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, as we speak, I wish to talk about a typical false impression that so many people grapple with often: the concept of being busy vs. being productive.

In our fast-paced society, with virtually instantaneous communication, the expectation is that we’re at all times obtainable, and within the normal rush of our every day lives, being busy is seen as some kind of badge of honor. We frequently equate busyness with productiveness, considering that if we’re not continuously 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: “If you happen to want one thing achieved, give it to the busiest particular person . However if you need one thing achieved proper, chances are you’ll simply must 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 targets. Productiveness requires that your actions have which 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 meant) that doesn’t result in any better aim or outcome. Generally, the busiest folks 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 vital.

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

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 targets and priorities, understanding what you actually wish to obtain and focusing your power on duties that carry you nearer to these targets. Listed here are some tricks to get you began.

1. Audit your to-do record 

To-do lists can rapidly grow to be bloated with duties that aren’t related to your private targets for the day or the work you really want to finish. You solely have a lot psychological power in a given day to dedicate to your to-do record, so auditing it could possibly assist you to concentrate on the duties that want your most speedy consideration. By slicing your record all the way 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. Primarily, this rule has you map out one massive job, three medium duties and 5 smaller duties you wish to full. This helps hold your to-do record small and manageable. You may simply apply this methodology to your every day or weekly to-do record. 

2. Create a time administration matrix

If you wish to ditch a extra conventional to-do record, think about 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 vital, not vital, pressing and never pressing. By visually seeing which duties fall beneath every class, you may simply deal with crucial and pressing ones first.

To get essentially the most out of your time administration matrix, make certain to not overfill it. You may implement the 1-3-5 rule as you fill out your matrix or set a restricted variety of duties you’ll embrace. 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 telephone right into a lockbox or out the window right here. However your telephone and pc are the best methods for folks 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 be capable to reclaim a few of your time and in the reduction of on the busy work that so usually finds its method into our every day routine.

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

• Preserve your telephone or pc on silent or in do-not-disturb mode. This helps minimize down on notifications from functions, web sites and your e-mail and provides you the possibility 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 good to

Saying no might be arduous for anybody, particularly in the event you suppose you may deal with no matter is being requested of you. However that is the place a way of self-discipline is useful, particularly as you concentrate on being productive vs. being busy. Apply productive decision-making by saying no to sure duties; it will assist hold your time yours and can assist you to keep centered in your targets. 

Whenever you say no, whether or not it’s to private or skilled asks, remember to be agency and clear. You may present a motive if you wish to or you may select to not clarify—often, a easy “My schedule is full” works simply fantastic. Keep in mind: You’re saying no to issues that don’t align along with your targets. You solely have a lot time in your day, and saying no is a ability that can assist you to reclaim time.

With these recommendations on the right way to 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 preserving you busy or making you productive? Are you operating on a wheel, or are you shifting towards your targets? 

The aim is to not be busy and in fixed movement however to be productive and make significant progress. So, handle your self, keep centered and keep in mind that your price will not 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 creating 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 every day by the acronym L.I.V.E.: LEAD, INSPIRE, VALUE, EMPATHIZE. Comply with Amy on Instagram, Fb and LinkedIn.