Too many tabs open and nothing gets done

How many times do you reach the end of your work day, you look at your list, and sadly, not nearly enough is “crossed off” that list and you are left asking yourself, how can I be more productive?

I grew up this way. Almost every day my Mother seemed overwhelmed with all that was on her “list” – which she would dutifully compile daily – and the idea that she wasn’t getting “enough done” was ever present, it still is. So I came by this obsession about productivity honestly. 

As the years go by, these lists turn electronic (I’m back to paper now, more on that later) and the never-ending “to do” list is truly never-ending. Because those repeating tasks pop back up there; as soon as it’s done, it’s sitting there, ready to do again.

I found that my feeling of accomplishment was waning. 

To-do lists for the Productivity win

So I created my own “To-do” list that seemed manageable (Insert photo of my mini-to-do lists). What would it be like if you only had to do THREE things in a day to feel accomplished and to move your goals measurably forward?

Or how about ONE thing? Yes, I said ONE. 

This isn’t about laziness, this is about being smart about what you can be doing to move yourself measurably towards your goals.

What is one thing you can do today that will move you measurably towards your goals?

One of my coaches calls these Exponential Growth Activities – or EGAs – those things that can impact more than one simple task on your list. This is about getting crystal clear about what you most want to achieve and understanding how to get there. How can you use your unique Zone of Genius so you can use your energy, and time, most wisely?

Here are some ideas to help you be more productive

• Think big (ger)

I often say to my clients that the killer of all dreams is the word “how.” We’ll get to the “how,” not to worry, but in order to think BIG you have to dispense with the how and focus on the “what.” The “how” tends to limit us as we think of all the reasons why we can’t possibly achieve that big goal or dream. So what are the BIG things you want for you life and work? Allow yourself to Dream BIG and then we’ll work on the “how.”

• Get ruthless with your “to do” list

Is everything on that “to-do” list of yours really important for you to do? I often say to my family (and my clients!) that just because I know what’s on the “to-do” list doesn’t mean I have to be responsible for getting it all done. This goes for the office and the home. Who can you delegate or hire to do some of these things so you can be working on those Exponential Growth Activities I spoke of earlier that speak more to your Zone of Genius?And then look at what’s left. Which of those items will move you measurably towards your goals? And if you need help narrowing it down, try writing down THREE things – if you’d like one of my mini-notepads for your own inspiration and habit-formation, message me. I’ll mail you one! 

• Ask yourself the “Focusing Question”

This is a key teaching out of Gary Keller’s book, The One Thing.

What’s the ONE thing I can do, such that by doing it everything else will become easier or unnecessary? – Gary Keller

These focusing questions are intended to help you with big and small objectives – what’s the most important thing for you to accomplish this year,  perhaps? And what’s the most important thing for you to focus on today, to move you towards your annual “one thing?”

Curious to learn more time-saving and productivity strategies? Join me and my community of business-loving soloprenuers at my next CEO Day coming up on February 24, 2023, Align Your Productivity.