Author info: This is a guest post by Alan Johnson, who teaches you how to Become More Productive Through 7-Day Challenges over at TheRatingBlog.com.
You may have come across quite a few of my guest posts here on AdesBlog or on one of the over 10 great resources where I contribute and may be wondering how on Earth I manage to get so much work done. Ades was actually wondering the same thing, has suggested that I share my experience through this week’s guest post and I was glad to accept the invitation.
Let me get straight to the point: most people aren’t productive and, if you don’t want that to be the case with you as well, you need to do be willing to do the things which seem “impossible” to most folks.
It’s actually a coincidence that Ades has suggested this topic right when I am in the middle of an article series which helps my readers become more productive through 7-day challenges over at my blog. I have listed 9 changes which, if implemented, can and will do wonders as far as your personal productivity level is concerned.
You basically need to get rid of habits which make you waste time and replace them with new ones which are actually worth it. There’s nothing more dangerous than routine: you get used to a certain useless task and let it turn into a habit. But guess what: every minute adds up and the results can be shocking.
Most people only say that they want to become more productive, but when it comes to taking things to the next level, they quickly drop the idea. I’ve recently had an offline contact complain about the fact that he never seems to have enough time for anything. I asked him what he wanted to do about it.
He mentioned all sorts of complicated time management methods he has heard about and I interrupted him. “How much time do you spend watching TV?”, I asked, and received “about 2 hours each day” as a response, after which he was silent for a moment, having realized what he had just said. Isn’t it interesting how the person in question complains about lack of time, yet always seems to find 2 hours to waste in front of the tube?
That, my friend, is a clear example of something you need to do differently if you are serious about being productive. Are you facing a similar issue? Does it seem that you cannot find time for anything these days? If so, then are you willing to stop watching TV or drop a similar habit? If the answer to my last question is “no”, then I am afraid that, in your case, there is a huge misunderstanding: you only want to be productive, you’re not actually willing to become productive.
Only a few people actually are and, as a result, only a few people become truly successful. Don’t search for all sorts of complicated approaches when the answer is right in front of you. Dropping habits such as the one I’ve mentioned may seem impossible if you have let routine get the best of you, but down the road, you will definitely look back and congratulate yourself. Are you willing to take things to the next level?
Best wishes,
Alan Johnson
Definitely agree Alan – people amaze me. “I want to be rich”, “I want my own business”, “I want to retire at 40″ etc….
What are you doing to get there? “nothing” EXACTLY
Quit talking and start acting – you’re not going to get shiv done doing the same thing you did yesterday…isn’t that the definition of insanity??
The television set being a time waster is one of my favourites. Shook my TV addiction years ago, haven’t owned a set for six years now! Your brain is more active when you’re asleep than when you’re watching the mindnumb box!
Seorious results plrease i have same problem tho not too much but i want to shake it off. how can i do that please, help me out!!!!!!!!!!!!
I dont think that watching TV is a waste of time per se. I only watch documentaries or the news on TV, both of which add to my sum of knowledge so unless you watch crap on your set, it may not be a waste of time.
But i do agree that you need to identify what it is that wastes your time on a daily basis, and weed out that activity so that you can become more efficient and productive.
My first ever boss, a tough old bird, taught me a golden rule – you are productive if you get the maximum done at the minimum time. He also taught me the Paretto principle of 80/20. I think that I have had a fairly productive and successful life so far. Incidentally, I hardly ever watch the TV though my wife does for about a couple of hours every day.
How many of us spend far too much time visiting blogs we love and posting comments….
Is that productive? I guess that depends what you are looking to achieve.
There has to be a balance though, we were not designed to spend our lives sat down, a lot of us could probably do with getting out a doing some exercise……if only I could fit a small laptop to my Cross Trainer!
The seven habits of highly successful people is an all time favourite read. The only way to become productive is to take it to the next level and to apply oneself. Good habits have to be taught to the organism that is you, and when you get that right (and don’t unlearn the good habits either!) you can function so much more effectively.
Productivity here I come. To be I can be productive at work but when I get home, I don’t want to be productive anymore, is that a bad thing? I don’t want to burn out after been productive for 21 days straight and then not be able to do things properly.
pretty nice pic. i thinkthat pic says everything on its own.freedom
I am sitting right now with the TV on and my notebook on my lap while I blog.
Nice thoughts Alan.
P.S. It is very hard to make old habits disappear.