Redefining Productivity: A Call for a New Perspective

We all know that feeling of accomplishment when we tick off all the tasks on our to-do list. For a moment, the goal seems fulfilled. The reason behind this feeling of satisfaction is the release of dopamine - a brain chemical that gives us a sense of motivation and pleasure.?

But what if we are not able to tick off all the tasks or only tick off less than half of the tasks??

Don’t we feel agitated? Irritated? Demotivated??

Yeah, of course! That’s because we start judging our productivity based only on that to-do list.?

This makes our equation with productivity one of love and hatred. We also equate our ability to be productive with our worth as a person.?

In the pursuit of productivity excellence, it is time to embark on a new approach—a profound reimagining of our current approach. By embracing these new perspectives, we can breathe new life into the art of productivity. It is through this remodeling that we can break free from conventional norms, challenge existing boundaries, and explore innovative strategies that lead to enhanced efficiency and success. This is our opportunity to usher in a new era, where we reinvent the way we perceive and pursue productivity, fueling our collective growth and fulfillment.

Finding that balance is easier than done. As always we are going to have to take some time to figure out what works best for us. There are so many different strategies and approaches that we can customize according to our comfort and preference.?

The first thing that comes to my mind is something that we all are aware of - organization. Organizing our day, our week, and our month, in short organizing our calendar can add some magic to our productivity. By scheduling our tasks and prioritizing them based on importance, we gain a clear overview of our commitments and can allocate our time accordingly. They may seem retro to many but like it is said ‘old is gold’, hence this is a tried and tested approach practised by many.?

The second approach that I will suggest is to think in phases. Instead of trying to accomplish everything at once, we should try to adopt a long-term mindset and break our goals into manageable waves. We need to prioritize what is most important and allocate our time and energy accordingly. This approach allows us to focus on specific phases or projects, avoiding the overwhelm of trying to juggle multiple priorities simultaneously. By thinking in waves and phases, we can make smarter choices about where to invest our time and create sustainable progress toward our long-term objectives.

We all have heard about ‘that time’ of the day when we feel most energetic and most lethargic. By recognizing those time phases we can schedule our day based on that. Scientifically speaking it is called the ultradian rhythm. It influences our energy levels throughout the day, by identifying the periods when we feel most focused and energized, we can align our calendar with these optimal states. We can also create pockets of time during these periods to tackle challenging work or important projects. Recognizing our ultradian rhythm helps us to optimize our productivity and work more effectively during the times that matter most.

Overall it is important to acknowledge that time is limited and accept the truth that we can't do it all. Overplanning and overcommitting ourselves only leads to exhaustion and diminished well-being. We should embrace the concept of under-spending time and prioritize our mental and physical health. Building small buffers into our schedules, setting boundaries, and learning to say "no" when necessary are effective strategies for managing our time and preserving our well-being. Remember, time management is an ongoing process. It requires experimentation, adaptation, and a willingness to adjust our approach as needed. By implementing these strategies and permitting ourselves to prioritize our well-being, we can create a healthier relationship with productivity and lead a more balanced and fulfilling life.