The Measure of Your Productivity
We all have good days and bad days. There are times when we make breakthrough discoveries, yet at off moments we spin our wheels idly unable to make forward progress. The productivity of our time is measured by the value we, and perhaps more importantly others, derive from the product of our efforts. Our productivity curve is non-linear, in that sometimes we'll generate fantastic value with only a single quick decision, yet at other times we'll spend many hours working on a fruitless endeavor. The most successful among us have learned to pay attention to their efficiency. By observing the measurable value we generate, we are empowered to make decisions that best serve our productivity. Don't despair over "down time" or get too hung up on optimizing your time, each of us needs to refresh our creative and productive energies periodically. Concentrating on effective value from our time is an extension to an earlier topic I covered, how to best market your time.
Breakthrough Moments
At the most wonderfully productive times, you'll experience an accomplishment or make a decision that seems completely obvious and natural to you. But for others your creation is brilliant and solves a major problem they've been battling against for some time. Can this high value creativity be nurtured? Part of me distinguishes creativity as a lucky breakthrough for a hardworking individual, often surrounded in serendipitous finds. Beyond that, I am confident that work habits can aid in increasing the probability of breakthrough events. The work habits I've discussed previously:
- Pursue a labor you are passionate about
- Remove conflicts between your nature and demeanor (being true to yourself, being genuine)
- Socially collaborating
- Maximize your flow state duration
- Limiting stress or distractions