Motion vs. Progress

Has this ever happened to you? You spend time working at your desk. You think you are accomplishing a great deal, but then at the end of the day or work period, you find that you haven’t really achieved as much as you had hoped for. You’re a little confused because it seemed like you were busy. This happens to us all and is a great example of the difference between motion and progress. Motion is being busy while progress is being productive.

If you struggle with using your time and energy effectively, here are 5 easy steps you can take that will help you keep focused and on track.

1. Before starting your work, make sure you have a clear plan of action. What do you want to get done in the allotted time and what is the priority of the tasks? Schedule in time to check your e-mail/voice mail so that you are not distracted by that during your work time. Clear away any unnecessary paper and clutter from your work space.

2. Estimate how much time you think each task should take and then set a timer. When the timer goes off, notice how much you have accomplished. Are you on schedule? If not notice where you are getting distracted.

3. Allow yourself a 5 minute break between projects to clear your mind and relax your body. Go outside if possible. Maybe walk around the block. Clear your mind so that you can truly focus your energies on the next task.

4. Make sure you take time to eat meals and/or snacks. When you energy wanes your attention will wander and your efficiency will decrease.

5. At the end of the work period take some time to evaluate how things have gone. Give yourself a pat on the back for the things you have accomplished and look objectively and without judgment at where you got sidetracked. What steps can you take to help eliminate that issue?

And remember, being busy does not always translate into being productive!

Much of the stress that people feel doesn't come from having too much to do. It comes from not finishing what they have started. David Allen