An Introduction to Productivity

Productivity Defined

When I was doing my research on the best way to define productivity, I came across words like company workforce, input vs output. Blah, blah, blah.

Simply put, productivity or being productive means completing the things you planned to do related to your business, for instance, but it could relate to a personal goal as well. As long as what you accomplish moves you one step closer to a larger goal.

Obstacles to Being Productive

I have issues with being productive. There are so many things that can pull you away from working on the plan you make for your day. I work for myself. If I don’t work, I don’t get paid. If I don’t get paid, I can’t feed my family. So being productive to me is a must. Having and following a plan for my business is a must. Doing the things daily that move me closer to my business and personal goals is a must.

It’s so easy to get caught up in reading email or watching TV (that thing needs to go). I schedule myself for too many meetings. I try to learn new technology and social media on my own when I could find someone to assist with these things. Yes, it’s good to know how to update your website and post to your social media accounts, but these activities take up a lot of time and a lot of mental capacity.

Another thing that can stop you from being productive as you want or need to be is not making the right goals. Think about small achievable actions you can take that will move you a step closer to your ultimate goals.

Busyness does not equal to being productive. You can be busy and not be productive. I have a son on the autism spectrum and elderly parents. It’s easy to get caught up in all the items I do to take care of for them. While those things need to be taken care of, they do not mean I have been productive in my business and personal goals.

Benefits of Being Productive

There are many benefits to being more productive:

• Setting a goal and developing a plan gives you a sense of purpose. You have a path to follow. 
• Once you know where you’re going, you have a greater ability to focus. Along with focus comes a sense of clarity.
• When I have a plan, am more focused, and have clarity of mind, I find myself motivated to put in the work I need to do to meet my goal. And nothing gets in my way.

Why Is Being Productive Important?

Get more done in less time. If you’re like me, there are not enough hours in the day to get all the things you want done. When you become more productive, you can accomplish more in fewer hours. I am not a fan of To-do lists help keep you moving forward and track your progress. Since working for myself, I have started to use a calendar but I take this overboard because I have Google calendar on my phone, on my desktop, and I also use an analog calendar.

Position Yourself to Earn More. A constant state of overwhelm doesn’t move you toward your goals. Being more productive increases your earning potential – if you stick with whatever productivity system you put in place. Of course, you should always be willing to pivot when needed. If you put one thing in place and it doesn’t fit with the way you work, or your personality, then don’t be afraid to make a change. It’s all part of putting in the work. You also must recognize when it might be time to outsource some of your work.

More time for FUN! Planning your time helps you get to the things that bring you joy and just having fun with your friends and family. Recreational activities or just reading a book.

Takeaway

Productivity is important in your personal and work life. You have the same number of hours in a day, a week, a month, and a year as everyone else. When you spend your time better, you will achieve any goal you set for yourself. You may even conquer the world or a small part of it.

Affirmation

I enjoy being productive because it brings me joy.
I am highly motivated and determined to be the best version of myself.
I can persist and work hard, no matter the task at hand.

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When you’re feeling overwhelmed with your To-Do list or life, you need a little positivity. Head on over to my website and grab my free Positivity Journal: https://patriciabumpass.com/positivity-journal.