By Amanda N. Wegner
Most days, there isn’t enough time to accomplish everything we’d like. And with meetings that should have been emails, kid crises, piles of unwashed laundry and more, many feel the tension — and desire — to be more productive. But what is productivity?
“Productivity isn’t just about getting stuff done — it’s about getting the right stuff done,” says Katie Belanger, owner of Katie B. Strategies, LLC, a boutique consulting firm. “Today, when it can seem that the world is both literally and figuratively on fire, understanding this distinction is more important than ever as we try to be productive humans.”
Productivity, she explains, isn’t just about the things we do. Instead, it’s about sustainability and protecting and nurturing ourselves, our health, our families and our communities.
“To be truly productive requires an honest assessment of what matters most to you in your personal and professional contexts, a deep understanding of how you operate best and the discipline and resilience to stick to your priorities.”
Belanger offers four recommendations to improve your productivity:
LET PRIORITIES FLOW FROM PURPOSE
At a leadership training many years ago, Belanger realized her greatest joy — purpose — was bringing people together to achieve a shared goal.
“Since then, I have built a business around my purpose in life, and while I’m not immune to stress and exhaustion at work, my job is no longer a thing I do, but rather a practice and an honor to accomplish.”
Also, recognize that your work is not all you are or bring to the table.
MANAGE YOUR SCHEDULE RUTHLESSLY
Your calendar reflects your priorities … but who’s calling the shots?
“Spoiler alert: It should be you! But for many of us, the tail is wagging the proverbial dog. Other people’s requests, calendar invites and priorities can overwhelm us, and before we know it, our time isn’t our own anymore,” Belanger explains.
She recommends using work blocks to manage your schedule. Block time for your priorities first, then let other peoples’ requests and needs fill in from there.
“No task goes unrepresented on my schedule,” explains Belanger. “By adding work blocks — appointments with myself to do my work — I can ensure I’m protecting the time I need to get my work done.”
DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN REAL AND MANUFACTURED CRISES
Belanger teaches her clients about Stephen Covey’s Time Management Matrix, which compares urgency and importance to help understand how to best prioritize work. “If everything is urgent at the same time, then you’re living in crisis management, which prevents people from having the time and space to think critically, map out and execute thoughtful plans, and ensure the right voices are at the table, and ultimately — it burns us out.”
WORKFLOW FOR THE WIN
Whether it’s lists, sticky notes, your phone or another tool, designate a place for your thoughts, goals, tasks, reminders, etc.
“When you get the ideas out of your head, not only do you free up brain space for creative thinking and problem- solving, but you can also take a more holistic view of everything on your plate to more effectively prioritize,” says Belanger.
As you work to hack your productivity, give yourself “grace and space,” says Belanger. “It will take time to find the system that works for you … What matters is that you keep trying, learning and prioritizing yourself, your health and your wellbeing. After all, productivity isn’t about the stuff as much as it is about you.”
BONUS PRODUCTIVITY HACKS
- Tackle simple: Intermittently give yourself five to 15 minutes or use short openings in your schedule to tackle simple tasks.
- Schedule smarter: Use a tool like Calendly to allow clients to book meetings at times that work for you. For group meetings, try Doodle or When2Meet.
- Block the basics: Put time in your schedule for travel between appointments, lunch and breaks and your morning routine and afternoon close-out.
