Tag Archive for: productivity

The Power of Focused Attention

Yesterday, I returned to my management consulting work for my first full day this year.

I was happy to get back!

It felt great to re-engage and, more importantly, to make real progress by focusing my attention on what truly mattered.

The day began with a simple yet powerful step: creating an action list.

I carefully prioritised the tasks that absolutely needed to be accomplished and directed my energy there.

To maintain my focus and clear my mind, Monic suggested I go alone and take an hour-long walk through the park.

The crisp winter chilly air and natural surroundings worked wonders, refreshing my thoughts and preparing me for the day ahead.

This deliberate focus transformed my day.

As I worked, distractions and interference seemed to fade into the background.

I was fully present in the moment, and the results spoke for themselves, with clear progress and a deep sense of productivity.

One moment particularly stood out during a call with a new client.

I listened intently, giving my full attention to every word.

By focusing deeply, I was able to engage meaningfully, ask the right questions, and gain a clear understanding of their specific needs.

Focus, I’ve realised, is more than just paying attention; it’s a disciplined effort to direct your energy and concentration to the task at hand.

With moments of clarity and intention, like my walk in the park, I know we can unlock our ability to achieve more, engage deeply, and truly make a difference.

What actions do you take to stay focused and clear your mind for a productive day?

Busy

Yesterday, Monic and I were busy with coaching interviews in Leiden all day.
We both enjoy taking walks with missionaries through the day if we possibly can.
Whilst walking with Allana Frost,we stopped and sat by a large pond.
We were talking about how busy we both were with various assignments and deep in conversation.
As we talked this huge goose approached us looking for food.
It looked pretty mean!
The two of us looked at each other, admittedly a little frightened, and thought it was going to bite us!
We sat still, until it turned away in disappointment that we had nothing for it to eat.
The distraction allowed us to pause, have some fun, and capture a picture or two!
For those moments we stopped being busy with our conversation and laughed!

Choices

Busy, is a choice…..right?
An almost standard reply many give or receive these days when asked how things are is “I’m really busy”.
Are we doing ourselves any favours by staying so busy?
Or is it an impression we simply want to make to others by wearing a busy badge?
Is it really too easy to default to the word “busy” to describe your life?
What is it that you are really saying about yourself and your life?
Maybe you are busy, and you need to focus on your time management and being more productive.
“Crazy-busy’ is a great armour; it’s a great way for numbing. What a lot of us do is that we stay so busy, and so out in front of our life, that the truth of how we’re feeling and what we really need can’t catch up with us.” – Brené Brown

Some Ideas

My invitation today – is to consider these four very simple ideas…
1. Slow down a little more and consider what matters most.
2. Determine not to use the word “busy” in response to any question!
3. Lear to say No!
4. Enjoy relaxation time.
Don’t let busyness hold you back from achieving what truly matters.
After all – busy, is a choice – right?

Using time wisely

“𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞?” I asked, in our Mission Leadership Council.
“Lets make a pie chart of the last 7 days” I said.
“How many hours are in a week?” I asked.
A few seconds later, the response was “168.”
Then I asked them to consider several things that they did and to discuss their week together.
How long did you spend…
– sleeping?
– eating?
– exercising?
– in personal grooming?
– shopping?
– cleaning?
– travelling?
– in personal study?
– in companion study?
– in language study?
– in meetings?
– in planning?
– in finding?
– in teaching?
– relaxing?
The result?
There were a few audible gasps in the room when they discovered surprising patterns in how their time was spent.
Using a simple graphic to visualise a typical day or a typical week can be very helpful.
It can help you understand where your time goes and how you can make use of your time better.
Ultimately, the use of an effective time management chart, will help you understand how your time is spent on the many different things you do in life.
After completing the exercise, we turned from the past 7 days, to the next 7 days.
By using the results of their personal time management chart, a quick analysis, will help improve their way of getting things done, and become more productive.
With this approach everyone can make the most of their time and avoid mistakes that can happen.
In essence, time management is really self-management and discipline in how we manage ourselves.
Time flies, but just remember, you’re the pilot!
How can you be more thoughtful and intentional about how you use your time, and make space for the things that matter most?

To don’t list!

“How about a “to don’t list”” – that’s a new idea I thought.
Working smart has been at the forefront of my mind the last few days. With an increasing challenge of fewer missionaries in country due to COVID-19 set to continue for the next few months, I’ve been thinking how we can work smart to address all that we need to do!
Once you accept that you have more to do than time to do it all, that is actually a very freeing concept.
We all know about to do lists, but creative thinking techniques encourage us to turn things upside down.
A “to don’t list” seems a bit of a weird idea, but actually thinking about it more, it seems to provide a lot of positives! I am starting to recognise that many times what you do not do is far more important than what you do do! Perhaps a little experiment is in order.
For example here are some ideas for starters…
– Don’t thoughtlessly scroll through social media
– Don’t always try to be right
– Don’t stay up too late
– Don’t try to please everyone
– Don’t interrupt others
Consider any bad habits you want to eliminate and anything that distracts you from being productive – that’s the key.
Go on, give it a go and write your “to don’t list” today!

A lesson from slippers

“Where are my slippers?”
It was dark, 5.00 am and the fourth night in our new home in the Netherlands. I’d lost them…..again!
That question, was one of many similar thoughts as we have started to settle into life here in the Netherlands.
– “Where is that…?”
– “Have you seen…?”
– “What did I do with…?”
– “Why did I put that there…?”
– “How does that work…?”
– “When have we to be there…?”
– “How do we get there…?”
– “Hoe zeg ik dat in het Nederlands…?”
We have been completely out of our comfort zones and routines. Every day, being stretched a little more. It has been both exciting, wonderful and tiring too! Every evening, our bed has been calling us into a deep slumber very, very easily indeed!
During times of great change…., stress, anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed can come easily. However, as we discover and introduce new routines and new structures into our lives, it can bring a sense of control, focus, organisation and in time, greater productivity.
Simply stated, having now found a new spot for my slippers, my daily routine ends with placing my slippers under the bedroom chair, so that they are easily retrieved the next morning.
It takes time, practice and effort to find and get used to new routines – but I am pleased to say, I have found my slippers every morning for the last three days… Progress! 😍
What routines and daily habits do you have in your life to help you be more productive?