What I've learned about productivity
There’s something very satisfying about ticking things off a to-do list.
I feel super satisfied with what I’ve accomplished today, and it’s only 12:30!
It’s not just simple tasks that are nothing more than busy work. It includes client work and actions that are helping me grow my business.
There was a time when I’d end most days feeling dissatisfied with what I’d done. My days would go “pear-shaped”, and I hadn’t done anything I’d intended to. I can’t remember the last time this happened.
Admittedly, I still have days where I accomplish very little and spend far too long scrolling Facebook and Instagram.
But I’m so much more productive these days than I used to be.
So I thought I’d reflect on that — what’s shifted, and what’s contributed to that shift.
It’s been quite a journey, and this is what I’ve discovered:
💛 I stopped beating myself up for being unproductive. When days did go “pear-shaped”, I noticed them and looked at why.
💛 I saw that my behaviour contributed to a lack of productivity — and it wasn’t just mindlessly scrolling. Often, I wasn’t clear on what I wanted to achieve that day, and I didn’t have a list or even a rough idea in my mind. Instead, I had a head full of things “I could do” — half of them I didn’t really want to do, and the other half were non-urgent.
💛I started to work with my natural way of working, which is, in short, focused bursts followed by times of rest (which sometimes looked more like faffing about — I’m still somewhat resistant to rest!)
💛I became clear on what was important and what was just “busy” work. I stopped doing the busy work and prioritised important work. For example, my focus these past few months has been on growing the business, so I make sure that every day I’m taking action towards that.
💛 I create lists — and do them. I also give myself space not to have a list if I don’t want to. Today is a list day, but there are many days when I don’t have one, and yet I still get a lot done.
💛 I stopped underestimating how long things take and overestimating how much I could get done in a day, and became much more realistic with my time.
💛I work with experts, who understand my natural way of working and helped me accept that how I work is perfect.
💛 I prioritise self-care and what nourishes me. I walk daily, swim two or three times a week, do strength training, Pilates and yoga each week, and spend time with family and friends. I also read, watch television, and chill in the sun when it’s sunny.
💛 When I do very little (like I did this weekend), I no longer beat myself up.
💛 I allow myself lie-ins at the weekend to replenish my energy.
💛 I celebrate all the small steps and how far I’ve come.
💛 I trust that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be at this moment in my life and that everything’s perfect.
If you ever have days that don’t go according to plan, be kind to yourself and know that you’re doing the best you can.
We all need rest and downtime.
Get clear on what your own productivity cycle looks like. It probably won’t look like anyone else’s. And if you try to squish yourself into someone else’s template and it doesn’t fit you, you’re bound to end up frustrated.
So change the template, not yourself.
Trusting that someone needs to hear this today.
Let me know if it resonates.
Share the knowledge!
Created With Love by Melina Abbott