3 Steps to Getting Productive – Not Just Busy

Written by: Angie Gira, Executive Contributor

Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.

Is your busy life serving you?

Our world has gotten so fast-paced, and we’ve grown accustomed to the busy life, the hustle and bustle of it all.

Are you actually productive and efficient? Are you reaching your goals? Or do you just have a lot on your plate, and you’re juggling it all?

We can’t juggle forever.

So, how do we get productive, not just busy?

Let’s break it down.

There are three key elements, and they’re all governed by one rule of thumb — find what works and serves you best.

Step One — Prioritization

If you’re like me and don’t like scheduling every little detail of your day, this step is even more vital.

Start by setting your intentions and write your goals for the month. As the days go by, break them down into small actionable steps per week and then per day.

You must be crystal clear on what your goals are for the month, week and day.

I always like to remind myself. We can’t track what we don’t measure.

Your weekly and daily goals need to be the clear and precise action steps you need to take to reach your monthly goal.

Write your goals down. Don’t just know them.

A Harvard Business School study asked its graduating MBA class how many of them write their goals and action plan down.

Only 3% of the class had their goals and action plans written down. 10 years later, they found that that same 3 % ended up earning 10x more than the remaining class.

You seem like a 3 percenter to me — so make sure you write your goals and action plans down.

Step Two — Organization

There are a million and one tools out there to help you get organized. Personally, more than half of these tools leave me feeling more overwhelmed. It becomes a task on its own, just keeping up with them.

So, I’m pretty standard here. I like to use my notebook and my calendar.

As the rule of thumb goes, pick the tool(s) that work best for you.

Use this to set timelines for yourself, create a to-do list, important deadlines, reminders, etc.

Like any journey, your journey will come with obstacles and detours. Knowing what we must get done and when it needs to get done helps us stay on track.

A little added bonus, I usually add a couple of random reminders on my calendar to motivate myself. My last one read, “I am capable of achieving all that I set out to do.”

Step 3 — Discipline

I kept this one for last cause I really want this to stick with you. If you truly want to crush your goals, you gotta have discipline.

My University Ethics Professor used to say, “If you don't discipline yourself, someone or something in life will force you to get disciplined. The choice is yours."

Don’t wait for something external to discipline you.

Use your why as motivation to be disciplined.

Believe in yourself, believe in your vision, and have the discipline to get yourself there.

So, there you have it;

• Prioritization - check

• Organization - check

• Discipline - check

Here’s to you, crushing your goals and leading a more productive life that’s aligned with your vision.

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Read more from Angie!

Angie Gira, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine

Angie Gira is a Life & Mindset Coach. Inspired by her vision to positively impact the world, Angie's work focuses on helping millennials live a life that brings them true happiness.

Driven by her belief that we are all unique, she is dedicated to tailoring her private coaching packages to meet the needs of each client. Key elements in her coaching strategies include helping you enhance the quality of your relationship with yourself, finding your why, and cultivating a purpose-driven mindset aimed at helping you achieve your goals.