5 Ways to Be so Productive You Can Actually Do Nothing

The point of being productive, organized, and efficient isn’t to add even more tasks to your to-do list. The point is to create more time for yourself.

We’ve all experienced a task that takes all afternoon but really only requires a few minutes. A simple effective system that gets you started and finished efficiently lets you welcome more time for the things you enjoy most.

The idea is not to do more, but to do what you need to do, and then stop. Remember, success doesn’t come to those who do the most but to those who do what they need to do and do it well.

If you don’t already have a good system of task management, now’s the time to get one. You’ll be able to individualize it as you go, and you can take advantage of a host of smartphone apps and websites if you like organizing things electronically.

Here are the basics:

WHO is responsible for getting the task done? Are you responsible? Is it something you need to do yourself, or can it be delegated? Sometimes you can outsource a task that would take you four times as long to do yourself, so be smart when answering this question.

WHAT does this task entail? Capture all the data and information you need to complete the task. Make sure you know the parameters, and determine what constructive thinking you can apply to it.

HOW will it be completed? Sketch out the process you need to follow. How will you keep yourself focused?

WHEN does this task need to be completed? Develop a timeline and think about the points where you may need to give things an extra push.

WHY are you doing this task? Connect to your motivation to get the task or project done. What good will it do? What opportunities are there?

When things are getting done, there tends to be a natural flow of creative energy. Once you have completed what you need to do, take some time to do the things you love. Take a nap, read a book, sit in the park, take a walk. You’ve earned it!


N A T I O N A L   B E S T S E L L E R

THE LEADERSHIP GAP

What Gets Between You and Your Greatness

After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.

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Lolly Daskal is one of the most sought-after executive leadership coaches in the world. Her extensive cross-cultural expertise spans 14 countries, six languages and hundreds of companies. As founder and CEO of Lead From Within, her proprietary leadership program is engineered to be a catalyst for leaders who want to enhance performance and make a meaningful difference in their companies, their lives, and the world.

Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.

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