Boosting Productivity – TPW435

Many of us feel like we need to be more productive. This week we're considering why we feel that way, and some ways we can boost our productivity.

How can we boost our productivity?

Probably because I’ve hosted a podcast about productivity for nearly 9 years, I have frequent conversations about productivity. Many--maybe most--of them center on someone’s feeling that they’re not productive enough or desire to be more productive. 

It’s worth the time and energy to evaluate this honestly, to find that line between productivity that’s adding value to your life and what’s been termed toxic productivity: “Toxic productivity is essentially the drive to be productive at all times, at the expense of all other pursuits. At its core, toxic productivity is simply a new term for ‘workaholic’ with a fresh modern spin.” [from How to be more productive: 10 productivity tips] 

If we’ve thought carefully about that question and are aware of that boundary, there are things we can do to boost our productivity. As a starting point, it’s important to define what you mean by productivity--you can’t hit an undefined target.

1. Develop a clear vision

* For your life right now. 

* For your days 

Define what you mean by productivity. If you want to be more productive, what do you mean by that? What would a more productive life look like? 

At its most basic level, increased productivity just means achieving more results from less effort: “Increased productivity indicates greater output from the same amount of input. . . . Thus, productivity growth is our opportunity to create more from less.” [from What Is Productivity? How to Define and Measure It?]

What results do you want to achieve? What would need to change in order for you to achieve that vision?

2. Know yourself

* “Remember who you are.” Who do you want to be in the world? How does a person like that spend her time, energy, and attention?This is relevant to setting goals or intentions.

* Physiology When do you have the most energy? When is it easiest for you to focus? This is relevant to scheduling your tasks.

* Obstacles - internal and external. What throws you off track? What are your “time thieves”? 

“If you can identify your biggest time thieves, the activities or situations that throw you off course, distract or interrupt you, or the bad habits that keep you from performing better, you will improve your results much more quickly and learn how to be productive on a daily basis.” [from a Lifehack article on How to Be More Productive: 16 Practical Ways] 

How can you prepare for those obstacles or interruptions so they don’t throw you off track?

3. Cultivate habits that help

Setting intentions (goals). Write them down: “Today/this week I will . . .” 

In an article on Boosting productivity published by the American Psychological Association, the authors noted that “Research is showing that establishing a habit of writing about goals can boost performance. 

"Cheryl Travers, Ph.D., a professor at the School of Business and Economics at Loughborough University in Leicestershire, England,