The Solution to Increasing Your Productivity isn't to Work Harder

There's a crazy myth out there that if you just work harder you will be more productive. 

But let me ask you this, have you ever had a really busy day and then at the end of it you can’t pinpoint anything that actually got accomplished?

It’s frustrating and discouraging when this happens and, more often than not, we blame ourselves.

Negative messages start playing in our minds like...

'Why can’t I get this done? No one else seems to struggle. I just need to work harder tomorrow.' 

Let me share with you a secret about productivity…just because you're “busy” doesn't mean you're productive, especially if you are busy doing the wrong stuff... 

In order to be more productive, you have to make sure you are busy doing the right stuff! 

It starts with being very clear of what your number one priority is for the day.

Notice I say priority and not priorities.

If you have been listening to the Podcast lately, you will know that Pete and I have had numerous conversations around the book, Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown. His book is a great resource on how to narrow down what is most important in your life.

So the next time you fall into the trap of thinking you just need to work harder, I want you to consider the following:

1) Set one clear goal for the day make sure it’s reasonable and broken down into steps that you can follow. Ask for a second opinion if you need to. 

2) Block time out of your daily schedule to get it done. Be committed to this time, do not let anything else compete with it outside of a real emergency. 

3) Eliminate your known distractions to set yourself up for success.

4) Have pride in knowing that you are working smarter and not harder!

Thank you for your time and attention..

Take Care, 

Nikki