Here’s a fun fact: the less you try to cram into your day, the more productive you become. I’ve tested it time and time again, and it always turns out to be true. If I focus on what’s most important, I always finish more of what I start.
Trouble is we can’t get focused! We start off strong, leaving the house with our mental list of to-do’s, determined to get as much done as possible with the little time we have. But by mid-afternoon we’ve usually wandered into one of two places: the land of “What Now” or the city of “Busyville”.
In What Now, we aimlessly wander around trying to figure out what to do with ourselves. We have so much to do, we can’t figure out what to do next, and truthfully don’t want to do any of it. The worst part is we’re actually a little tired, although for the life of us we can’t figure out why.
In Busyville, we have LOTS of energy. We run around like a fly at the family barbecue. Everywhere we look there’s something new to do. Our goal is to do it all, preferably in one day. So we fly from thing to thing, never really getting much accomplished, but always in motion.
Sound familiar? I know I’ve been in both places more than a time or two. Sometimes I can manage to visit both in a single day!
But my new mantra of “Travel Light. Less Clutter. More Clarity” has inspired me to figure out how to be more productive and less busy. You see I have this crazy notion that we can accomplish great things while moving at a pace that allows us to enjoy the journey.
So here are my 6 wacky ideas for having a more productive day! Check them out, and let me know if you agree…
Step away from the cell phone for the first 60 minutes of your day.
I know some of us are having heart palpitations just thinking about it, as many of us roll over and grab the phone before our feet hit the floor. But trust me, it can be done. Give yourself a moment to think before you let someone else plant thoughts in your head. It’ll help you focus and it will improve your mood for the day ahead.
Decide on just one thing, and do that first.
Let’s be honest, we’re not going to get everything done on our list. It’s not you – it’s the list. Here’s an alternative – scrap the list. Not the grocery list, the to-do list. Throw it away and think about what one thing is most important that you get done today. Now do that, first.
Eat Breakfast, and Just Eat
The reason we can’t think straight by lunchtime is because we don’t give our brain the food it needs to function properly. Coffee doesn’t count as breakfast. We need food – eggs, oatmeal, fruit or grains. But when you eat, just eat. Don’t try to multi-task, else we’ll overeat and be sluggish rather than super-charged for the day!
Pick Up the Phone
E-mail is cool and all, but I generally find that if I have to send a person more than two emails on one subject I can solve things quicker by picking up the phone. It’s old technology but it still works great for getting things done.
Stop and Think
Most of us try to think things through as we’re doing them. But people at the top of their game consistently say that they master things in their mind long before they physically manifest them. How about we try that? Before we run off trying to do something, let’s take a moment and think about how it should be done. Now don’t get stuck there. Just pause a moment and collect your thoughts.
Let it Go
If we’re carrying over the same to-do from day-to-day, we don’t really want to get it done. It’s not our priority, even if it’s someone else’s. And you know what? That’s okay. So here’s my novel idea: let it go. Don’t fret over it, or carry around guilt. When it becomes a priority, we’ll get it done. Until then, let it go.
Okay, now it’s your turn! Leave a comment with your wacky ideas for being more productive, and we’ll share some on our Facebook page @iamlovingonme.
As always, keep loving you!
Hugs and Blessings ❤
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