How do you define productivity?
One characteristic of people who are both very productive and very happy is they are constantly revising their definition of productivity. High productivity doesn’t always look like impressive output and checking things off the list. Sometimes productivity is caring well for your body, resting, time for reflection, and space for contemplation.
As I shared with you on Day 1, I love my Peloton bike. And as much as I get energy and fuel from a good ride, I would hurt myself if each one of my daily rides was a fast, hard and demanding ride (such as Power Zone Max or 60 Minute Hill). One of the trainers I like is Matt Wilpurs, who is a professional coach and native of Atlanta. Matt graciously shares great science about training, which includes a rhythm of rides that produce different outputs.
In other words, vary up the rides. One day enjoy a long, steady endurance ride. These aerobic rides build capacity for the steeper, harder hill climbs later in the week. The same is true for your life design. Not every day should be full steam ahead, hair on fire. Steady progress and space for contemplation and celebrating completion are also very productive.
Tip 5: Boldly Redefine Productivity
You have the power to define productivity! Let the definition of productivity flex based on your day, your goal, and what is happening in your real life.
I was talking to a friend who shared his need to redefine productivity in order to maintain balance. He talks about productivity in terms of progress and order. Progress is completing a task, making the sales call, moving the ball forward. Order is organizing the files, capturing the day’s work, bringing the team along, learning new systems. Progress is way more energizing but order is necessary to maintain progress. Recognizing the order as productivity is crucially important for him to stay motivated.
It’s Your Call. Every day is an opportunity to be productive as you attack your 90-Day Goal. You can’t go all out, hair on fire for 90 days. No one can (or should). Instead, create rhythms that produce balance by redefining productivity based on your day.
Please send me your questions, challenges, and suggestions as we continue in the 90-Day Goal Together. I look forward to hearing from you and sharing the journey with you.
