Every 365 days, as we transition to a new year, many individuals ask me the same question. So, what is that question? It’s “How do I improve my productivity?” As we reflect on our past performance, we know that we need to improve our performance to move to the next level.
Leaders especially want to know, what goals they should set to increase their productivity and improve performance.
Please understand me; I love helping individuals increase their productivity and improve their performance. But as a coach, my role is to help them unlock their potential to achieve their goals. So, in MOORE Leadership Moment #701, I discussed how leaders could create practical, achievable goals.
In this moment, we’re going to discuss the basics of productivity. You’re going to learn tools and techniques that will help you maximize your productivity, so, that you can truly get more done in less time.
Welcome to the MOORE Leadership Moment, with #YourLeadershipGuide, Dr. Kim Moore.
These productivity tips don’t only apply to the work you do for a living, but any work you do in your daily life. So, you can use them for your work around the house, creative work, and even leisure activities where you have some goal you’re working toward.
Warren Buffet said, “The difference between successful people and very successful people is, that very successful people say no to almost everything.”
One of the biggest challenges we face daily, is how to tackle our huge to-do lists and get everything done in the limited time we have. “If I could just be more efficient,” you might say, “I could get so much more done in less time!” And, with the time you save, you could pursue other things you want to do, or simply have more time to relax and enjoy life.
When people talk about “working smarter,” this is what they mean. They mean that you don’t necessarily get more done by working longer hours. Instead, you get more done by making the best of that time when you’re engaged in work.
So, let’s talk about The Basics of Productivity.
Maximizing your productivity involves identifying obstacles that slow you down, or destroy your focus, and then removing them. We face these obstacles every day and may not even be aware of them. You may have no idea, for example, that procrastination is the fundamental factor that’s killing your ability to get things done.
Productivity is also about managing time and identifying your ‘time drains’. Although these may be essential tasks, they bog you down. If you can take these drains on your time and eliminate, delegate, outsource, or automate them, you’ll remove them from your to-do list, so that you can focus on more important things.
Now, let me tell you, self-awareness is critical. You can improve your productivity just by monitoring your schedule, and using that data to make changes. When we throw around terms like “monitor” and “data,” it may sound complex, but it’s actually straightforward.
Think of these moments as a productivity toolbox. You’ll find many tools in it that you can use immediately. You’ll find some techniques that work well for you, and others, not so much. The key is to take what you learn and adapt it to suit your needs.
By the time you complete this series of moments, you’ll be better equipped to maximize your productivity. Along the way, I’ll help you put what you’re learning to use.
Join me for the next MOORE Leadership Moment, where I’ll share how to improve your focus by setting goals and priorities, planning, eliminating distractions, and understanding when you should STOP working.
Until then, lead confidently, expand your influence, and achieve significance!
I’m your #YourLeadershipGuide, Dr. Kim Moore.
Have a blessed day!