This will increase your productivity by 90%
Focus = Productivity: Unlocking the Key to Increased Efficiency.
A lot of people struggle with being productive in their activities.
Before now, I was someone like this too. Just working and bursting my ass out thinking I am productive.
You could be actively doing something tirelessly and yet; you are not productive with that activity.
Did you know that the number of hours/times spent on an activity doesn't necessary mean that time spent on the activity is a productive time. Oh, "Now you know 🎵🎵🎵".
It took a while before I realized this even after reading lots of books on productivity and time management. These books highlighted what is needed to be productive, but I just didn't see it.
So, what's that thing that increases productivity by 90%?
Drum roll......
FOCUS.
Yes, FOCUS.
Focus is what you need to be able to increase your productivity by 90%, and not the number of hours you spent doing that work.
You could spend 6 hours doing something and not get results as someone that spent 3 hours doing that same thing.
You could read a book from cover to cover and still not get the main idea from the book than someone who skims through the book.
It all boils down to how focused you are while doing any activity.
Focus = Productivity.
In this day and age, Focus is what most people lack.
There are lots of distractions even in the things we don't count as distractions.
You can be distracted by your hobbies, fantasies, goals, achievements, results, habits and some others. I hope you get the point.
It's counterproductive to be engaged in Twitter scrolling while attempting to absorb new information reading.
Reading and listening at the same time can be distracting and hinder effective comprehension.
Simultaneously chatting and listening may compromise your ability to fully grasp and engage in a conversation.
In short, your mind cannot be in 2 places at the same time, once you have your mind/thoughts all over the place, your productivity reduces.
The more scattered your mind is, the less productive you are. "I've experienced this firsthand."
Cal Newport, in his book "Deep Work" highlights that to attain DEEP WORK, you must be able to focus without distractions on a cognitive task.
Deep Work makes you productive, and you can only be productive when you focus without distractions.
Personally, I find myself less productive when I listen to songs while working. It might be different for you, but if I make any attempt to work while listening to songs or sounds, sope otilo, I've just wasted those precious hours.
To you it might be the opposite, but I still stand on the fact that listening to music while working or reading makes you less productive.
To increase your productivity, it's necessary you focus on just one activity at a time. You no be computer 😏.
If you have a list of things you want to do, have them listed out and tackle them one at a time.
Activity after Activity, not; Activity with Activity.
Doing two important things at the same time would not make you more productive than usual. Doing them one after the other will.
I just got distracted now, checking WhatsApp 🫣.
Mindfulness meditation or quite time increases your ability to focus.
This allows you to be able to pay rapt attention to your present. Your awareness spikes, your creativity develops, your mind becomes less chatter.
To some people meditating might be awkward, they are used to the wake up and start working way. Even if you perceive that you are productive that way, try meditating before starting out and measure the difference. It works like magic.
Here are few ways that I use to increase my focus: "Don't Judge me yet, I never perfect 😤".
I compile a list outlining the tasks I need to complete, whether it's on a physical sheet of paper or in my digital notepad. This practice serves as a constant reminder, helping me stay aware of pending tasks and refocusing my attention whenever distractions arise.
I engage in occasional exercise. Initially skeptical of its benefits, I decided to give it a try. Apart from experiencing a boost in energy, I've noticed improved thinking and cognitive processing. Give it a shot and share your results with me.
I focus on categorizing activities by their significance, distinguishing between high-value and low-value tasks. Low-value activities tend to be time-consuming with limited results. In the context of learning, training sessions consistently fall into the category of high-value activities. Therefore, it's essential not to shy away from engaging in training opportunities.
I find that putting my phone away or turning off notifications significantly enhances my productivity. Remaining constantly connected to the phone, with notifications from various apps constantly interrupting, tends to hinder productivity. Your mind is in different place at the same time (when you are not NARUTO), this is already programming you to be less productive.
Self-Awareness. Maintaining self-awareness is a priority for me. I strive to stay conscious of my surroundings and activities. This practice enables me to recognize distractions and promptly redirect my focus when needed.
You can see it doesn't take a lot to be focused.
You don't need to watch YouTube videos on how to be focused before you can be focused or stop distractions.
It takes intentional efforts from you to be focused.
Try as much as you can to do away with distractions, I know sey e no easy, but you can💪!
Move from being DISTRACTED to being FOCUSED. That might be what you need to compliment your energy while working.
In conclusion, that book that you think you've read and understand, read it again and this time around ensure that you have no distraction, and you will find out that the first time you read it you didn't get anything from the book you thought you had completed.
That's it for today.
I hope you have an idea on how focus can increase your productivity substantially.
Till the next, have a productive week ahead.
Your Boy,
Adebakin Ridwan.
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