When hired to help people and organizations become more focused, effective and productive we start by looking at their to-do lists. While perusing those lists, we also evaluate what may be getting in the way or preventing them from executing as they know they should. Here are five common productivity bottlenecks in the form of what not to do:
Don’t judge others or yourself. Judging is kind of nuts when you stop and really think about it. When you judge, you are arguing for something to be different than what it is or was. Cultivate the ability to appreciate, or at least accept, what is. When you judge others, you are simply trying to make them responsible for how you are feeling about yourself. Determine how you want to be and start behaving in a way that will lead you to becoming who you aspire to be.
Don’t have more than 3 priorities at a time. Let’s get real! Everything on your task list can not be a priority. In our current work and life environments it is obvious that we have to keep a lot of marbles from rolling off the table. Inevitably, some will roll off and shatter. However, we must remember that we can’t, nor are we expected to, do it all at once. That is why time exists.
The challenge is most people have no awareness of what is most important and which tasks on their list really matter. They end up wasting valuable energy and resources trying to keep projects alive that were doomed from inception. Think, prioritize, and execute.
Don’t feel guilty. If you are wrong, or make a mistake, say you are sorry, correct the problem and move on. Feeling guilty only dampens and masks your resourcefulness and talents, perpetuating the opportunity for more foul ups which, in-turn, allows you to stay stuck feeling guilty. Build a bridge and get over feeling guilty.
Don’t compare yourself with others. Everyone is an individual with different history, baggage and potential. There will never be a level playing field on which to compare yourself to others. Nobody wins the comparing game.
Should an Olympian, who skated to a personal best and achieved a bronze medal, be disappointed she did not win the gold or exuberant about achieving her personal best? It’s a choice.
Which perspective will affect growth and expansion? You always have the power to choose the most healthy and empowering emotional perspective from which to view any situation. Choose wisely.
Don’t hesitate. He who hesitates has lost. Stop getting ready to get ready and just feel the fear and go do it anyway. Prepare as best you can and realize that curve balls will come your way, regardless. Commit to being flexible and successful versus being perfect. That’s the only way to really learn, improve and achieve what you want for yourself and others. You can’t get it right by playing it safe and hiding behind what is known or comfortable. You must engage in the real world and endure some possible ridicule. It’s called life.
Make it Up, Make it Fun and Get it Done!