How many times have you come across someone who says they’re very busy, but when you look at the results of what they’ve done, you’re left wondering whether it really required that much dedication?
It’s the classic dichotomy between productivity and busyness.
When we talk about personal productivity, we usually refer to a person’s ability to produce results with the least amount of time and effort possible. This involves identifying and prioritizing important tasks, eliminating unnecessary activities, and using effective tools and techniques to increase efficiency.
Personal productivity focuses on how to do what’s required, with the necessary effort to achieve it.
Some people believe that simply being busy will guarantee productivity. But that’s not always the case.
To be truly productive, several aspects need to be clear:
Set clear goals: Having clear, specific goals helps maintain focus and motivation. Goals should be challenging but realistic, and they should be measurable so progress can be evaluated.
Establish priorities: Identifying the most important and urgent tasks is essential to make the most of the available time. It’s important to distinguish between tasks that are truly important and those that aren’t, and focus on the ones that yield the best results.
Use time management techniques: There are many time management techniques that can help boost productivity, such as the Pomodoro Technique, the Eisenhower Matrix, and GTD (Getting Things Done). It’s important to find the method that works best for each person.
Eliminate distractions: Distractions can be a major obstacle to productivity. It’s important to eliminate or minimize them—like social media, email, and app notifications—in order to stay focused on meaningful tasks.
Rest and take care of your health: Resting and taking care of your health is essential to maintain energy and focus. It’s important to get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and eat healthily to keep both body and mind in optimal condition. In addition, taking regular breaks and doing enjoyable activities helps recharge energy and reduce stress, which also contributes to increased productivity.
Next time you come across someone who’s very busy, ask them if they know how the outcome of their work will be measured, if they’re working on the most important task, if there are no distractions around, and if it’s the best time for them to be doing it.
If any of these points aren’t clear, they might be falling into the trap of thinking they’re being productive when, in reality, they’re just busy.
Like a juggler keeping plates spinning—or like the guy in that video…