This Truly Makes You More Productive

Increased productivity – we all want it! What comes to mind when you think about being more productive?

Whether it’s conscious or not, the tendency is to attempt to accomplish more and faster. It doesn’t take long to realize how overwhelming and counterproductive that approach is.

Overfilling your plate is what I affectionately refer to as the Taco Salad Principle. If that’s your tactic, then be sure to check out this post.

This Hinders Your Productivity

Today, I want to draw your attention to another significant deterrent to increased productivity that you may not have considered. A cluttered mind.

You are most productive when your mind is free to fully focus on the task at hand. So, what’s taking up space in your head and keeping you from applying the energy and focus needed for you to be more productive?

While it’s different for everyone, which of the following do you find cluttering your mind and reducing your capacity to bring your best self to what’s most important?

• Replaying the past which tends to lead to guilt
• Worry or dwelling on what might happen in the future which produces anxiety
• What needs to be done – a mental to do list
• Negative thoughts
• Unfinished tasks
• Unprocessed emotions
• Unconfronted fears
• Keeping tabs on all your many responsibilities
• Unforgiveness
• Unresolved conflict
• Perpetually doing
• Physical clutter – which reflects what’s happening on the inside.

The Truth About Clutter

Postponed decisions – that’s what clutter is. You heard that right! The piles of paper, unprocessed emotions, or replaying the past are actually decisions that are begging to be made! While it may not be a conscious, the result of not making necessary decisions is being stuck. In that place being ultra productive just isn’t possible. That’s the benefit of taking proactive steps to keep your mind free of clutter – greater productivity.

What’s the secret to a clear and clutter free mind? Happy habits! Ready to start taking baby steps in that direction? Here are some simple steps worth taking:

1. Connecting Daily With God

Spending time in God’s presence is a delightfully effect in way to clear your mind because it allows you to:

• • • Pour out your heart – your frustrations, concerns, and cares and lay them at the feet of Jesus. It’s a sweet relief to surrender them to Him.
    • Ask God for help.
    • Reconnect with what’s must important to Him, which we often drift from in the course of a day.
    • Remember vital truths – He’s the One in control and more than capable. He loves you and wants the best for you.
    • Hear from God as He shows you how to wisely navigate your circumstances.
    • Soak in the Word – God’s love letter to you!

In order to make space to connect with God, you’ll probably have to prioritize and eliminate some activities. That’s not a bad thing!

2. Journaling

Whatever is taking up space in your mind, get it all out on paper, and the more frequently the better!

Journaling is a great way to offload all that’s swimming around in your head. I like to do that in my prayer journal each morning as a part of my time with God. It’s also where I list daily what I’m grateful for and what I’m feeling. It’s a fantastic way to lighten my mental load every day!

My prayer journal is not my only journal. I keep a two other journals – one to process as needed and another to reflect and process how life and work are going as a part of my monthly reflection time. Reflecting is another excellent way to reduce what’s cluttering my mind.

3. Adopt A Planning Process

Planning serves dual purposes. Not only does it declutter your mind but it also encourages you to prioritize what’s vying for your attention.

To get the most out of the planning process it’s important to know what your goals for the year, quarter, month, week, and each day. Having clear targets makes a powerful difference, but that’s just part of the process!

Next, get in the habit of doing a brain dump either before you go to bed or when you first get up. As I mentioned, I include it in my time with God each morning. Perhaps for you it’s best to do when you arrive at the office. Jot down everything that needs to be done.

Then determine your Top 3 priorities for today – the most critical tasks to be completed. Be sure to consider the space you have available for accomplishing tasks. On days I have a packed client schedule, it’s unlikely that I will have space to complete big tasks so that’s something to think about as I choose my Top 3 priorities.

Once you’ve identified your Top 3 priorities, list everything else that you’d like to get done in priority order. You might be amazed at how this simple step impacts what you are able to accomplish.

Here’s what that might look like:

For items you’d like to keep top of mind, but you know aren’t feasible to do today, I find that Google calendar’s task feature is a lifesaver. Simply create a task and plot it on the day you want to tackle that task. It also ensures that you don’t let any tasks or follow up items slip through the cracks. It looks like this:

4. Implementing Processes & Systems

Planning is certainly a process, but what other processes or systems might you put in place to reduce the clutter in your head? Simple things like assigning tasks to certain day, wrapping up your day by clearing your desk, or having a consistent place to jot down info you don’t want to forget.

5. De-cluttering

While it might not seem connected, a cluttered environment only compounds any internal clutter you might be experiencing. How might you begin to eliminate the physical clutter around you?

Brain fog is clutter you don’t need! When your diet and sleep habits aren’t ideal, your brain might be a bit fuzzy! Perhaps it’s time for some new habits or a detox.

Or what about the many expectations that lead to disappointment or frustration that are taking up space?

6. Exercising

Physical activity is a marvelous way to clear your head and process what’s competing for your attention. The good news is that being more active also has a host of other benefits like reducing stress, contributing to better health, and developing more positive emotions. It doesn’t have to be a rigorous gym work out – a simple dance to an upbeat tune or a walk is great!

7. Blocking Out Time

When you are always available, there’s not time to give your full attention to important tasks. As a result, you may find yourself putting out fires rather than accomplishing essential responsibilities.

Consider blocking out regular times when you are “unavailable” to concentrate on your priorities. That could be the two hours before lunch, the two hours right after lunch, or some other time that suits your schedule better. Then, communicate clearly to those who need to know what your “unavailable” times are.

When people know when you are unavailable, they are less likely to break your train of thought and clutter up your thinking.

8. Getting Outside

Nature is naturally cleansing and restorative. A walk, hike, or simply ten minutes on a bench soaking in your surroundings will do you good!

9. Creating Routines

Yes, routines eliminate a host of decisions that need to be made! Consider a morning or evening routine for starters!

10. Seeking Support

Even ambitious, independent souls need other people. How might you create a network of support? People who are sounding boards, check-in to see how you are progressing towards your goals, and pray for you?

You might choose to be a part of a community like The LAB where like-minded folks connect. Or you may prefer to work one-on-one with a coach – someone who is a confidential sounding board as well as someone who is able to challenge your thinking in ways that will aid in your success. Most successful leaders work regularly with a coach because it is an excellent way to process sensitive situations, make great decisions, and become aware of blind spots too. It may seem like a luxury, but it’s actually more of a necessity!

Part 2

I’ve shared nearly a dozen ways to clear your mind, but here are two ways to intentionally fill your mind and make you more productive too!

1. Filtering What You Focus On

Limit the clutter you allow in your mind in the first place! That’s a bit different for everyone. It might be social media, negative or toxic relationships, unforgiveness, fear, putting off making decisions, or _____________ for you.

2. Meditate

Allowing your mind to dwell on negative thoughts is meditating. Rather than overthinking, worrying, or dwelling on negative thoughts break the cycle and consider meditating on…

• • • A favorite scripture.
    • Who God is.
    • The many ways God has demonstrated His love and faithfulness.
    • Your One Word.
    • A hymn or worship song that means something to you.
    • What you are grateful for.

That’s what it means to take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5b (NIV)

A mind free of clutter and increased productivity sounds pretty awesome, right? What changes would make that possible for you?