It is vain to do with more what can be done with less.

William of Occam

As I consider my own workflow and goal-setting behavior, the truth is that I’ll have more to do. Instead of stressing about how much I’ll have to do, instead, the deadlines, and time crunch can (hopefully) help prioritize things.

I need to audit my daily activities and consider what is definitely needed. Wha do I need to focus on…and need to do? Additionally, what is just busywork that I use to fill the hours?

When I was working in the fiberglass factory, I would spend much of my time looking at the clock and waiting for the end of the day. I’m not in that position anymore. With the exception of class and meetings…I can come and go as I please.

Are you busy, or are you being productive?

If I’m doing busy work…just to bide my time, there has to be a better way.

If I’m being productive…and it’s addressing my bottom line, or goals…it’s worth it.

Busy work, or busy time is unproductive. Go home. Play with the kids. Set up a movie date with the family.

A perfect example is a paper I have due today. I know it’ll get done. Our procrastinating over the past couple of days has just increased stress…and more procrastinating. Just set a deadline and get it done. I always get it done.

Focus. Be productive. Spend less and less time just being busy.

John Spencer shares nine changes to make the shift from busy to being productive.

1. Prioritize what was important.
2. Learn how to say “no” to the things that don’t matter.
3. Create a schedule and stick with it.
4. Create templates and use those.
5. Engage in deep work.
6. Do the dreaded work first.
7. Focus on one project at a time.
8. Schedule rest the way you would schedule an appointment.
9. Understand the emotional elements of being busy.

This post is Day 44 of my #100DaysToOffload challenge. Want to get involved? Find out more at 100daystooffload.com.

Photo by Johnson Wang on Unsplash