22 Oct Why Doing Nothing Improves Productivity
If you’ve subscribed to my weekly tips for awhile you’ll know that I try to get away a couple of times a year for a few days of retreat. I’ve just returned from Kripalu and feel much more clear and focused. I’m pretty sure that this quiet week of learning and renewal is one of the best things I do to keep myself productive.
With the numerous demands in today’s crazy-busy world, good productivity practices focus on doing the work that matters most. But, when our minds are full, and bodies exhausted, it’s hard to think clearly enough to know which exactly those things are. Quite and reflection helps me to identify where in-fact my priorities lay. It helps me identify what my most important work is.
Upon returning home I often find re-entry a challenge. How do I not lose the clarity and peace I’ve gained, yet get caught up? My overflowing email inbox could quickly bring on palpitations, so I step into “Cast Off Ruthlessly” mode:
- Is this most important?
- What would happen if I didn’t do it?
- Is there someone else who can do it for me?
If it’s not a priority I don’t do it. I try to carry this “mode” with me all the time, but it’s much easier to do when I have to. Mantra: cast-off, cast-off, cast-off.
All work and no play makes us dull people – not just boring – but not as sharp as we could be. So step it up…and go do nothing.
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