PRODUCTIVE OR BUSY?

When it comes to working, there's a common misunderstanding. People often confuse being productive with being busy. Let's break this down with simple words and a bit of clever wit to reveal the difference between the two and why we should stop glorifying busyness.

Picture yourself as a bee buzzing around. You're flapping your wings, visiting flowers, and getting pollen all over yourself. That's being busy. Now, imagine that instead of buzzing around aimlessly, you're focused on making honey. That's being productive. In other words, busyness is about constant motion, while productivity is about getting meaningful things done.

"Busyness isn't good for business." - a Clarism

Being busy means you prioritize efficiency. You're like a well-oiled machine, doing tasks quickly and completing them one after another. It's like running on a treadmill: you're moving fast, but you're not really going anywhere.

On the other hand, being productive is all about effectiveness. You focus on the tasks that matter most, and you make sure your energy is spent on what will truly make a difference. It's like running a marathon: you have a clear goal in mind, and every step brings you closer to the finish line.

But why should we stop glorifying busyness?

It's simple: busyness doesn't always translate into success. Think of it this way: if you're too busy buzzing around, you might not have time to make honey. Being busy can actually slow you down in the long run, as you may waste time on tasks that don't contribute to your overall goal.

The real hero is productivity. By being effective, you ensure that your time and energy are spent wisely. You prioritize tasks, set goals, and work towards them with purpose. You make honey instead of just buzzing around, and that's something to celebrate.

So, how can we shift from being busy to being productive? Here are a few tips:

1. Set clear goals: Know where you're headed and what you want to achieve. This helps you focus on tasks that truly matter.
2. Prioritize tasks: Not all tasks are created equal. Identify what's most important and tackle those tasks first.
3. Break tasks into smaller steps: Large tasks can be overwhelming. Break them down into manageable steps to make progress easier and more enjoyable.
4. Limit distractions: Social media, emails, and other distractions can quickly eat up your time. Set boundaries to keep your focus on the tasks at hand.

"When you know what gives you traction, everything else becomes a distraction." - a Clarism

5. Learn to say "no": Saying "yes" to every task or request can lead to busyness. It's okay to say "no" when you need to protect your time and energy for what's truly important.

In conclusion, being busy and being productive are two very different things. Busyness focuses on efficiency, while productivity prioritizes effectiveness. By ditching the glorification of busyness and embracing productivity, we can better use our time and energy to achieve meaningful goals. Remember, "busyness isn't good for business," but productivity is the real key to success.

Dave Clare, CEO & Founder - Circle Leadership

 

WEEKLY CLARISM

 

 

Please see above...you get the point.