12 Ways to Effectiveness

Written and narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi – Originally Published 11.11.2014

How many times have you got to the end of the day and while lying in bed before you nod off you wonder, “Shit, what did I really achieve today?”

In this episode, I share the remaining 6 productivity hacks to that have helped me get to the end of most days feeling better about what I achieved. Enjoy the show.

7. Plan the day and only use to-do-lists as necessary.

I am in two minds when it comes to writing lists but I feel the benefits of a list still supersede the cons. When you rely on a list to get things done it becomes a go-to guide and can take away the automation and routine of life. If we are reliant on lists when we are without things may slip.

If you live your days by themes, as suggested above, a to-do-list should never be the deal breaker as it relates to your total output. Themes align with our values whereas lists are more useful as reminders. I suggest using lists sparingly.

Writing things down certainly help retention whether that is a goal, a task, a thought, an idea, or even a shopping list. They become useful in moments when you are focused on others tasks allowing us to write it down, remove it from sight and thought, and continue with the task at hand.

It is good to train your memory by not using a list but it is also good to free up space for more important matters by outsourcing the unimportant to a list.

8. Start the day off by attending to the important tasks first.

In the book, Eat that Frog by Brian Tracey, he suggests we tackle the most pressing, uncomfortable and important tasks first. Sometimes these are the tasks that we tend to procrastinate over more, that we may not enjoy as much, could be more time-consuming, and may require more energy, focus and attention. These are exactly the tasks we should start with each day.

This method works. Don’t wait until 6 pm to do your exercise, do it first thing in the morning. By waiting until the afternoon, not knowing what else may arise throughout the day that drains your energy and willpower, you end up depleted. You give yourself an out and skip the exercise.

In living by themes do what is most important to you first. If it is writing then write. If you need to make sales calls, then make sales calls. If it means managing people then manage people. Paperwork, admin, and tick the box tasks that don’t require a high level of attention and energy can wait until last.

When you get the difficult and most challenging tasks done first you will find yourself on a high. You will feel more accomplished earlier on in the day and this will motivate you to plough through the less important tasks. Everything else becomes easier.

9. Outsource more.

It is really amazing what you can outsource these days and how easy it is. Many of us are most likely already outsourcing many things without realising it. House cleaning, ironing, getting your car washed while shopping, have your tax done. This is outsourcing – to have other experts complete things on your behalf in order to free up your time.

The goal is to free up your time. Don’t clutter your time with tasks that either could be easily and affordably done by someone else or that someone else could do a better job. The more I outsource the more important tasks or pleasure activities I can fit into my day.

Write a list of all the things you do daily and weekly and assess which of these could perhaps be done by someone else. Come up with some creative ways in which you may be able to outsource them and then start outsourcing. Start with tasks that will give you the biggest return on your time. Those that chew up most of your time but can be handled by someone else.

10. Don’t wait, just act – 3,2,1, GO!

The killer of productivity is procrastination. We often wait too long before starting. We dream of being perfect before we start. Nothing is ever perfect and perfection, if possible, will only come after we begin. We wait for a perfect moment, now is that moment.

The idea of setting New Year resolutions is good and not so good. It’s good because having a set date is good for mental preparation and usually you feel more accountable as you let others know of your intentions or go on the journey with someone else but any date is good for this. We don’t have to wait for that one day of the year to make a change or pursue our dreams and desires.

11. Get your energy right.

With the right health and fitness your energy to do things increases dramatically. I have tried and tested this and proven it to myself again and again. Yet, by no means am I perfect.

We can become so accustomed to our routines and ways in life that it feels like this is the best energy we can have. We have been conditioned in every possible way.

Sometimes we look at the lives of others and they seem to get so much done. “How do they do it,” we ask ourselves. It’s easy to tell ourselves that they are just blessed with good genes but the reality is that they are healthy both physically and mentally.

The keys to good health as far as I can tell is a good diet, plenty of exercise and movement, mental awareness and mind training, good growth ability and sleep.

12. Learn, study and continue self-improvement.

This is one of my themes – growth. Compare yourself to who you were yesterday not to anyone else. Try aim to be 1% better each day in any aspect of your life. Over a year that’s a 3800% improvement. Science proves that progress is integral to one’s overall well-being and longevity.

There are books to read, podcasts to listen to, seminars to attend. You can enrol in a new course and learn something you’ve always wanted to. You could simply try being kinder. Improvement comes in many shapes and sizes. You are the best person to know what and where you wish to make greater progress in life.

There you have it, 12 tips of becoming a more productive you and getting more out of your life every day. Stop telling yourself there are not enough hours in the day. There is more than enough.

Leave your thoughts, comments and questions below. Reach out directly by email of social media. Peace, Passion & Purpose. 

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.