Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between motion and action to enhance productivity by focusing on tasks that yield tangible results towards one's goals.

Abstract

The article "Reclaiming Productivity with Action That Produces Results for Your Goals" discusses the common misconception of equating busyness with productivity. It introduces the concept, inspired by James Clear, that true productivity stems from action, not mere motion. The author suggests that while many of us engage in activities that keep us busy, such as planning or researching, these actions do not necessarily lead to the achievement of our goals. To increase productivity, the author recommends focusing on single tasks, clearing physical and digital clutter, and dedicating a portion of the day to high-priority tasks without distractions. The article also advocates for the benefits of sunlight and exercise to boost mental performance and overall productivity. By setting clear priorities and committing to focused action, individuals can overcome the fear of failure and achieve more meaningful progress.

Opinions

The author believes that multitasking is ineffective and that giving full attention to a single task is more productive.
Clearing one's workspace of unnecessary items is seen as crucial for maintaining focus and reducing distractions.
The article suggests that smartphones are significant sources of distraction and should be kept out of sight and mind during focused work sessions.
Planning the next day's tasks the night before helps in prioritizing and tackling the most important goals first.
The author promotes the idea of dedicating 20% of the day (90 minutes) to work on the most critical task, ensuring a sense of accomplishment even if the rest of the day is less productive.
Regular exposure to sunlight and exercise is considered beneficial for cognitive function and productivity.
The author acknowledges that everyone has unproductive days and emphasizes the importance of self-forgiveness and the commitment to try again the next day.
By consistently practicing focused attention, the author believes that one can strengthen their ability to concentrate and minimize distraction over time.

Reclaiming Productivity with Action That Produces Results for Your Goals

Clearing space for what matters.

I work from home or a coffee shop.

OK. I work from a coffee shop. Come on; caffeine is my one vice.

Whether you work from home or your favorite legal addictive stimulate dispensary, both places provide major distractions helping us to remain busy, but not productive.

Productivity is the result I’m after.

Recently, I learned from James Clear, do not confuse motion with action. Revelatory! I had never thought of productivity in those simple terms. Motion doesn’t lead to results; the action does.

Most of us stay in motion because it makes us feel like we are doing something, but what we are doing is not in action. To me this means busy work — checking email, twitter notifications, answering calls, texts, and emails. Many of us stay in the safety of motion because taking action means risking failure. Taking action means putting ourselves out there, to be seen, where failure is always the risk.

Here are some of Clear’s examples of the distinction between motion and action.

If I outline 20 ideas for articles I want to write, that’s motion. If I actually write and publish an article, that’s action.
If I search for a better diet plan and read a few books on the topic, that’s motion. If I actually eat a healthy meal, that’s action.
If I go to the gym and ask about getting a personal trainer, that’s motion. If I actually step under the bar and start squatting, that’s action.

Clear says set up a schedule for your actions and stick to it.

Here are small changes you can make to increase your action column.

Stop multitasking — Instead, give laser-focused attention to what matters to you. Stay focused on the essentials instead of busying yourself with the non-essentials. I used to be the queen of multitasking. What that means to me, now, is giving little attention to a lot of different tasks, and none of them are being done well — with purpose and meaning.

Focus on one goal at a time.

Clear your desk of clutter — Clear everything you don’t need for your primary task off your desk. If it is a non-essential, meaning you don’t need it to get the task at hand completed, it is potentially causing a distraction. You may glance at it, want to file it, or just the mere fact that it is sitting on your desk causes your mind to wonder. If you don’t have time to sort it into a pile or file it, at least get it off your desk, and go through it later.

Try to make later, the near future. There is nothing wrong with making a pile of “to do later.”

Let’s get real about your iPhone — Unless it is completely turned off or buried under a pillow four rooms away, it is a distraction. Studies have shown even if you are not checking your phone while you work, the buzz from a text, or even when your phone lights up, will make your mind wander taking focus off your task.

Before bed — Choose your task for the next day. Write down three to five things you plan to get done the next day. Rank them from highest to lowest priority. In the morning, focus on the task of the highest priority. Only move on to the second goal when you’ve completed the first. Repeat.

By focusing on the most important goals you nail down your priorities and are not overwhelmed with the plethora of goals you are trying to accomplish.

When I wake up with thoughts of 100 things I need to get done for the day, I get nothing done. I spin my wheels for a good hour. When I decide the night before what one goal must get done first, I tackle that with fierce focus and get it done quickly, and have more time for the non-essential goals.

Carve out 20% of your day for the tasks you wrote down the night before and work on that task with focus for 90 minutes of your day.

You can commit to 90 minutes of your day to concentrate on getting that most crucial task complete. Think about it like this, 90 minutes is 20% of an 8-hour day, even if you do nothing for the rest of the day, you will still feel a feeling of accomplishment.

For those 90 minutes, I ignore my phone, my dog, my partner’s texts, my email, my grumbling stomach saying “give me food,” my bills, my everything, except the task at hand.

My writing output has increased ten-fold since I have been practicing this method.

Get sun and exercise — Sunlight and exercise boost productivity. Studies have found that sunlight helps people process faster and perform better on tests that involve mental function and memory recall. A 30- minute run also increases productivity output and helps you to focus and complete tasks more quickly.

Be kind to yourself.

We all have days where it just isn’t happening. We are human, we all trip up, and are easily distracted some days more than others. That’s OK, forgive yourself, move on, and try to have a more productive day tomorrow.

When we practice focused attention and not giving into distraction, we are exercising the prefrontal cortex, making it easier to focus in the days to come.

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Jessica is a writer, an online entrepreneur, and a recovering perfectionist. She lives in Los Angeles with her extrovert daughter, two dogs, and two cats.