Busy or Productive?
Welcome to the first week of May, which means Memorial Day is on the near horizon and that means the start of summer, which I love!
But this also just might be the busiest time of the year. There are deadlines this month, lots of things on the To Do List and we need to “Buckle up, Buttercup and get stuff done!”
But will you just be busy or will you be productive? There’s a difference.
Busy on social media, but does that translate to productivity?
Busy planning and preparing is good, but what actions lead to results?
Busy with family and friends, but are intentional conversations needed?
If you are anything like me, then there comes a point when it’s simply time to make it happen. Which is why I often end this weekly column with those very words – because I need the reminder that it’s time to quit thinking, talking and planning. It’s time to get to work!
Home Depot’s slogan is “More saving. More doing.” McCoy’s Building Supply is, “Go Build Something.” Both contain action words, doing and building, which speak to being productive, not just busy. Productivity can mean accomplishments and these questions help me and therefore might help you finish strong going into summer:
1. What are the major things I need to get done this month?
2. Which of those are priority to start and/or finish this week?
3. How can I limit distractions and get more accomplished today?
First, make a list of a few things that you know you have to do in order to start summer with confidence that you finished strong. If you work in a school, the schedule is overloaded and you will be busy this month for sure. But what are the things you must get done in the next 4 weeks?
Second, review the list and then rank according to importance. If you work in sales or fundraising, then results are easy to measure. New business comes from new friends and you’d sure like to enlarge your friendship base. But if you need results this month, then rely on established relationships. Who do you need to contact as a follow-up or thank you?
Third, limit distractions. If you continue to operate with an “open door policy,” even though you may not be in an office, you may feel like you have to take every call, answer every text and reply to every email immediately. You don’t. Do you hear me? You do NOT have to answer immediately because if you do, then you may end the month having been extremely busy, but with nothing to show. Now don’t get me wrong, I know for a fact some of you who are in the business of helping others and think you MUST be immediately accessible ALL OF THE TIME.
One of the best ideas learned from my close friend Jim Whiddon in his book The Old School Advantage, is the use of time blocks. Get prepared for the day, ready and focused, then set your phone on silent, turn it upside down and set it at a distance so you don’t hear it vibrate. Work for an hour and then check your phone. Take 10-15 minutes to answer anything urgent, then dive into another hour of uninterrupted work, dialogue, reading or even playing.
This didn’t start out as a rant against cell phones, but I have allowed mine to be the tail wagging this dog, therefore I needed the reminder. Perhaps it will help you too.
Make the month productive, not just busy, and find ways to finish strong.
Make it happen.