How does being productive look to you? Most people visualise a perpetually busy person with productivity as someone who’s always on the phone or the computer, meeting deadlines and dealing with a growing number of tasks every day. It’s a common misconception about productivity: being busy doesn’t always mean you’re getting more done.
The ideal concept of productivity is one that allows you to be two or three steps ahead. When you’re ahead of schedule for things like completing your nutrition courses, closing a lucrative deal, or finishing a kitchen remodel, you’ll have more time for activities you truly desire.
What Do You Desire?
The first step toward creating more time for what you love is to identify what it is you do love. You’re not alone if you’re still not sure about what you want to do. People often have no clue about their passion because they’re not sure:
- How their loved ones would react if they did something else;
- About their capabilities for doing something else, and
- If they could make a living out of it.
What that points to is fear of the unknown, and that’s understandable, especially if people rely on you for your income. If that’s the case, then start cautiously. First, determine what you’re good at and what values you hold dear. Second, identify what you love doing and what you don’t want to do.
When you discover more about yourself, you’ll be in a better position to unlock your heart’s genuine desire.
Develop the Right Habits
Once your life’s compass gives you direction, start rolling up your sleeves for some work. When you begin to form a habit, you’ll find it easier to stick to a routine. And soon, you’ll discover you’re not even thinking about it; you’re just doing it.
But how do you form a habit, especially when you need to make drastic changes?
Start small. If time management is a concern for preventing your productivity, work on that in increments. For instance, instead of forcing yourself to create dinner for two hours from scratch for the family, make one meal for 30 minutes and use the rest for takeaway food. Another example would be to meditate for ten to 15 minutes every day instead of forgoing the one-hour practise and sacrificing your peace of mind.
Build up to devoting more time until you form the habit. If you think a checklist would help stick to the practice, then do so. But if it’s just adding to your stress because you’re beholden to it, don’t do it. Apply what works for you.
Finally, use the resources that are available to you. As a parent with a business to run, you could delegate tasks at home to your kids and your spouse. If you live alone, rely on tools and services that make daily concerns easier, from planning weekly outfits and meals to hiring people to do errands.
When you’re spending less time on tasks at work and home, you’ll have more time for what you love to do. The beauty of this approach to life is that it’s never too late to take it up.