“Productivity is not just about doing more, it’s about creating more impact with less work.” - Unknown
Productivity: Effectiveness of productive effort.
Productivity is a ratio of output over input. The more output increases relative to input, the more productivity increases.
3 Productivity Paradoxes
Busyness
Busy and productive are not synonymous. Busy is keeping occupied. Productivity is a focus on efficiency and results.
Comparison
Many define their own productivity as compared to the perceived productivity of others. Perception in all things, even the productivity of others, is most-often an illusion. Instead, comparing one’s own current productivity to one’s own past productivity can lead to more consistent and favorable long term results.
Unproductivity
Productivity is enhanced by understanding and embracing unproductivity. Incorporating an intentional practice of relaxation and non-producing activities and hobbies relieves productivity guilt and leaves one invigorated and energized for future productivity.
4 Models for Better Productivity
The Eisenhower Box
Developed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, The Eisenhower Box is a tool that divides tasks into four categories: the tasks to do first, the tasks to schedule for later, the tasks to delegate, and the tasks to delete.
Two List Strategy
Warren Buffet’s Two-List Strategy requires the creation of two daily lists - The To-Do List and the To Avoid List so that one can circumvent the temptation to work on distracting tasks and focus solely on the tasks that matter most.
Eat That Frog
Coined from the book by the same name, this strategy begs the question, “If you knew that you had to eat an entire frog by the end of the day, would you do it first or save it for later?” The compelling argument is that those who eat the frog right away avoid many of the obstacles that lead to unproductiveness including anxiety, distraction, procrastination, and avoidance.
The Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method based on 25-minute stretches of focused work broken by five-minute breaks. Longer breaks, typically 15 to 30 minutes, are taken after four consecutive work intervals.
“The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” - Stephen Covey