“Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort.” -Paul J. Meyer
I asked this question via Twitter and Facebook a few days back…
How to be productive? How does one increase productivity?
Lately these questions have been swirling through my mind at a blinding pace, causing me to ponder and contemplate the real answers behind productivity.
The thoughts shared with me (via the blogging community) were very helpful – so sit down and pay close attention!
Below are their thoughts.
A few short answers…
Cut all the cords providing internet service. -Mel
You just have to set your mind to it and do it. -Rachel
Caffeine… -Bryan
With pure Willpower! -Aiden
Prioritizing and self discipline. -Mary
Two medium sized answers…
Productivity is increased by eliminating waste and keeping in ethics with regards to assignment or task, needed to be completed to produce a valuable final product (VFP). What I mean by “Eliminating Waste” is get rid of all things or traffic that flows in your area, that restricts you from completing your task. Keep only those thing in that are conducive to the completion of product. -King Artt
This is a subject I’ve done a lot of work on lately. I think a lot of attention needs to go into your environment — is it conducive to getting things done? I’ve spent a bit of time and energy (and money) optimizing my work-from-home environment and it’s made all the difference. -Karen Kelly of Dotlizard
One long answer…
I think the majority of this depends on the individual. Nobody is the exact same, and therefore some things might affect one person one way, and others another way. It is all up to the individual. I do, however, believe there are very basic things that anyone can do to increase their productivity. It begins with these three basic things:
Your Mentality
One of my favorite movies of all time is Akiva Schaffer’s comedy, Hot Rod (2007). Rod Kimble, the main character played by Andy Samberg, is a thrill-seeking young man who all his life has dreamed of being a professional stunt man. In preparation for a record setting stunt in which he plans to jump his dirt bike over 15 buses, Rod tells his younger brother, “Yeah, well, you have only to believe if you wish to achieve, Kevin.” As cheesy as it may sound, Rod Kimble does have a point. Believing, or setting a goal in our minds, is the first place to start if we want to increase productivity. Any action you make was once a thought.
Your Environment
W. Clement Stone once said, “Be careful the environment you choose for it will shape you; be careful the friends you choose for you will become like them.”
When striving to increase productivity, one must examine what’s going on around him.
Is there clutter? Is there noise? Is there anything that may distract him from completing the task laid before him? The things we see and hear are internalized by our minds, thus affecting how we feel, act, and work. When you want to increase productivity, take some time to look around you; try to remove all the distractions from among you. In doing so, you will find that you are able to stay on task more easily and complete assignments at a more productive rate.
Your Drive
What motivates you? Why do you go into work everyday? What do you care about more than anything else in the world? What is your drive for doing the things you do? Productivity takes motivation. When working on a task, think of why you are doing it. You should find that this paints a picture in your mind which is hard to forget, and which you will remember from then on as you work on tasks. It gives you an end goal. “I am doing this because…” Try it!
Again, there are many different ways you can increase productivity because of the diversity of the world; but these 3 things are, I think, the most basic ways to do so. Anyone can make these changes, and examine these areas of their lives in hopes to increase the way they work.
-Joshua M. Allan of The Franklin Social
How are you productive? In what ways do you increase your productivity? Do you wish to be more productive? Share your thoughts.
Beehive photo by Nicolas Boullosa
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"You’re such a smart boy!" were his first accolades heard. So, it’s no wonder that this phrase became the title of his business, Smart Boy Designs.
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{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
i think I’m going to have to steal from Nike on this one: Just Do It!
Although that is easier said than done. What REALLY works is putting yourself in a situation where you have no option but to be productive; no other choices.
I did that recently by quitting my 9-5 job which I was bored at and dreaded going to every morning. Now I have no choice but to produce.
I wouldn’t recommend that to everyone though
Twitter: smartboydesigns
April 22, 2011 at 12:21 pm
I think we’re all here in support of you Eugene – so hopefully together we can make this switch for you just a bit easier. The horizons are endless for you over the next few months – and your productivity will surely be put to the test!
Thank you for visiting and sharing your thoughts.
For me, it’s a combination of all the things you mentioned: the right mental state, the right environment, the right physical state and of course motivation.
I can’t underestimate the value of setting goals. It keeps you organized and on track. Also, create short deadlines. Even if you have a month to deliver a report, set a deadline for yourself for 1 week, and stick to it. Having short deadlines triggers alarm in the body, and increases your energy and focus.
Twitter: smartboydesigns
April 22, 2011 at 2:28 pm
Triggering alarm. Interesting concept. I’ve never thought of deadlines in this way before. How true it is! How many college students (and everyone for that matter) tend to wait until the last second – and then the night before a deadline, pump out a brilliant essay or project. Sometimes you amaze yourself after procrastinating!
Twitter: StartYourNovel
April 22, 2011 at 2:04 pm
Mary hit the nail on the head when she mentioned “prioritizing and self-discipline,” because those are two fundamental ingredients in any successful career.
One’s environment is also highly relevant. Me, I need a place that is safe from distraction, a place where I can really concentrate.
Twitter: smartboydesigns
April 22, 2011 at 2:29 pm
You should see me try and do work in a high traffic area. Whether it’s a Starbucks, living room, or college campus – I look like a little puppy. My head follows whoever new enters the room, and then I duck back down to keep on working.
Actually I love your straight thinking, because personally when I’m connected to internet I’m not able to concentrate on my article.
It’s an good idea to disconnect internet while writing something and concentrate on what you doing, wordpad is good tool for that.
Twitter: smartboydesigns
April 22, 2011 at 2:31 pm
Being productive is high on many minds. It’s something we all tend to seek, yet struggle in attaining. I like to think in my mind the simple steps that are pointed out in 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Categorize whether it’s URGENT and IMPORTANT, and then work from there.
I’ve just finally started to get a grip on my to do list in Outlook. I’m being more diligent in categorizing things to work on in order of importance – and work on the most pressing things first, and work my way down. It’s helped much in accomplishing so much more in little time.
Hey Christian,
That last point is really on target for me: “I’m being more diligent in categorizing things to work on in order of importance – and work on the most pressing things first, and work my way down. It’s helped much in accomplishing so much more in little time.”
I don’t break into percentages (80/20) but definitely in order of importance. If the not-so-important doesn’t get done for a day or two, I’m still growing in the right direction.
Also, environment plays a big role. I personally need quiet space with concentration to be most productive.
Live it LOUD!
Twitter: smartboydesigns
April 22, 2011 at 5:45 pm
Same here – I haven’t got SO organized to the point where I’m working on 80/20 rule, but it’s something I probably should look more into.
Hhmm, the topic of quiet space. I’m still split on this one. There are times it seems when I enjoy a little music to work in, and sometimes just relaxing sounds (e.g. nature, rain or ocean sounds). Then there are those times when I just want pure silence!
Hi Christian!
I’m with Eugene and Nike on this one JUST DO IT! I’m a big fan of result oriented people who typically have a high productivity level. These are the individuals that don’t let excuses or events distract them from achieving desired results.
So in keeping with Eugene and what the Nike slogan I’m all for that! Just get it done. The quicker we get things done the quicker we get to relaxation time or on to the next project for us over achievers lol
Twitter: smartboydesigns
April 26, 2011 at 8:33 am
I’ve become more of the opinion recently that every person chooses EXACTLY what he or she wants to do. We all have the choice. So what better choice then to JUST DO IT!
Love your thoughts here Chelsea.
Thank you,
Christian
Being Productivite is not just about getting things done. Increasing productivity is about focusing on the important and essential. Its not just about doing a bunch of activities or being busy.
Get focused on results and output, not just about being busy.
To become the most productive you can be, focus on having a plan, eliminating distractions and taking action on the essential.
Productivity Junkies recently posted..Real Estate WordPress Websites With Results
Twitter: smartboydesigns
May 4, 2011 at 9:56 pm
Love those thoughts. It’s so true. When you’re “feeling” productive often you’re really just running around headless; trying to get things done that are overwhelming.