efficient productivity
We’re all in search of ways of doing things quicker, being more efficient and generally trying to do more. In today’s ‘go go go’ culture we always feel the need to do more and be more. And we’re all chasing the latest hack or habit for peak performance. We all want to know what might give us an edge over someone else. Well let me tell you this - it’s called working with your body and not against it. It is not possible to give or do more than we are physically and mentally able. If we do, we're heading straight for burnout and anyone who has experienced burnout knows that is not a nice place to be. If we work with our bodies and the available energy levels and mental capacity we have on any given day - it will be different everyday - we can learn to use that energy more efficiently and become more productive. And its also not about being better than anyone else. Comparing ourselves to others kills off our authenticity. So just focus on yourself and stay in your own lane!
Some days I have 110% to give and I get everything I need and want done plus more. Some days I can give 100% and I get what I need done. Some days I’m at 60% energy levels and I have to decide what needs to get done. Then there’s days where I’m at 0% and I have nothing to give. These are the days I need to stop and listen to my body. If I could I would lie in bed or on the couch all day. But with a three-year-old that’s not possible. I have learned that when I work with how I feel in terms of my energy levels I am more productive and efficient.
I have to recognise that on the 60% or lower days I can’t always do more or be more. It’s not physically possible and it’s unhealthy mentally and physically. When I recognise this I let go of the internal battle that I should be doing more or achieving more. If you’ve ever tried to write or work when you do not have the mental capacity to do so, what is the quality of the work you are creating? I know my quality levels will not be what I expect from myself so I’m not going to do that to myself. I wanted to write a blog last week on a different topic but I had too much going on and it was midterm so I had to scale back my expectations and my professional output. And that is OK. We have to get comfortable with being enough. You can’t be a superhero or super performer always because at some point you’ll burn out.
The important thing is recognising how much energy you have and using that energy wisely to maximise productivity. It’s not about being busy, busy, busy all the time. That’s the opposite of being productive. It’s about working with your body’s own mental and physical capacity and allowing them to be your limits. Real, effective and efficient productivity comes from recognising what you can and can’t achieve according to your energy levels on any given day. That’s the key to maximising productivity and getting the best from yourself. Don’t force or push yourself if your body is begging for rest.