In today’s episode, James and Phoebe share easy to implement tips that can be used to become more productive on a daily basis!
It’s important to create a distinction between just being busy, versus actually being productive.
To James, the word “success” means understanding that you can get what you want, easily with as little effort as possible.
You must be crystal clear on the vision for what you want. People are often overwhelmed because they don’t focus their time and energy on what is relevant. To help her decide what to do, Phoebe looks at if the task is “on target” or “off target” with the goals that she wants to accomplish.
James says that there are two ways to get clarity about what you want. First, decide what is the essence of what you want and remember that you can change this at anytime. Second, you can look at what you don’t want to get more clarity.
18 hacks for getting to your results with less effort and energy
1. Identify that MVP (Most Viable Project, or Promotion)
Perfectionism often gets in the way of our productivity and effectiveness. This is really just a fear of not being good enough, and if we come from this belief, we’ll never get things done. You should be asking what is the least amount of work that needs to be done to get your message out to the world.
2. Work less
Try giving yourself the gift of a 3-day vacation and on the first day back, document everything you do. Odds are, it is going to be the most productive day that you’ve had in weeks, or even months.
3. Leverage activity
It’s all about spending your time on action items that be used in multiple ways!
4. Write out the top five activities for the week
James and his team calls it a “will do” list, not a “to do” list. This list contains action items that must completed before the end of day Friday each week.
5. Identify the one or two most important things to do daily
Phoebe does her list the night before, so she knows what to do when she wakes up the next morning.
6. Don’t work when you don’t feel like it
If you’re not in a flow state, don’t try to power through it as this isn’t going to produce your best work, and you won’t be as efficient as you can be. Stop and rest so you’re fully charged to pick back up when you start again.
7. Automate as much as possible
Productivity and effectiveness decrease when our brains have to dwell on things. James automates as much as he can in his life, including shopping and recurring payments he has to make.
8. Document and delegate
You should always be aware of what can be outsourced, and by documenting the process, you will have instructions to provide to others that will be doing the work.
9. Remove social media notifications
By having notifications pop up on your phone and computer, it’s easy to get distracted from the tasks that you should be completing.
10. Leverage Parkinson’s Law
This law states, “Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.” James schedules time to complete activities, such as to spend 30 minutes in a Facebook group supporting others. You can also book times in your calendar to meditate and work out, just like Phoebe does.
11. Say “No” more often
Remember that even 30 minutes of your time is valuable when being approached by others presenting opportunities. Set up better boundaries to protect your time, and feel confident when doing so.
12. Integrate a mindfulness or spirituality process
You should incorporate things like mediation and visualization into your daily routine, which will help you stay aware. Ultimately, you will be more productive.
13. Don’t let your email list be your “to do” list
Your email is something that you should schedule time for, but only after your essential one to two items for the day are complete.
14.Context switching
When multi-tasking, you can’t be productivity. Focus on one thing at a time, and when finished that item, you can then move on to the next.
15. Get more sleep
By doing so, you will feel more rested and have more energy. As well, you will be able to wake up earlier and your morning won’t feel as rushed.
16. Have 15-minute daily meetings, or “sprints”
In these short meetings, ask yourself three things: What did I do yesterday? What am I doing today? What’s getting in the way?
17. Make your bed
Making your bed in the morning correlates with a greater sense of wellbeing and higher productivity. By giving you a sense of accomplishment first thing in the morning, it will build momentum for the rest of the day.
18. Exercise and move
You don’t necessarily have to be in the gym to do this. You could do yoga, or surf like James does. Even stretching will help keep your energy levels high throughout the day.
By implementing even a few of these hacks, you’ll move towards whatever your goals may be, without sacrificing your current level of happiness in doing so!
LINKS:
Episode 057: Play Is The New Work
Episode 034: How Leveraged Thinking Can Save You Time
“The ONE Thing” by Gary Keller
“Why I Buy My Toilet Paper on Amazon…” (James’ blog post)
