Busy vs Productive
I understand that running a small business is incredibly busy and demanding. You likely have a never-ending to-do list, and it may seem like there are never enough hours in the day to accomplish everything you need to do. However, it's essential to remember that feeling busy doesn't necessarily mean you're being productive toward your goals.
My day yesterday looked like this:
-7am wake up head to the beach for a few hours so Kara could get some surfing in.
-While there, I sent a handful of emails, did my Sunday planning, and practiced an upcoming presentation I have.
-Grocery shop
-Workout
-Ride dirt bikes with the boys
-Wash said dirt bike
-Make dinner for 7 people
-Practice presentation again
-Go to bed
Today
-Wake up at 5am
-2 hours of silent work
-8 meetings
-Workout
-Go to the Chiro
-Pack for a business trip
So ,yes I get it!
Lets look at my list closer. Are these things helping me accomplish my goals or are they just keeping me busy?
Productivity is about getting the right things done efficiently and effectively. It's about focusing your time and energy on the tasks that will help you achieve your business objectives.
On the other hand, feeling busy often involves being pulled in multiple directions, jumping from task to task without a clear plan or purpose. This can result in a lot of time and effort being wasted on activities that don't move the needle for your business.
To ensure that you're being productive, prioritize your tasks based on their importance and urgency.
Last week we talked about setting clear goals for your business and then breaking them down into smaller, actionable steps. Assign each task a priority level and focus on completing the most critical items first. Avoid getting bogged down in low-priority tasks that don't contribute to your overall objectives.
Another way to increase your productivity is to establish a routine and stick to it as much as possible. Set aside specific times for different types of work, such as checking email or making phone calls, and try to avoid multitasking as much as possible. When you're focused on one task at a time, you'll be more efficient and effective, and you'll likely feel less overwhelmed and busy.
Remember, being busy doesn't always equate to being productive. By prioritizing your tasks and establishing a routine, you can ensure that you're making the most of your time and working towards your business goals.