Productivity Requires Direction
Without direction, you are just busy.
“If you love life, don’t waste time, for time is what life is made up of.” — Bruce Lee
What does it mean to be productive?
Efficiency alone is not the answer. After all, doing something faster and better is counterproductive if you are heading in the wrong direction. That kind of efficiency quickly materializes the opposite of what you desire.
Productivity is the application of efficiency in the right direction.
Efficiency is gained through a system of continuous improvement. Each aspect of your work is optimized by leveling up in skill, automation and distribution. Direction provides a consistent target for these improvements... a purpose.
Don’t confuse productivity with being busy.
Busy is the exact opposite of productive. Busy doesn’t accomplish anything of value. There is always more work. There is always another item on your infinitely scrolling checklist. Busy allows no time for reflection and the things you value most in life.
Productivity is not a tool.
It is not found within any tool, nor can it be realized with tools alone. There is a danger in adopting tools. They often become the focus and not the aid you initially intend. Every good tool supports your system. It does not define it.
Why do you want to be productive?
You almost certainly want to have more time for things you enjoy... for people you enjoy. Whether the task is something you must do or love to do, being more productive gives you more time. And time is a precious commodity.
Always remember Why.
There is a reason for being more efficient. It isn’t money. It isn’t fame. It is something deeper. It may be more time or something else entirely. Whatever it is, that thing is the direction required for productivity.
🤔 Food for Thought:
What does productivity mean to you?
Why do you want to be more productive?
How much success have you had being more productive?
⚙️ One Small Step:
Before investing time in higher productivity, understand Why. Are you trying to get it done sooner to spend more time on other things? Are you trying to get better so you can do what you enjoy more effortlessly? The direction matters. It also indicates when you are productive enough.