4 uncommon productivity tips

Last Saturday, it was World Productivity Day. Let me take this opportunity to share some uncommon tips to boost your productivity ??.

What is productivity?

Productivity is a measure of efficiency of a person completing a task.

James clear states nicely that we often assume that productivity means getting more things done each day. But that's wrong. Productivity is getting important things done consistently.

Being productive is about maintaining a steady, average speed on a few things, not maximum speed on everything.

With that in mind, I’d like to share 4 uncommon productivity tips with you.

1/ Breathe

Take a minute to consciously breathe, regularly. It puts you in the present moment, it calms you, and it provides clarity.

Use this clarity then to decide what the most important next action is for you.

2/ Set intentions

Set an intention to work energetically and focused before the start of the activity. By doing this, you can take more control of you mind and confront your procrastination or distractions.

There's incredible power in intentions as it builds up your awareness and self-management.

3/ Manage your energy

Manage your energy, not your time.

To be productive, you need to let your brain rest. Take small breaks at least every hour to recharge a bit (a small walk, meditation, enjoying a coffee outside, ...).

Don't think you can remain very productive by working long hours. At some point, and quicker than you think, you'll become less productive. And this is a dangerous vicious circle because it might lead to working even more.

Dare to take the needed rest and relaxation. It might feel counterproductive, but it's not. 

These breaks lead to generally feeling more relaxed and a bit more in control. And when you're relaxed, you're creative. And being creative might provide you alternatives for how you complete certain tasks, maybe much more efficient.

Also, when you're relaxed, it's easier to see the full picture and make sound decisions. You’re not run by fight or flight and you maintain clarity on your priorities.

4/ Invest in your happiness

To be more productive, work on your happiness and focus on activities that make you happy. Odd thing to say maybe, but…

When you're happy, everything flows more easily. Almost nothing feels like effort and there’s little tension or stress. And in that state of mind, there’s a much higher chance to be productive.

Productivity is only a means to an end.

When you are focusing most of your time on activities that make you happy, your productivity will soar.

Our productivity struggles are often caused not by a lack of efficiency, but a lack of motivation. Productivity is only a means to an end. Choose as much as possible for the things that are important for you (those that can make your happy) and then surf on the productivity wave of happiness and intrinsic motivation.

“Nothing is less productive than to make more efficient what should not be done at all.” ~ Peter Drucker

If you’re interested in the happiness topic, here some more blog posts on happiness:

• A full page dedicated to very specific happiness tips, including videos: hacking happiness (in Dutch)
• From deconnect to disconnect to reconnect
• De geheime sauzen van geluk (in Dutch)
• Identity hacks for a happier life
• Breinscheten en 10 andere tips voor rust en geluk (in Dutch)
• Happiness by design
• Verhoog je geluk met deze simpele oefening (in Dutch)
• Cause & Effect - a simple formula for happiness

Have a wonderful, productive day!

Jan Aquarius - Live. Grow. Matter.