Keys To Increase Productivity
We all have those days where we struggle with getting motivated, and being productive.
We might roll over and hit snooze a few times before beginning our day… or decide, “I think I’m going to push some of these meetings until later this week…”
I can relate. It can be a struggle to increase productivity… but it’s not impossible.
Feeling flat, and undermotivated isn’t just something that we can flip a switch on. But one thing I’ve noticed that helps me when I am feeling this way, is to acknowledge that it’s time to take a step back, and take a look at a system that I have in place called P.O.D.D.
Keys to productivity: Implementing P.O.D.D.
First, let’s start with what P.O.D.D stands for….
- Prioritize
- Organize
- Delegation
- Discipline
If followed step by step, this method helps you to define what really matters, and in the process, get back a little bit more time.
Keys to Productivity: Prioritize
A simple way to look at is this: we all have 24 hours in one day. We all have the same amount of time to be productive, or to not be productive. What we choose to do with that time is what is going to make the difference.
So, let me ask you this: what are your key priorities?
Take a minute, and list them out. Jot them down, or in the notepad on your phone.
What are the factors that increase productivity?
Now that you have your key priorities down, it’s time to move on to the next stage in the P.O.D.D process: Organize.
Someone once told me that your inbox is actually managing other people’s priorities (when it comes to work). But if we let others priorities govern our life, and our time, then we end up exhausted and potentially burnt out.
This is why it’s key to not only list out your priorities, but organize them across your life, across your calendars and planners, so that you are going to truly put your priorities first when managing your time.
Keys to Productivity: Delegation
The next step in the P.O.D.D process of productivity is delegation. Let’s start with this question: what is the value that you would place on an hour of your time?
You might already know this if you’re a consultant. A lot of us might not.
Yet we’re all paid for our time and expertise as employees. Take a minute to actually quantify that time; the time that you’re putting into projects, or organizations across your life. How much is each hour worth?
Now here’s the important part of delegation… ask yourself, what things that I’m doing, that I’m allowing to take up my time, are actually below the value of my worth?
Obviously we all have things like chores, doing dishes, yard work, etc. Yet a lot of items and tasks might not be the best use of our precious time. So the next question is, what can you afford to delegate out?
Can you delegate someone to cut the lawn, and get an hour of your weekend back?
Maybe you can delegate a babysitter one night a week, and get back some personal time to relax, reset, and read a favorite book.
A little bit of delegation can actually go a long way when it comes to finding more time, and getting more productive in the process.
How To Be More Productive: Discipline
The final productivity key in the P.O.D.D process is discipline. It’s a word that can get a lot of dirty looks, but it’s an important and final step.
Discipline is what is going to help us stay committed to those keys priorities that we listed out earlier, and it’s what is going to bring us back to keeping them organized, and correctly delegated. Without discipline, the process won’t flow.
Finding ways to continue to stay more disciplined with your time can look a few different ways, a few examples being:
- Saying no when you don’t feel comfortable with a time commitment
- Setting clear boundaries with your schedule
Keys To Productivity: Establish your own P.O.D.D.
Next time you’re feeling unproductive or depleted, I would encourage you to remember the P.O.D.D process. Start by writing out your own priorities, organize what NEEDS to be done this week, or this day, and then delegate as you are able to.
It may feel overwhelming, but start with a few baby steps, and before you know it, you’ll feel yourself getting back on track with your productivity train. You got this!
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