Tag Archive for busy

What Does Being Productive Really Mean?

It’s tough being productive during a time of lockdown. And not a good time to think about ways you can kick things into gear. 

So GenuLines feels it’s a good time to bring you an overview of how you can make this happen.

(You can listen to this article by clicking here)

What Does Being Productive Really Mean?

productive manIntending to be productive is a worthy pursuit. But over time and with overuse the definition of productive has become a little fuzzy.
 
Now “Productivity” is a sort of buzzword. It’s used in employee training seminars and self-help techniques.
 
 
 
 
If you don’t get the true meaning of this word you might waste valuable time that could be better spent.
 
In a fast-paced driven society we’re expected to produce more in less time. Unfortunately, this can often have the opposite effect.
 
Here are a few things to consider when looking at how you spend your time,
 
Busy & Productive Are Not Synonymous
This might be the biggest misconception about what it means to be productive. Staying busy and on the go doesn’t always mean you’re being productive.
 
Being productive means you are actually getting something done.
 
It’s easy to jump from one task to another. Could be you shift your focus and attention every five minutes, all in the name of “multi-tasking.”
 
Now and then ask yourself if you’re actually accomplishing anything. For example, after a five-hour stint on your computer at work, take a look at the end result.
 
Have you produced something of value that was not there when you first sat down at your desk? Never confuse being busy with being productive.
 
Progressing Towards Something
This kind of piggybacks off of the previous thought. But this tip deserves its own discussion.
 
You can get into a kind of “grind” mentality.
 
You spend hours working at irrelevant things. Again, this may or may not help your productivity.
 
With anything that you dedicate a lot of your time to, there should be an end goal in mind.
 
Have a well-understood plan of how you’ll reach it. Productivity involves a linear path from where you are right now to what you want to get done.
 
If you’re working hard only for the sake of working hard, you run the risk of wasting valuable time and energy. It’s always important to consider your “why” before you commit your valuable time to any task.
 
Balancing Productivity
Achieving anything worthwhile often involves hard work and focus. But it doesn’t mean neglecting every other area of your life in the process.
 
For example, you want to transform your body and get in better shape. Will it help if you neglect your closest relationships and other commitments, too?
 
True productivity includes nurturing every aspect of who you are. Even during the pursuit of something specific.
 
Sure, there are going to be times when more of your time and energy goes toward one thing in particular. But make sure that not ALL of it is!
 
As a human being, you are a lot of things at the same time.
 
JohnK 12-7-2020
 
Stick figure hears productive ideasOverheard: “Productivity is being able to do things that you were never able to do before”
                                           ~Franz Kafka
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for being productive