What is productivity? To be productive is to accomplish the most important tasks in a timely manner, adequately and beautifully. In my life I see four major productivity busters: my learning disabilities, perfectionism; multi-tasking; and trying to keep up with the Joneses. Maybe you see some of these inhibitors in your life too.
Learning Disabilities
When I was in high school I was diagnosed with learning disabilities related to prioritization and short term memory. In my world, everything seems to be at the same level of importance. Additionally, I can’t remember lists of items like phone numbers, assignments, and grocery lists. So I constantly feel anxious that I need to start everything now or else I will forget. This mind clutter distracts me from focusing on the most important task first.
Perfectionism
Perfectionism is the propensity to reject all that falls short of perfect. As a perfectionist, I find I spend time and energy trying to perfect things that do not need to be perfect. Some tasks certainly require near perfection. I took the extra time to make sure the stone pavers I was setting into our front walk were exactly square so I wasn’t “annoyed” each time I walked up the path to our home. I don’t need to spend the extra time making sure each cookie was a perfect circle because they were for eating not a photo shoot. Trying to perfect everything can certainly inhibit efficiency.
Multi-tasking
Hopping from one task to the next makes me forget where I left off and I waste time “finding my place.” In the end I finish the day with five incomplete projects. Multi-tasking is a must for my mom job description, but it sometimes detracts from my ability to be efficient.
Keeping up with the Joneses
Constantly comparing myself with others takes time and energy away from my personal mission. And, at times the comparison can be an emotional downer. I have found comparing myself with others inhibits me from seeing my beauty as an individual.
So how to I cope with these productivity busters?
:: I focus on prioritizing. I know this is one of my weaknesses so I sit down each morning with my planner and coffee and write down 3-5 top-priority tasks for the day. If I have time after finishing these I look to my weekly-wish-list for other projects.
:: I try to focus on one task at a time. I always have a note pad by my side so when another “To-Do” floats into my head while I am cooking dinner, I jot it down quickly and continue chopping onions.
:: I also congratulate myself. Well, this is a new one I am not yet good at doing. Instead of comparing myself to others, I ask, “did you do what you wanted to do how you needed to do it?” Most of the time the answer is, “yes, I was productive.”
Do you live with any of these productivity busters? Do you have thoughts or tricks you employ to help you be more efficient, more effective, and feel less stressed? Leave a comment here for other readers! Happy Organizing.
P.S. Thank you to all who commented on my blog over the break…I so appreciate your support and encouragement!
Barbara, take a look at Marci’s article from a few days ago at her blog Overcoming Busy about her procrastination. I think she has the first step to becoming productive down, identify what is your hang up, and perhaps why you don’t feel like being productive. I think our feelings of avoidance are very valid, and need special attnetion. Good luck to you.
Marci, you made me smile when I read that article. Thanks.
Procrastination is a strange thing. I am tryig to just write three things down to get done a day, instead of the 20 I usually write that, in turn, don’t get done.
Nice to have you back. Like you, I need to have a list. I have my daily list and my weekly list. If I stick to the list, I get everything accomplished I need to. My biggest productivity busters are my online time and procrastination. I even blogged about my online woes while you were gone. It just comes down to being disciplined and deciding to do it…for me, at least.