THE ULTIMATE PRODUCTIVITY

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. While "instant" fixes may be fast, they
seldom last.
Recently, however, a workshop with some clients helped me
clarify something that is so clear and powerful, I'm
thrilled to share it with you. This was a company
leadership retreat and my job was to help them clarify
their goals and develop more effective strategies to GET
THINGS DONE. In the end, it's what we achieve in life that
endures. It's not what we intend, or who we know. It's what
we do that matters most.
So, with that premise, we focused on productivity. Under
what conditions do we accomplish the most, with the least
effort and the most fun? What "causes" those special days
when everything goes right? Here are five key steps we
sorted out:
1. Time Management. This is 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. But it's the most
common issue, so we addressed it first.
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 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(tm). This is what we're looking for!
Who one 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 challenge you to be your best, most
productive and most joyful. Fill your 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, creating the life of your dreams is not hard!
People often say they can't have 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! Creating a
great life is not hard--living with frustration is hard!
Creating a perfect life may require some new habits, but
living well is not nearly as hard as living with problems!