Why are people so consumed with being productive? Getting things done seems to have taken priority over enjoying the all the simple moments that make up life.
Everyone loves the feeling of checking things off a to-do list, but mulling over an unfinished list can be draining. When a task is left unfinished anxiety tends to set in.
Should people stop using to-do lists altogether? Maybe the problem isn’t in the to-do list itself, but in limitations of the to-do list. Understanding the reason behind the use of a list allows the list to serve its purpose: to keep track of things that need to be done and to serve as a reminder to do them.
Reviewing incomplete to-do lists tend to bring people down, but compiling “have-done” lists offers a sense of satisfaction and enhances productivity. If someone simply spent a moment to reflect on their accomplishments for a few minutes at the end of each day, they would likely find themselves more motivated.
To-do lists are useful for organizing and prioritizing work. While the to-do list is about the plan and the possibility of any day, the have-done list is about execution and evaluation.
Together, they provide a balanced meal of productivity planning — yum. Productivity planning is the perfect meal for any day.
Instead of trying to see how many things can be completed in one day, what if people asked themselves why they are doing whatever it is that they are doing?
Allowing time each day to breathe and evaluate helps relieve stress and it allows focus to be maintained and prioritized.
Greg McKeown, the author of “Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less,” said, “Maybe all the stuff you’re doing should be questioned. Start from zero every day. What would be essential?”
People require space and clarity to identify what matters, McKeown explains, and what matters should dictate what people say “yes” to.
Although it feels good to say “yes,” it’s beneficial to be disciplined about the time given to others. People need help, but mostly they need someone with the ability to concentrate on what matters, and individuals have a limit to how much concentration they can give, so being selective is important.
Regret kills productivity, and it’s unpleasant. If regret can be replaced with resolve, people might find themselves getting more done and feeling better. Yesterday doesn’t matter, today is what matters most. When people focus their attention on each moment of each day they allow meaning and purpose to be established, which prevents regrets from forming in the first place.
People often mistake being busy with being productive. Busyness doesn’t equal productivity. Sometimes productivity can be busy, but other times productivity is taking a nap and recharging. If someone doesn’t have enough energy or motivation to do something, they need to regain that energy and motivation before moving on, and that is productive — not lazy.
Doing is good, but being is also good. Being present, being intentional and being joyful are more important than being done.
Andrew Brand can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @theandrewbrand