YOUR GUIDE TO BETTER 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. I've noticed that while "instant" fixes may
be fast, they seldom last.
Recently, however, my MasterMind group helped me clarify
something that is so clear and powerful, I want to share it
with you. This group meets on the phone each week to
clarify our goals, develop effective strategies and GET
THINGS DONE. We are committed to the idea that it's what we
achieve or master in life that endures. It's not what we
intend, or hope or even what we believe, but what we
actually achieve that matters most.
So, with that premise, we focused on productivity. We
talked about those few, magical days when we happily enjoy
extraordinary productivity and low stress at the same time.
We asked ourselves, "When and how does that happen?" We
asked, "What causes those special days?" And we wondered,
"Can they be created or scheduled on a regular basis?" Here
are five key steps we sorted out:
1. Time Management.  This is the most common and typically
the least effective way to manage our lives and get things
done. It's about trying to manage something we don't own
and that cannot truly be managed or changed. Time simply
"is" and it flows forward, regardless. Time management is a
non-starter and if you aren't managing your priorities,
physical space, and personal Eco-System, other people will
certainly try to manage your time for you, often 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 list and a weekly
calendar. 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. 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(tm).  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 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 and "lure" 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, 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! Creating a great life is not hard--living with
frustration is "hard!" Creating a perfect life may involve
some investment or some new habits, but living well is not
nearly as hard as living with problems!