preferences & Barriers.

We so often look to and rely on the latest tips, tricks and trends for how best to organize ourselves and achieve our desired results.

But they ONLY work if they actually align with your way of being and doing.

If not, they become another imposed pressure and hassle, instead of a true help.

So before you do anything else, take some time to reflect – and WRITE (in detail) – on the following:

• What type of work is easiest for you? (ex: meetings, creative, emails, etc.)
• What type of work is hardest for you?
• When are your best times for each type of work? (days of the week & hours).
• What do you need to OPTIMALLY execute each type of work?
• What people/situation/activities distract you negatively?

These are some starter questions and we can guide you in doing a much more extensive analysis, which can help you better understand your optimum energy, concentration, flows, and best practices.

 

2) Secret #2 to Great Productivity: Build your life AROUND your Ideal Preferences.

Yes, much of our lives are beyond our control, as we do our best to function within the relationships, situations and organizations that make up our daily activities.

But there is also likely much that we are conforming to, doing haphazardly, or downright ignoring, that CAN be shifted to better accommodate us.

If only we’re willing to clarify our needs and preferences, and take the assertive next steps to communicate and make them a reality.

It can feel difficult to start, but once you practice proactively “designing” your life, to the extent that you can, you will be AMAZED at how much more space and ease can be created for your overall wellbeing.

 

3) Secret #3 to Brilliant Productivity: Understand – and PRACTICE – the Rule of 80/20.

Many of us spend about 80% of our time and effort on activities that only contribute a mere 20% to the results we’re seeking.

But the rest 20% of our actions, are contributing an AMAZING 80% to the results we so desperately want.

Here’s an example: a new entrepreneur might spend excessive hours fine-tuning every detail in their new website, instead of more challenging (but essential) activities like researching and connecting with potential clients.

The key is to thoroughly analyze which of your tasks are the most powerful in getting you the results you desire. And then readjusting your calendar, priorities, and daily actions to bring that powerful 20% to the majority of your work.

Often these core 20% activities are ones that push us out of our comfort zone, require some new insight or training, or challenge our deep set limiting beliefs.

But if we can get past that, the results SHINE.

 

4) Secret #4 to Excellent Productivity: The Powerful Rule of 3.

I learned this from the great entrepreneur Marie Forleo, who cited the extensive research that shows that our minds often favor the concept of 3 core things.

So how do you apply it?

Each day, week, month, season, ask yourself:

• “What are the 3 MOST IMPORTANT THINGS I need to get done?”

Yes, you will have many more on your plate. But if you get clear on the 3 true priorities for today, this week, this month, this season…you will ensure to meet deadlines, focus on the most important activities, and give your best where it matters most.

Some of these will be things that are most URGENT, or just really important.

But others will be things that are TAKING UP YOUR HEADSPACE, which you need to clear so you can breathe easier, and create much-needed opportunities for other, more meaningful actions.

 

5) Secret #5 to Strategic Productivity: Understand and optimize “Efficiency vs. Effectiveness”.

Effectiveness is how successfully you achieve your desired objectives.

Efficiency is achieving them with the least resources possible (time, money, effort, people, etc.).

Sometimes they complement each other. Other times they don’t.

For example: individual coaching is a very inefficient process because you’re only working with one person at a time, and it takes time.

But it’s MASSIVELY EFFECTIVE. Precisely because you’re focusing so deeply on a given person. As both Client and Coach are invested in the process, you can create together immensely meaningful transformation over a relatively short period of time.

So it’s efficient in terms of impact. But only under the right conditions. When both parties value and apply themselves to this engagement.

What does that mean?

Be thoughtful and strategic about when taking more time, effort, money, etc. is the solution to more quality results.

In other words: sometimes it’s better to invest in help than try and do it yourself from zero.

But also, consider carefully when you need to get something done “well enough” instead of perfect.

In other words, aim for EXCELLENCE, NOT PERFECTION. Because spending endless hours on meaningless details that don’t actually contribute to your overall effectiveness, is a WASTE.

 

6) Secret #6 to Masterful Productivity: Sometimes BEING is better than DOING.

Many of us have been raised in communities where our self-worth has been determined by what we ACHIEVE (in other words: DO).

And there is value in that, in many circumstances.

But it’s also counter-productive when, as a result, we forget our ESSENTIAL value as the beautiful human beings we already are. Thereby engaging in incessant activity to avoid deeply valuable pursuits like stillness, rest, reflection, play and regenerating social engagements.

The result?

Not connecting with ourselves.

Not connecting with our world.

Excessive exhaustion, stress and anxiety.

And a disconnect from the daily grace and joy in Life.

It’s when we let ourselves just BE – without purpose, expectation or pressure – that our core learning, creativity, inspiration, and vision, takes flight.

Not to mention, that it feels damn good, when you get used to just letting yourself BE…just as you are. And that’s GREAT.

For more insight, see our post on “Nurture your Self-Esteem and let go of ‘I’m not enough’”.

 

Send us your thoughts and get in touch with your own questions and experiences.

We’re always happy to hear from you.