It's rare that I find something that is both "instant" and the "ultimate" guide to anything. In general, I find the important things in life take some time, some effort and a bit of skill, and that while "instant" fixes may be fast, they seldom last.Recently, however, conversations with two of my most productive clients helped me clarify something that is so powerful, I want to share it with you. These clients meet on the phone each week for coaching to re-focus on their most important goals, develop powerful strategies, and get more done. They know that in the end, it's what we achieve or accomplish in life that endures. It's not what we intend, or who we know. In the end, it's what we get done that matters most.So, with that premise, we focused on productivity. Under what conditions do we accomplish things with the least effort and the most fun? What "causes" those special days when everything goes just right? Here are five key steps we sorted out, listed in order from least effective to highest priority:
1. Time Management. This is the most common and typically the least effective way to manage our lives. We're trying to manage something we don't own and that fundamentally cannot be managed or changed. Time management is simply a non-starter and if you aren't managing your priorities, physical space, and personal Eco-System well, other people will certainly try to "help" you, with frustrating results.
2. Activity Management. This at least has the virtue of being "do-able." We can choose our priorities and manage our actions through the day. Practice "single handling." Do one thing at a time and do it well. Avoid dead-end activities at all costs! Use a daily calendar and a weekly planner. Plan your activities and stick to your plan!
3. Energy Management. This is what most people are actually hoping for when they talk about time management. They want to get more done with less effort and have something left for "me" or "we" at the end of the day. Manage your energy. Sleep well, rest often, be efficient. Do your most important work when you are most awake. Put your "best stuff" into your most important priorities and let things of secondary importance get secondary effort. It's not the quickest or easiest path to the good life, but it's a reasonable start.
4. Space Management. Now things get interesting! Manage your environment so it's hard for people and things to interrupt you. Close the door and hide! Eliminate distractions and fix, replace or eliminate anything that annoys or frustrates you. Make your office, car, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom "perfect!" Paint the walls, get new tools or a desk chair that fits! Make everything around you more functional, more comfortable and more inspiring. You'll get more done and have more fun doing it.
5. Eco-System Design™. This is what we're looking for! Who wants to "get by" or "manage" when you can create the life of your dreams! The key is developing systems that effortlessly, automatically and reliably "pull" you toward your most important goals. Why "push" when you can let systems "pull" you forward?
Surround yourself with things and people that inspire you, that make you laugh, that GIVE you energy (rather than drain it) and "lure" you to be your best, most productive and most joyful. Fill your whole life with things and people that pull you forward. No distractions! No annoyances, no break-downs, no crises. Use preventive, pro-active maintenance in every area of life so you live well and can do the work you are called to do!Fortunately, this is not hard! People complain they can't design a perfect eco-system because they can't afford it or don't have time, or their family or friends won't allow it. Nonsense! Living a great life is not hard--living with frustration is "hard"! Creating a perfect life may involve learning some new habits, but living well is not nearly as hard as living with problems!
Quotes of the Week
"People begin to become successful the minute they decide to be."-- Harvey Mackay
"The future belongs to those who believe in their dreams." -- Eleanor Roosevelt
"A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write if he is ultimately to be at peace with himself. What one can be, one must be." -- Abraham Maslow
"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." -- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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