Revisiting Productivity

Productivity. Everyone wants to be productive, do more with less, and meet their deadlines. We write down what we have to do on a pad or paper, or enter it as a reminder or item on our mobile devices. Then we feel a bit of joy when we cross off that task.

Yet sometimes we can feel overwhelmed when that task list gets too big. There are too many entries to work on and we feel trapped, exhausted, and start to procrastinate.?

Working your task list begins to feel endless. No matter how many items we cross off the list, it seems that twice as many items are put back on it.

That's when being "productive" becomes busy work. We add busy work items to our list and imprison ourselves in an endless loop of work doom. We never question why we're doing a specific task. We never ask, is this task central to the mission at hand? Does it add value to the project at hand?

We like to believe we do, but let's be honest. When was the last time you pushed back on your manager and asked him or her, "Why are we doing this" or "What value does this task add to the project?"

It's always best to ask yourself "Why should I put this task on my list and do it?"

Be ruthless and say no

I'm willing to get bet that there are tasks on your list that add no value to your project. None. Zip. Nada. You probably have useless tasks on your list that suck the time out of your already busy day.?

You have to be ruthless with your time and ruthless with your tasks. The moment your manager or someone wants to "add to your tasks" ask them "what value does this task bring to the project or mission?"?

If there's no added value (i.e. better quality, faster delivery, better alignment with the mission) then say "no."

If the task deviates from the core mission of your firm or is a "one-off" for no particular reason, just say no.?

Saying "no" goes beyond simply reprioritizing your task list. It's a checks and balance system not only for yourself but your clients and business.?

Asking "why" and being empowered to say "no" is a powerful way to tame your task list and truly become productive. After all, who doesn't like the feeling of accomplishment?

Read More Here

Join me and 100s of other readers over at my Publication about decoding technology and building startups.