What is Productivity? The Basics of How it Works

What is Productivity? The Basics of How it Works

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Productivity Images – Unsplash.com

Introduction

Productivity is so unbelievably important. Yet, most people don’t prioritize it anyways. Here, and in the next few posts, that will all change.

Most people grow and age in their teenage years watching television, feeding off of dopamine, and scrolling on your phone day after day, hour after hour, minute after minute. A majority of folks don’t know how to control themselves when it comes to their phones, social medias, and so many other online platforms.

Dopamine is hell of a drug. What can you do?

In this post, as well as in the next few, we are going to take a deep dive on everything productivity-related. Soon enough, your previous bad habits will change and you will know more than ever about changing. Also, feel free to do some research on any of the concepts discussed in this blog if you ever find yourself curious for more.

What does it mean to be ‘Productive’?

As defined by Oxford languages, productive is: 

“Achieving or producing a significant amount or result.”

In other words, being productive is also code name for efficiency and work accomplishments being fulfilled.

For example, imagine that instead of me spending my precious time scrolling non-stop on my phone, I could instead be doing something productive, which may include fulfilling a hobby, exercising, completing schoolwork, or completing something else that is a good use of my time, or where I am accomplishing a goal of mine. 

Challenges

When you are starting out, it’s hard maximizing your productivity. This statement is coming from someone who has already experienced all of these obstacles, has overcame them, and a person who has already fulfilled dozens of different life-changing goals which all form the person I am today. Without that realization, it’s hard to reach of point of success, fulfillment, and genuine happiness. 

So, before you start, and get out there, completing those tasks again and again. I want you to comprehend something first. This is that it may be difficult for some of you to let go of that TV remote, video game controller, or leave that mind-controlling app downloaded on your phone. But, just do it. It won’t hurt to spend of couple of minutes doing something productive, rather than feeding off of dopamine-inducing activities. 

Gradually, you will continue these good habits, and do them for more and more time every single day. But, remember, we must learn to crawl before we can walk. That shouldn’t be the other way around. 

In the previous section, we covered how to gradually be more productive like it’s nothing. But, what if someone wants results fast? How can I start doing ‘productive’ things ASAP? Is that possible? The answer is of course it’s possible!

In order to fulfill such a goal though, there are some considerations to be aware of. The first point is that you have to be willing to switch. If you cannot let go of your bad habits, change will be nearly impossible. The second point is that you must be ready to work. If you are willing to grind, maximize your productivity, and accomplish your goals, you can do this.

Here are my suggestions (for drastically being more productive):

  1. Cut out all distractions
  2. Create a perfect workspace – In more depth, have a space where you can work comfortably (whether that’d be in your own home, at a local library, or anywhere else). If you attempt to work somewhere that is just not ideal for working (e.g. a sofa or bed), finding yourself getting work done should not be expected. In each reality, there is absolutely no way you are getting good work done while you’re slouching on the sofa.
  3. Get Good Sleep & Drink Plenty of Water – In case you are asking, good sleep and good water consumption is pivotal for one main reason in this case; that being concentration. No matter how productive you may naturally be, if you simply cannot concentrate, you won’t get anything done. Change this and you will see a difference.
  4. Take Breaks – Give your mind some time to mentally reset itself and constantly maintain the same focus throughout the day. As a suggestion, consider going outside for some sunlight, as well as exercising to-according to studies-improve your train of thought. 
  5. Create a To-Do List – This will ensure that you are organized, on task, and know what to do at all times. 
  6. Include other variables – Instead of just sitting in silence when completing a task, why not play music or a podcast? Add in some other variables that make it more fun to get work done. Of course, this depends on the type of person, but if you’re ever open to try it, go for it!
Productivity works by you accomplishing tasks, completing high-value tasks (even if it doesn’t seem like it), and fulfilling your goals. Instead of sitting around contemplating life and what you could do today, why not take action? Do what’s best for you mentally and physically. 
 

Endnotes

Now, it’s your turn. This time, I want you to brainstorm what you can get done, unless you already have tasks around the house, at school, or in your mind to get done. Do what’s best for you. 

As a reminder, do the hard work especially when you don’t feel like it.