At Insights, we have a pretty cool purpose—we want to create a world where people truly understand themselves, understand others, and are inspired to make a positive difference in everything they do. That’s no small task; in fact, it’s a huge mountain to climb. But sometimes that can make it all the more difficult to seem productive. After all, when you’re standing at the foot of the mountain, what impact does a single step have?
Well, I’ll tell you: Every tiny, incremental step is getting you closer to your goal, no matter how insignificant it feels at the time. And that’s why it’s so important to stay productive. We’ve all had days—or, let’s be honest here, weeks—where we’ve struggled to feel truly purposeful.
In this always-on, globally focused world, where customers demand more personalized and slicker service than ever before, it can seem like we’re constantly being pulled in any number of directions, all of which can sap your enthusiasm in the shadow of that great mountain.
So here’s how I’m staying productive. Some of these will work for you, and some won’t quite be a fit. But if these aren’t for you, then it’s time you created your own Productivity Manifesto. If you don’t, you could just be letting hours, days, or even whole weeks slip between your fingers.
Have a date night: Put aside some afterhours time and spend it solely on that one project that’s hit a wall or making you tear your hair out. Instead of putting off what seems difficult, give it the undivided attention it needs. Without the distractions of the office at its busiest, you’ll be able to focus and knock that task off of your to-do list in no time.
The Key: Be strict about it. Once you’ve set time aside, nothing else should be allowed to get in your way.
Get an office workout buddy: Some days you just can’t wait to jump out of bed and hit the gym. Other days, it’s very easy to continue hitting the snooze button. And so it is with work—having an office buddy can be as motivating as a workout buddy. Finding a colleague to convince you to push through, and remind you of just how good you’ll feel afterward, might just be crucial to your productivity.
The Key: Choose your office buddy carefully. You’re looking for motivation, not trepidation.
Live on purpose: Think about your company purpose. It was probably integral to the reason you joined the organization in the first place. The paycheck is great, but most of us work best when we identify with the meaning behind the money. If you believe in the cause, this is the most powerful way to find your inner overachiever.
The Key: You have to truly believe. If not, that might be food for thought—and the push you need to start looking for a new position at a company whose mission you do believe in.
Go old school: It can be hard to find your creative spark sometimes when you are just staring at a blank white screen on your computer. When my brain refuses to kick into high gear, I grab some paper and a pencil, and get away from my desk. Whether it’s in a café, on my sofa, or in my garden, I tend to focus best when there’s no technology involved.
The Key: Commit. Don’t just leave your laptop behind, switch your phone off, too. Go cold turkey and tap into that laser-like focus that only a digital detox can deliver.
So those are the things that work for me. If they work for you too, that’s great. If not, go and test out some other tricks you think will work for you. Be sure to get serious about it! If you’re sinking into a slump, you need something to work with that will show you the way out. Get your Productivity Manifesto right, and you’ll have a framework to refer back to on even your most difficult days.
Jo Eismont is a social media and Web editor at Insights Learning and Development with years of experience in the learning and development industry. She is passionate about sharing the philosophy of “doing what you love and loving what you do.” With two small children, a Twitter addiction, and a love of blogging, Eismont strives to share the Insights’ values so her audience finds the right new position or way to love their job as much as she does.
