Productivity without Burnout
Your favorite business witch is back with some Sustainable Productivity tips to help you actually get stuff done. It seems we’re in a constant state of seeking more productivity, but there are healthy ways to get things done that don’t lead to burnout. Let’s dive in!
Stop Multitasking
I know, I know. The temptation to multitask is huge. It’s satisfying to feel so busy and so productive because you’re juggling a ton of things at once. But science tells us that we’re not actually being more productive. Instead, focus on one task at a time.
Task Stack
To make yourself feel better about that one-task-at-a-time focus, stack your tasks. Spend time answering emails, checking Slack, and updating your calendar in the same energetic container.
Create Energetic Containers
What do I mean by an energetic container? Simply, this is a block of time in which you focus your energy and creativity on one type of task. Here are some of mine:
· Writing container: Could include book writing, blog writing, newsletters.
· Networking container: Engaging on social media, reaching out in the DMs, sending personalized emails or voice messages.
· Organization container: Getting my calendar in shape, making personal/medical appointments.
· Pluto’s container: Playing with, walking, and engaging with my dog.
· Family container: Usually in the evenings: dinner time, family connection, movies, and weekend fun.
· Call container: Sales calls, coffee chats, and client calls.
None of these are hard and fast blocks of time. Instead, they align with where my energy is at during the week.
Focus on Big Rocks First
Have you heard the story about the professor who fills a jar with sand, pebbles, and rocks? They can only get everything into the jar if they add the big rocks first. The big rocks are your big priorities for the day or week. What are the 3 things you HAVE to get done in the week? Make sure you put those in your “jar” (or energetic container!) first. Then, you can add the smaller things you need to do. The pebbles of day-to-day tasks, the sand, even water — if you want to follow the metaphor to its conclusion.
By focusing on the big rocks first, you’ll be sure to get the most important parts of your to-do list taken care of. That way, if something gets bumped to the next day or week, it’s a lower-priority item and therefore is less of a big deal.
Take a Break
Taking a break when you need to get things done sounds counterintuitive. Yet, sometimes that’s exactly what you need to do. When you take a break, you give your brain time to process information. It’s also a great way to help yourself be more creative. A stressed mind isn’t innovative — it’s too concerned with the have-to’s, not the I’d-love-to’s.
Set your alarm for 30 minutes and just do nothing. Close your eyes or read a book for fun (NOT that nonfiction, work-related book on your desk!). Listen to music or zone out. With the alarm in place, your brain can chill out. The parts of you that are stressed out can also relax — because it’s just 30 minutes! Make a habit of this, and I promise it’ll change your life.
Use the 5-Minute Rule
That thing you’ve been dreading…How long does it really take to complete? If it’s five minutes or less, just get it done. Our brains aren’t great at telling time when it comes to something we don’t want to do. Unloading the dishwasher probably takes you about 3 minutes when you time it. Answering an email or two probably takes about 5 minutes. Just think of all the little nit-picky tasks you can take care of once you stop obsessing over the fact that you don’t want to do them!