In an article from Smart Brief on Leadership, a survey on productivity and what gets in the way, identified the following on WHAT HURTS PRODUCTIVITY…..
Pulled in too many directions 55%
Procrastinating at work 19%
Trouble knowing where to start 15%
Social media 7%
Too much to watch on DVR 4%
So, looking at those few categories, see if any of them resonate with you. And perhaps you have your own specific category/distraction/concern.
I think the reality of “monkey mind” — a racing brain, a difficulty with focus because of so many demands is an enormous under lying factor in all of the categories. And mostly, all five things identified indicate stress — and too much of it. They indicate difficulty in sitting down, sorting through priorities, making decisions, organizing, and getting started. It’s not an issue of eliminating stress, because that is not possible. It’s all about knowing when stress moves over into just TOO MUCH. And too much makes it hard for most individuals to do the things they most want to do — effectively. Regardless, when productivity — at work or in personal lives — is interrupted, it’s time to do something to relax, unwind, repair, and get back on track.
For most people, feeling unproductive is worrisome and that “can” lead to even more stress. Consequently, try using that feeling of “I’m not productive” as an early warning signal to slow down and re-focus vs “there is something wrong!”
Ask what specific things/people are getting in your way. Then tackle them one at a time. And more than anything, when productivity is down, switch your attention to your self care. When we each take really good care of ourselves, everything else begins to shift in a positive direction. And be aware I do know how hard that is. Self care usually falls to the bottom of the list when you are pushed and feeling you aren’t getting things done. REALITY: if you can put self care at the top of your list, other things will fall into place…!!