3 Steps to Improve Productivity

“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” – Stephen Covey

Would you like a productivity solution that helps you do less and achieve more by focusing on what truly matters to you?  Author Michael Hyatt offers such a system in his book Free to Focus.  Although this is directed toward productivity at work, these tips can be applied to any area of life where more productivity is desired.

Step 1: Stop

Formulate: Clarify what you want to do with the time you’ll save by being more productive.  Do you want to fill it with more work?  Or would you rather make room for freedom to do nothing, be spontaneous, be present with friends and family, or be focused on work that creates a significant impact on your world?

Evaluate: Filter your work into 4 Categories, based on your level of passion and proficiency for it.

                Zone 1: Desire Zone – where your passion and proficiency intersect

                Zone 2: Distraction Zone – you have passion but no proficiency

                Zone 3: Disinterest Zone – you have proficiency but no passion

                Zone 4: Drudgery Zone – you have neither passion nor proficiency

For true productivity, Hyatt promotes doing more of what is in your Desire Zone and less of everything else.

Rejuvenate: Engage in practices for rest and relaxation to boost your results.  Studies show that working past 50 hours a week results in less productivity.  Eat healthy food, get good sleep, move your body, connect with others, have fun, journal, meditate, and unplug to rejuvenate.

Step 2: Cut

Eliminate: Say no to new requests.  Prune your activities so that you have more room for the activities you are passionate about.

Automate: Implement routines and habits to reduce effort for some of your tasks. 

Delegate: Reduce what’s on your plate by sharing the workload with others.  Assign what you can to others.  Hire help if necessary.

Step 3: Act

Consolidate: Gain productivity by lumping similar tasks together into batches of work.  Having extended periods of time for certain tasks can allow for deep thinking and focused work.

Designate: Schedule your tasks so that they have a designated time for completion.  Hyatt suggests focusing on your “weekly big 3,” which are the most important things you need to accomplish to keep making progress toward your major goals and projects.

Activate: Eliminate disruptions and distractions.  Limit instant communication.  Set and enforce boundaries.  Employ focus tactics like decluttering your workspace and listening to music that promotes concentration.

Michael Hyatt’s company, Full Focus, offers a planner and other resources that help you implement this productivity system.  Learn more at https://fullfocus.co/