Practical Productivity: Productivity for Humans
I don’t think I’ve talked about this in a blog post before, but I recently started a YouTube channel. It’s still pretty small, but that doesn’t bother me, since my day job as an attorney is already a handful and a half. I’m really doing it to enhance my own productivity journey, and if I happen to help one person who has encountered the same issues I have, well, that will make it worth it.
As life becomes more digitized and fast-paced, it’s crucial that we rethink what true productivity means. In my channel, I talk about productivity, but the approach I seek is one that breaks away from the ever-lasting hustle culture. Instead, I keep pushing for what I call “practical productivity.”
As the name hints, this is productivity that can actually be put in practice and incorporated into the daily routines of anyone and not just those with superhuman energy, infinite stamina, and excess time on their hands.
So, I thought it would be beneficial to share a bit about the human side of practical productivity with anyone who might be reading about productivity. As always, I continue to advocate for a more human-centered approach to accomplish whatever it is you are looking for.
Mindfulness
Before we talk about any task, tool, or tip, let’s discuss your greatest asset: your mind. Meditation is often mistaken as a mystical or esoteric practice, but it is truly about anchoring ourselves to the present moment. By focusing on our breath or a particular thought, we train our minds to be present. This not only reduces anxiety but also improves our focus. In a world full of distractions, a meditative mind becomes the cornerstone of real productivity. It’s not about doing more, but about being present in what you’re doing.
Cellphone Use
Your cellphone is an incredible tool. But it also has become our biggest distraction. The buzzes, notifications, and constant information intake can overwhelm our minds. A decrease in daily cellphone use doesn’t necessarily mean a dip in productivity. On the contrary, by being more deliberate about when and why we use our phones, we enhance the quality of our interactions. Setting specific times to check emails, social media, or news can be a game-changer.
Deliberate Work
The phrase ‘jack of all trades, master of none’ comes to mind. In our quest to multi-task, we often spread ourselves too thin, achieving breadth but not depth. A deliberate work approach means diving deep into a task, giving it our undivided attention. This not only improves the quality of our work but also reduces the time we spend on it. By being present and committed to one task at a time, we can achieve a flow state, where work becomes almost effortless.
Managing Energy
In a recent video, I discussed the concept of energy management. Often, we equate productivity with time, with phrases like “if only I had more hours in the day, I would really be productive.” However, energy management plays an even bigger role than time management when it comes to achieving practical productivity. Energy management means recognizing when we’re most alert and focused. For some, it’s the early morning, while for others, it might be late at night. Aligning our most critical tasks with these high-energy periods ensures we’re not just clocking hours but making each minute count.
If we want to step beyond the theoretical, here are a couple of actionable recommendations that may help you in your own journey.
1. Go For Three.
Before you begin your day, set three clear intentions. These aren’t long to-do lists but three primary outcomes you want from the day. It could be as simple as “connect with a friend,” “finish the project report,” or “spend quality time with family.” By setting these intentions, you give direction to your day and ensure that you focus on what truly matters.
2. Avoid Multitasking.
It’s tempting to juggle multiple tasks, thinking it’s making us more productive. However, our brains are wired to focus on one thing at a time. Prioritize your tasks and tackle them one by one. Not only will this improve the quality of your work, but it’ll also reduce stress and increase satisfaction.
3. Cultivate and Harness Energy.
We’ve all experienced days where, despite having ample time, we achieve very little because we simply lack the energy. This is why it’s essential to cultivate and nurture our energy levels. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and moments of relaxation are crucial.
Activities like yoga or a brisk walk can reinvigorate our minds, making us more productive in the long run. Moreover, it’s equally essential to recognize and distance ourselves from energy-draining activities or negativity. Remember, it’s the quality of energy, not just the quantity, that determines our productivity.
4. Unplug.
The World Wide Web, while being a hub of information and connectivity, can often sidetrack us from our primary tasks. Consider setting aside specific periods in the day, maybe an hour or two, where you disconnect entirely from the internet.
This disconnection allows us to dive deeper into our tasks without the constant pings and notifications. Moreover, it grants us the space to reflect, plan, and strategize without external influences. Think of it as a digital detox — refreshing for the mind and boosting for our productivity.
5. Visualize.
This might seem counterintuitive when talking about productivity. But daydreaming, or allowing our minds to wander, can be incredibly beneficial. It fosters creativity, helps in problem-solving, and often leads to ‘eureka’ moments. By not always focusing on the next task or the next tick on our checklist, we give our minds the freedom to explore, create, and innovate. Schedule short breaks during your day, not just for rest, but to let your mind roam freely.
Practical productivity, when approached from a holistic and human-centric perspective, becomes more than just about completing tasks. It evolves into a journey of self-awareness, balance, and genuine satisfaction.
The next time you find yourself chasing the clock, take a moment to pause. Reflect on these practices and ask yourself: Am I just being busy, or am I truly being productive? At the heart of productivity lies not the number of tasks we complete but the depth and intent with which we approach them.
Let’s do this.
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