Productivity is a good thing, right? I mean, this is a podcast about productivity for busy women–it assumes that productivity is a good thing. And it is. But there are some downsides associated with pursuing productivity, and in this episode we’re going to look at some of those potential pitfalls, and how to avoid falling into them.
Tip of the Week: According to the Department of Homeland Security’s website, October was National Cyber Security Awareness Month. I didn’t know this until I received an email from a computer security company this week. But it’s a good reminder to think again about the security of our computers and other internet-connected devices. Check out the DHS website (click on the name above) for suggestions on how you can make your online world more secure. Start by taking another look at your online accounts and making sure you’re using complex and unique passwords (as discussed in episode 1).
Tool of the Week: I know it’s been the tool of the week before, but it can’t be said too often, so in honor of National Cyber Security Awareness Month I’ll remind you to consider using a password manager, such as 1Password or LastPass. They help you generate the complex, secure, unique passwords you should be using, and store them for you in an encrypted vault.
Topic of the Week: 7 Productivity Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
- Doing for the sake of having done – remember to keep the big picture in mind. It’s not about getting the most things done, but about making a life that matters.
- Measuring our worth by what we accomplish – remember our value is not in what we do.
- Favoring productivity over people – remember relationships aren’t about efficiency.
- Confusing doing with being – remember productivity is about doing the right things, about doing the necessary things efficiently so we have enough time to enjoy the things that matter.
- Confusing activity with accomplishment – remember that just because we’re doing a lot of stuff doesn’t mean what we’re doing is worthwhile.
- Hiding behind productivity (filling up our time with activity so we don’t have to do the really hard work of dealing with our feelings) – remember to give yourself time and quiet to look at the internal things that need addressing.
- Spending time “doing productivity” instead of actually being productive – remember to keep our systems simple enough that we’re actually getting stuff done instead of tweaking our to-do lists!
Productivity is a means to an end, NOT the end itself.
What do you think? Have you fallen into one of these pitfalls? Do you have a suggestion I didn’t think of for avoiding or overcoming these? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Some resources mentioned in this episode:
- “Is Productivity Really Getting You More from Life?” from the Aliventures blog, August 6, 2009.
- “The Missing Half of Productivity Advice: Why Women Need to Get Involved,” by Ali Luke on the Productive Flourishing, March 9, 2010.
- Mike Vardy’s Productivityist website.
- Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
- Matthew 11:28-29 – “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
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