Why You Should Never Confuse Activity for Productivity
I had an employee who always seemed to be doing something. She was always busy and yet at the end of the month, after serious appraisal and reflection, little or no serious work would be done.
It’s at that time that I got reminded of Tony Robbins comments that “never confuse movement for achievement.”
I have a confession to make. There are moments when I am really busy. I mean as in dead busy and yet after close evaluation, not much return on my energy.
So, what was important here, my being busy or getting serious business done?
Yet there are times when I put in an hour or two of fearsome focus. Intense. And at the end of those two hours, I feel like I have accomplished more than I did in the previous 8 hours of work. That tells all the difference.
That brings in the notion of being tactical and strategic. Tactical sometimes is about the routine. Mundane actions that may seem useful for now and yet their lifespan is limited. They do not have much to offer in the long term life of an organization. Yet strategic moves may not seem urgent for now and yet in the life span of an organization means a million bucks.
To paraphrase Steven Covey, you have to be aware of things which are urgent but not important and those which are important but not urgent. He recommends that we should spend a great chunk of your time in aspects which do not seem urgent but are important in the long run. That’s being strategic. That’s being productive.
Next time you feel like losing your breath, running around like chicken – take a deep breath and ask yourself, “Am I being productive or just active out of circumstance?”
Your 3 Action Points
1. Every beginning of the week, set 15-30 minutes aside to jot down in your diary the 3 strategic things you want to accomplish in the course of the week
2. At the end of each month, evaluate by asking yourself – “How many strategic things did I accomplish this week?”
3. Start calling yourself a “strategic and productivity champion”. Take it on as your identity and you will become one.
You have any ideas on how to become more productive? Then drop me a comment below and we chat.
Wishing you more truth, love, joy, peace and abundance.
Ethan Musolini
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I finally decided to write a comment on your blog. I just wanted to say good job. I really enjoy reading your posts.
Tina Russell
Tina Russell
April 9, 2008
Hi Tina,
Thanks for your kind words and I appreciate your time in reading my posts and the comment. I will be checking out your blog. Have a fantastic day!
Ethan
successsecrets123
April 9, 2008
Wonderful post! I would like to add that it may not be enough to write your strategic actions at the beginning of the week. It’s very easy to get bogged down in the daily “urgents”. One thing that has helped me is to post my strategic list where it is the first thing that I see each day. If at all possible, I will work on one of those items before doing anything else. That way, I”m assured that no matter what the rest of the day brings, I made some progress against my strategic goals.
Linda Griffin
April 10, 2008
Linda,
I like the focusing technique of having your strategic intents in front of you on a daily basis. I shoudl work on that.
What I also agree with is starting with the most important thing in the morning. It is critical because whenever I do so, I am so productive and happier. Whenever I start with the mundane, I get distracted and before I know it the day is gone.
I believe we all have a responsibility to squeeze as much juice as possible out of the day. Let’s make it happen and thanks for your input.
successsecrets123
April 11, 2008