Productivity: work smarter, not harder

Do you ever find yourself with a never ending “to do” list that you just don’t seem to be making progress toward completing?  You end up feeling like you’re constantly doing “busy work.”  Well, maybe you haven’t organized your tasks in a way that lines up with your strengths and how you work the most effectively.  I’m talking about understanding how and when you work best on specific tasks, so you can be more productive toward meeting your creative goals.

For example, I know I am most creative when it comes to tasks like writing in the morning (with some coffee), in mid-afternoon and late in the evening after everyone’s gone to bed.  Thus, I make sure to allow myself time to do those kinds of tasks at those times of the day.

I also write “to do” lists daily, and I’ll admit I usually get carried away with the items that end up on one day’s list.  So, after I can’t think of anymore things to add to my “to do” list for the day (which I usually create in the morning)  I then simplify that list into only two or three priority items that are important I get done that day.  If I get to more on the list, great, but if not at least I got a few important things done.  It’s important to mention that Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you need to cut yourself some slack if you can’t complete everything on your “to do” list every single day.  I’ve mentioned this before in other blog posts, but it’s important to mention again:  Just try to get at least one thing done each day that will help further your creative goals.  The idea is that you will string along several small actions that will have larger results over time.

I also like to get up and move after I’ve spent a good portion of time in focused concentration on any one project.  For example, if I’ve just finished a draft of a logo design project for one of my clients or after I’ve finished recording a demo song for a new album I’m working on I like to take a walk or go for a run and let my subconscious continue to reflect and perfect what I’m working on.  Then I’ll come back to that project later with fresh eyes and ears and new subtle ideas that will enhance the project toward realizing the vision that’s in my head.

In conclusion, I recommend taking some time to reflect on when you work best, in what environment you work best, and how you can organize and prioritize your time to maximize thoseyour ability to check things off of your “to do” list.

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