In your continued journey towards your individual self-growth, your willingness to develop and study in new methods by no means fails to encourage me. Which is why, right this moment, I wish to focus on a standard false impression that so many people grapple with repeatedly: the thought of being busy vs. being productive.

In our fast-paced society, with virtually instantaneous communication, the expectation is that we’re at all times accessible, and within the common rush of our each day lives, being busy is seen as some kind of badge of honor. We frequently equate busyness with productiveness, pondering that if we’re not continually doing one thing, we’re not making progress. 

However is that the case? I don’t suppose so.

Being busy merely means you’re occupied. It doesn’t essentially imply you’re being productive. So, what’s the distinction between being productive and busy?

Productive vs. busy: What’s the distinction?

After we take a look at what it means to be busy vs. productive, I’m reminded of one thing my grandmother at all times mentioned: “When you want one thing accomplished, give it to the busiest individual you realize. However in order for you one thing accomplished proper, it’s possible you’ll simply should do it your self.”

The extra I take into consideration this, the extra it rings true. Productiveness is about being intentional, proactive and environment friendly. It’s about reaching outcomes, being efficient and doing issues that transfer you nearer to your objectives. Productiveness requires that your actions have that means and objective—you might be intentional about what you do, each professionally and personally.

Conversely, being busy is a state of reactivity, the place you fill your time with busy work (no pun supposed) that doesn’t result in any higher objective or outcome. Typically, the busiest individuals we all know are the least productive as a result of they’re juggling too many duties in too little time with out specializing in what’s actually necessary.

So, how do you shift from being busy to being productive?

Tips on how to shift from being busy to being productive

Shifting your understanding of what it means to be busy versus productive is step one to leaving the busy work behind and changing into extra productive. It begins with setting clear objectives and priorities, understanding what you actually wish to obtain and focusing your vitality on duties that deliver you nearer to these objectives. Listed here are some tricks to get you began.

1. Audit your to-do record 

To-do lists can shortly change into bloated with duties that aren’t related to your private objectives for the day or the work you truly want to finish. You solely have a lot psychological vitality in a given day to dedicate to your to-do record, so auditing it may possibly show you how to concentrate on the duties that want your most fast consideration. By slicing your record right down to essentially the most related duties, you may method your record with extra focus and intentionality.

Implement the 1-3-5 rule as you audit your to-do record. Basically, this rule has you map out one giant job, three medium duties and 5 smaller duties you wish to full. This helps hold your to-do record small and manageable. You possibly can simply apply this methodology to your each day or weekly to-do record. 

2. Create a time administration matrix

If you wish to ditch a extra conventional to-do record, take into account making a time administration matrix—a to-do record that places all of your duties in a single place. A time administration matrix is damaged into 4 sections, showcasing which of your duties are necessary, not necessary, pressing and never pressing. By visually seeing which duties fall underneath every class, you may simply sort out a very powerful and pressing ones first.

To get essentially the most out of your time administration matrix, ensure to not overfill it. You possibly can implement the 1-3-5 rule as you fill out your matrix or set a restricted variety of duties you’ll embody. When you full a job, cross it off the matrix earlier than including something new.

3. Let your self disconnect

I’m not speaking about tossing your cellphone right into a lockbox or out the window right here. However your cellphone and laptop are the best methods for individuals to contact you each for socialization and handy off duties, work and issues they want you to do. By disconnecting your self a bit, you’ll have the ability to reclaim a few of your time and in the reduction of on the busy work that so typically finds its means into our each day routine.

Some easy methods to disconnect and put a buffer between you and busy work embody:

• Hold your cellphone or laptop on silent or in do-not-disturb mode. This helps reduce down on notifications from purposes, web sites and your e mail and provides you the prospect to get to them while you’re prepared. 
• Flip off notifications utterly. This cuts down on pop-up alerts in your display screen always, each for work and personal-related apps. 
• Spend time exterior every week by strolling, taking part in a sport or simply sitting to learn. 

4. Say no to duties when it’s essential to

Saying no could be arduous for anybody, particularly for those who suppose you may deal with no matter is being requested of you. However that is the place a way of self-discipline turns out to be useful, particularly as you concentrate on being productive vs. being busy. Observe productive decision-making by saying no to sure duties; this can assist hold your time yours and can show you how to keep targeted in your objectives. 

Once you say no, whether or not it’s to non-public or skilled asks, you’ll want to be agency and clear. You possibly can present a motive if you wish to or you may select to not clarify—often, a easy “My schedule is full” works simply high quality. Bear in mind: You’re saying no to issues that don’t align along with your objectives. You solely have a lot time in your day, and saying no is a ability that can show you how to reclaim time.

With these recommendations on how you can shift from being busy to being productive, I additionally need you to recollect how essential it’s to know when to take a break. Productiveness isn’t about fixed motion however about good motion. Relaxation and rejuvenation are key parts of sustainable productiveness.

I wish to go away you with one problem. Problem your self to evaluate your actions. Are they protecting you busy or making you productive? Are you operating on a wheel, or are you transferring towards your objectives? 

The objective is to not be busy and in fixed movement however to be productive and make significant progress. So, care for your self, keep targeted and keep in mind that your value shouldn’t be outlined by how busy you might be however by the progress you make!

Photograph by ©Mike D’Avello

Amy Somerville, CEO of SUCCESS® Enterprises, is a mission-driven chief with demonstrated success in growing extremely efficient groups, delivering dynamic studying methods, and constructing engaged communities. She is a passionate community-builder, gathering like-minded, profitable entrepreneurs and businesspeople to share greatest practices for fulfillment. She lives her life deliberately and is pushed each day by the acronym L.I.V.E.: LEAD, INSPIRE, VALUE, EMPATHIZE. Observe Amy on Instagram, Fb and LinkedIn.