3 Amazing facts About Productivity
Most people would agree that maximizing the hours in the day makes good business sense especially in the early days of building our business. We are regularly told that multi tasking allows us to accomplish more in a given timescale, success equals happiness and that managing time effectively increases productivity. How true are these statements?
Fact 1
Multi tasking can actually decrease productivity
Research at the university of London shows multi-tasking can distract us and so we experience less productivity. The study shows that constant emailing and texting reduces mental capability by an average of 10 points in an IQ test. This effect has been likened to missing a nights sleep and we all know what normally results from that. Less work done!
The solution perhaps is to concentrate on one thing at a time, and complete it before moving onto the next task.
Fact 2
Happiness increases productivity
Often I hear people say "I'll be happy when I've achieved more money, and have more success etc." I always say be happy first and then success will follow. Is there any truth in this statement? Author and researcher Shaun Achor thinks that there is. He states that "our brains works 31% more productively when thinking with a positive perspective over a negative, neutral or stressed perspective."
The solution is to focus on more of what makes you happy and bring more of what makes you happy into your life. This could be imagining your ideal outcome, enjoying the moment or something as simple as trying a new hobby.
Fact 3
Managing energy instead of time increases productivity
Trying to manage our time without the energy to do it is like sailing a boat backwards. Instead of focusing on managing time focus on increasing energy levels. Once you can do this you'll have the fuel to be able to maximize time. If we don't learn how to manage our energy then it's likely we'll slump and not be as productive as we would like. How do we manage our energy?
The solution according to Leo Widrich co founder at buffer "is to work in 90 minute bursts and then take a rest." Shifting the focus from time onto energy will result in measurable changes in our productivity levels.
In addition to the above I often meditate, do yoga and go for a walk. This gives me an a much needed boost!
What do you do to increase your productivity?
Recent Comments
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Wonderful writing Melanie and much useful information. You are really goig to do well in this business. Hope my post come out half as well. One question: do you ever add images to your posts? Do you need them?
Yes! Use images, photos, videos. They all assist in helping Google rank your website even better than just plain writing. Google has a separate "Image" search and your websites could show up in a higher ranking there. There are already people who have posted links to where one can locate free images, photos, videos, etc., online. Just search in the question box above for any or all related words (one at a time though) for what you're looking for & the search will return a list that you can choose from. Have a Blessed day!
I do a lot of things. Reading a book, spending time with my husband, my dog, watching movies. Movies are big for me. I can watch maybe 20 minutes of a favorite and come back totally regenerated. Not sure why except that maybe it takes me away into another world for a short while.
Going for a walk on the beach is a great one for me! There is just something about the waves, the sounds, sand in your toes . . . .
I am sure I heard somewhere that women claim themselves to be tha masters of Multi Tasking and that this was beyond men lol lol
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Fact 1 and 2 I learned a long time ago. Never heard of 3. However, if you're working in 90 minute bursts, you're still focusing on time (90 min). After 60-90 min of sitting at the computer, you should take a break even for 5 minutes although I like the idea of yoga and walking. ~Debbi