By Renee Galloway
Think of “personal productivity” as one’s ability to complete tasks efficiently and with quality results. It’s good to periodically evaluate productivity versus busyness. Productivity equates tangible results, while busyness typically just results in exhaustion
Steps to increase personal productivity may include:
- Draft a personal vision statement as a guide to life.
- Set big picture priorities by deciding what’s most important. Simply put, “Schedule your priorities instead of prioritizing your schedule,” a quote from Stephen Covey author of “7 Habits of a Highly Effective People.”
- Prepare for change by identifying obvious signs that a shift is coming. Change is inevitable, but negative experiences can be avoided.
- Formulate a plan by thinking about the future. Planning software or other resources can be utilized.
- Set goals using the S.M.A.R.T. “Specific – Measurable – Attainable – Realistic – Time-bound” approach.
- Seek accountability partners to help maintain focus and a source of encouragement. A mentor or life coach along with family and friends can serve as accountability partners.
- Wage war on procrastination, the arch enemy of productivity. Procrastination is often times a result of overloading our schedules.
- Performance is dreams (or goals) in action. Remember, knowledge is essential, but is not an action. Take tangible steps toward reaching a goal.
Whether your goal is to develop a healthy lifestyle, advance your education or make room for more “me” time, taking the necessary steps to increase productivity can help turn YOUR dreams into reality.
