What's the best way to increase productivity?

 

What's the best way to increase productivity?

 

"It's nice to get things done. It is, in fact. But there are times when we are so focused on production that we become, well, unproductive. It's easy to learn a lot about how to be more productive, but keep in mind that you'll need to make up for lost time."

 That was written by Matt Cutts in 2013.

 “Today, search for ‘productivity’ and Google will come back with about 663,000,000 results. If you decide to go down this rabbit hole, you’ll be bombarded by a seemingly endless amount of content. I’m talking about books, blogs, videos, apps, podcasts, scientific studies, and subreddits all dedicated to productivity.”

 

I, too, have fallen into this trap, as have so many others. For years, I've been on the lookout for trends and hacks that would help me work more quickly and effectively, as well as trends that will help me assist others work quicker. I've tried a number of different methods and tools. And, while some of these techniques and solutions have shown to be incredibly beneficial, it's counterproductive if you don't rapidly parse out what you need.

You may find yourself spending more time thinking about how to be productive than than really being productive.

 

“The most productive people I know don’t read these books, they don’t watch these videos, they don’t try a new app every month,” James Bedell wrote in a Medium post. “They are far too busy getting things done to read about Getting Things Done.”

 

My slogan is this:

 

"I am hooked to productivity — I want to be addicted to productivity — productivity is my life and my purpose — and I also want to figure out how to guide people to their best selves via productivity," I boldly declare.

 

But, for the most part, productivity entails putting your head down and working until the job is completed.” –Rampton, John

 

Productivity Addiction is a Real Thing

Dr. Sandra Chapman, director of the University of Texas at Dallas Center for BrainHealth, points out that the brain may get addicted to productivity just like it does to drugs, gambling, eating, and shopping.

 

“A person might crave the recognition their work gives them or the salary increases they get,” Chapman told the BBC. “The problem is that just like all addictions, over time, a person needs more and more to be satisfied, and then it starts to work against you. Withdrawal symptoms include increased anxiety, depression, and fear.”

 

Despite the dangers, some scientists see addiction as a brain disorder that damages the brain's reward system and leads to obsessive behavior. Regardless, productivity is often rewarded — or at least treated favourably — in society. As a result, the situation becomes much worse.

 

“It’s seen like a good thing: the more you work, the better,” adds Chapman. “Many people don’t realize the harm it causes until a divorce occurs and a family is broken apart, or the toll it takes on mental health.”

It's no wonder that it's classified as a "mixed-blessing addiction" because of the occasional productivity difficulties.

Dr. Mark Griffiths, distinguished professor of behavioral addiction at Nottingham Trent University, notes, "A workaholic may earn a lot of money, just as an exercise addict may be very fit." "However, the problem with any addiction is that the long-term consequences exceed any short-term benefits."

 

Three "Different Extreme Productivity Types" have been identified.

Cyril Peupion, a productivity specialist located in Sydney, has seen high productivity among customers at both large and medium-sized businesses. "The majority of the folks that come to me are high achievers. However, they frequently use the phrase 'unsustainable' to characterize their work style, and they want assistance in putting it back on track."

Peupion helps teams and individuals enhance their performance and ensure that their efforts are linked with the company's broader goal, rather than concentrating on work as a means to an end, by altering their work habits. In his categorization, he distinguishes three forms of excessive productivity: efficiency obsessive, selfishly productive, and quantity-obsessed.

 

Obsessive about efficiency. "Their workstations are immaculate, and their pens are almost certainly color-coded." They have mastered the art of 'inbox zero.' They, on the other hand, have lost sight of the larger picture and are unable to distinguish between efficiency and effectiveness."

 

Selfishly productive.  "They are so engrossed in their own world that they are uninterested in doing anything outside of it." They are thinking about the big picture, but it is too much about them."

 

Quantity-obsessed. "They believe that the more emails they answer to, meetings they attend, and tasks they do, the better their performance." As a result, they're at risk of becoming burnt out."

 

Productivity Addiction's Warning Signs

• If you believe you could be suffering from productivity addiction, consider the following questions. After all, the vast majority of us are unaware of this until it is too late.
• Are you able to recognize when you're "wasting" time? If that's the case, have you ever felt bad about it?
• Do you use technology to help you manage your time better?
• Do you brag about how busy you are the majority of the time? Is hustling better than accomplishing less, in your opinion?
• What kind of connection do you have with your inbox? Do you check it frequently or do you get ghost notifications?
• Do you feel bad if you only tick one item off your to-do list?
• Is work-related stress interfering with your sleep?
• Have you been putting things off because you're "too overwhelmed," such as a trip or a side project?

Recognize your productivity addiction as the first step toward changing it. If you responded "yes" to any of the above questions, it's time to devise a strategy for breaking free from your productivity addiction.

 

Overcoming Your Addiction to Productivity

There are, thankfully, methods to overcome your productivity addiction. And here are nine different approaches to achieving that aim.

 

1. Establish boundaries

You don't have to entirely give up production just because you're addicted to it. Instead, you should set certain limits.

There are several excellent productivity podcasts available, for example. However, this does not imply that you must listen to them all in one day. During your commute, you might instead listen to one or two podcasts, such as The Productivity Podcast or Before Breakfast. And it would be your only chance to get your productivity fix during the day.

2. Make a list of things you don't want to do.

In essence, the purpose of a not-to-do list is to reduce the need for self-control. Instead of evaluating the pros and drawbacks or refusing time requests, getting rid of low-value chores and poor habits will allow you to focus on what you actually want to achieve. More importantly, you won't feel bad if you don't do everything on your ridiculous to-do list.

 

3. Be Open to Being Vulnerable

I'm referring to admitting areas where you could improve. For example, if you're new to remote work and having trouble with it, you'd just concentrate on this issue. Some ideas include how to set up a home office, how to stay focused while the kids aren't in school, and how to improve remote communication and cooperation with others.

 

4. Recognize why you procrastinate.

We postpone to avoid unpleasant emotions such as boredom or tension. It might also be a taught feature, such as underestimating how long something takes you to accomplish or having a predisposition toward an activity.

Whatever the cause, we find ourselves doing tedious work, surfing around social media, or simply watching another episode of our favorite TV show. And, despite knowing that it isn't good for us, we do activities that make us feel better rather than the job that we should be doing to improve our mood. 

There are several methods for overcoming procrastination. However, being aware of it is the first step toward taking action. If you're dreading a difficult assignment, for example, don't just watch Netflix. Procrastinate more effectively by answering a phone call or working on a client pitch, for example.

 

5. Don't Be a Plagiarist

Let's keep it brief and to the point. Stick with it after you've found a productivity software or strategy that works for you.

That's not to say you can't make modifications or use new tools or tricks along the road. The key point to remember is that just because someone swears by the Pomodoro Technique doesn't imply it's right for you.

 

6. Accept Less

Your overall philosophy should be "less is more."

That implies you should only download and keep the applications you really use (after trying them out), and delete the ones you don't. Are you, for example, reading a book about productivity? Don't buy your next book until you've finished the one you're reading (or give yourself permission to discard a book that isn't serving you well). — and if you really want to speed through a book, listen to it on your commute to and from work.

Have you made plans for the weekend? Don't make a commitment to a birthday celebration. Also, if your schedule is already full, politely refuse that last-minute meeting request.

 

7. Stop focusing on the future.

“In the age when purchasing a thing from overseas is just one click and talking to another person is one swipe right, acquiring new objects or experiences can be addictive like anything else,” - Patrick Banks

“That doesn’t need to be you,” he adds. “You can stop your addition to ‘the next thing’ starting today.” After all, “there will always be this next thing if you don’t make a conscious decision to get your life back together and be the one in charge.”

·         Consider your present lifestyle and who you are at this point to assist you figure out what you don't like.

·         You will be able to overcome your addiction if you make clear goals for yourself in the future.

·         Set attainable objectives.

·         To fight addiction, you must be aware of everything that is happening on around you and within your brain at all times.

·         Spend no time with those who engage in harmful habits.

·         Hold yourself to a higher standard.

·         Keep a notebook where you may put down what you wish to achieve.

·         It's nice to be free of the need to know what's going to happen next.

 

8. Make things easier for yourself

Choose one high-priority job for each day. That is all there is to it. You will be less likely to be sidetracked or overwhelmed by an unending list of activities if you focus on one job at a time. Work smarter, not harder, is a simple slogan to live by.

 

The same may be said about productivity tips and tools. Bullet journaling is an excellent illustration of this. Unfortunately, a bullet journal is far more time consuming and daunting than a regular planner for many people.

Do you like to make your future easier by learning easy method…?

9. Master the Art of Relaxation

"Sure, we need to produce from time to time, especially if we need to pay the bills," argues Leo Babauta, "but prohibiting the preoccupation with output is unhealthy." "Relax when you can't seem to force yourself to be productive." Don't be concerned about being hyper-productive. Also, don't be too hard on yourself for having a good time.

 

"However, what if you can't inspire yourself... at all?" he wonders. "Sure, it may be an issue. You'll be happy if you relax and enjoy yourself."

"Working when you're excited, on things you're excited about, and creating wonderful things is motivation," Leo says. “Motivation is doing things you love when you feel enthusiastic, not pushing yourself to work when you don't want to, on things you don't want to work on.”

 

But how precisely do you unwind? Here are a few pointers from Leo:

 

·         Take a 5-minute walk outside and take a deep breath of fresh air.

·         Allow yourself additional time to complete tasks. There will be less tension if you don't rush.

·         Get outside after work if you can to appreciate nature.

·         Play as though you were a kid. What's better? Play games with your children. Also, having fun at work – perhaps try gamification.

·         Take the day off, relax, and do something unrelated to work.

·         Set aside an hour for yourself. During such time, try not to be productive. Simply unwind.

·         You should collaborate with someone who is fun to work with. Make your project fun to work on.

·         Working in the nights is not a good idea. Seriously.

·         Make an appointment with a massage therapist.

·         Just take a deep breath.

 

"Learn to relax one step at a time," he advises. "Recognize that efficiency isn't everything." Sorry, Leo, but I disagree with you. Productivity isn't everything - it's the only thing." However, if you can't let go, relax, have fun, and enjoy the living portion of your life, you'll crack - you'll truly crack.

 

It's fantastic to create and go forward, but it doesn't imply you have to work every minute or stress over productivity concerns. Instead, devote your time to important, high-impact work, dive in, focus, put in a lot of effort, and then unwind.

Thanks for reading...!