Last week, I asked, “What would make 2018 more productive for you? Please email me the first thing that comes to your mind.” Before I summarize the responses, a big thank you to the 800+ people who sent me personalized responses. Someone pointed out that asking the question itself already helped because it motivated her to review her plans and targets.
My question had been intentionally open, and as such, I received feedback on productivity ideas pertaining to both personal and professional life. In some ways, answers were all over the place, including numerous answers that I had no idea were somehow related to productivity. That said, as themes emerged, at times, I could sense some respondents have their productivity initiatives under control with others struggling. I'll touch on the main themes below.
First off, to the classic definition of productivity. A lot of respondents mentioned they wanted more time:
My first thought was more time – but then I quickly realized that is the wrong answer – as it is not possible – and productivity is “return on time” not time itself
Well, there is no “wrong answer” and, as many indicated in their responses they were half joking about wanting more time in the day and/or week. The biggest time sucker judging by the lashing out by respondents appear to be social media enabled smart phones:
Great question and my answer is cutting back on my “time saving” devices, especially my phone. I'm dealing with teenagers spending too much time on their devices as well so I'm leading by example. I've found my productivity is up when I'm not checking it constantly and things are better in our family when we are unplugged.
Warmer weather and cutting off social media.
I already took the Facebook app off my phone. I'm hoping it helps me use my free time (including my 45-min commute) for reading books and magazines and listening to high-quality podcasts.
Everyone putting their phones down!
My main thought is more quiet time without interruptions, not any gadget.
To all those that indicated they want to get rid of their iPhone, I have bad news: someone responded he had an old flip phone and still received too many messages. High on the list was email management, with many hoping to receive fewer or more concise emails, less spam and, yes, fewer surveys such as the one I sent. But it's not just in the INBOX, there is simply too much junk out there:
Making sure my emails don't manage my day
2018 would be more productive for me if I had a better strategy for taming my inbox.
One work day without e-mail per week
If I could get a “”bot”” to answer my email, I'd love it!
An EMP attack would make a nice break from email for 2 or 3 years
A better curating process for the information I consume
I think spending less time online would probably have the largest effect. …the multitude of various channels signaling “hey look here” today — it didn't use to be like that. It's getting too distracting even for a guy who's been exposed to the net for decades.
A thoughtful response explained we are victims of our own success in being more efficient at many daily tasks:
…take business travel: 15 years ago, I called my travel agent and told her that I needed to go to Geneva on a specific date and needed a hotel. She would comply and come up with a complete (probably ridiculously expensive) itinerary. Who is using travel agents any more these days? I can do it myself and better, choose among the best flights etc and the whole package probably is a lot cheaper than a trip arranged by a travel agent.
… admin work that used to be done by assistants … now is being done by a more and more limited group of people within an organization. It is more effective …, but ..in spite of digitalization and automation I spend more and more time doing “these admin” things and I have less time doing what I really should be doing: being creative and interact with clients
In that context, and going back to more traditional interpretations of productivity, there were calls to increase focus. There appears to be desperation to cut through the noise when it comes to any type of information:
Focus, Strategy and Discipline.
More focused, less distracted…
focusing on fewer things
Be better at doing the important tasks first, instead of the urgent
Better filters to figure out what not to work on, including those areas of such general interest, that we are very unlikely to attain an analytical edge.
More disciplined time management (stick to allotted times for meetings etc ). Having more time to think of really deeply about key issues, rather than just coping. Committing to a ‘mental reset' session at least three times a week (sport, mediation, etc). Having a morning routine and end day routine (first hour, last hour) with no media, technology interference to allow focus
The ability to tune out “noise” both societal and in the investment world.
The confidence to pay less attention to Washington DC news
Regarding general time management:
