We want to be fast? We want to be productive?
Why?
To have more time for the things that are really relevant to us and bring joy to our live. To have more time for relaxation and to regain energy.
And. To have time with our families and friends.
But, how can we become more productive?
By doing the counterpart.
Why is being too fast counterproductive
If we only and always hustle, we are stressed and do not have enough time to recover.
Additionally, we are working without thinking. If we have to solve a task, we just start without thinking about the problem. Our mind is occupied by the idea to be fast. Just find a solution. Fast. Mostly, this leads to mistakes and less optimal solutions.
Mistakes. Yes, I mentioned them before.
We are making more of them, if we just hustle without clear plan or structure. By more concentration, we could avoid a lot of them and be more productive.
Once again, we have to slow down.
Slower means more concentration
By making slower, we give us time that is needed to solve a problem and think about possible solutions. That leads to structure and a plan which makes us feel comfortable. Our motivation and self-confidence rises.
Additionally, slower interactions support our brain and our subconscious mind to find solutions that we may already know. Mostly at times when we did not expect to find one. Under the shower, during sports or before going to bed. It is like an additional hardware processor that works in parallel and uncovers the deep knowledge in our brain.
We must allow us to be imperfect
Most people strive for perfection. But perfection is only a process. It is not clearly defined and hard to achieve.
If we allow us to be imperfect, we will growth.
- We are less afraid of makting mistakes from which we can learn a lot. Mistakes can be a big chance to get better and improve constantly.
- Even if we try to create great content (solving a task, writing an essays, writing a books, drawing a picture, filming a video, etc.), we know that we won’t always cover all possible solutions. There are endless possibilities to solve different tasks and with more complexity, the possible solutions increase even more. We do not have to be perfect. A solution is better than no solution.
- We are focused to finish things instead of thinking too much about them. Without a plan and structure, this can lead to frustration and uncompleted tasks. Our motivation decreases and we give up. We must find a balance between starting to early and thinking too long.
May the following tips help you.
Tips for slowing down and being more productive
We can support us by following some simple rules:
- Making breaks. We should separate our working time and make breaks between these high productive moments. 60 minutes of work, 5-10 minutes break.
- We should avoid switching between our tasks too often. Our mind needs time to concentrate after an interruption. Researches found out that it takes between 5-7 minutes to regain concentration and being focused.
- Clean the desk and space around you. An untidy space disturbs the concentration and makes us feel distracted.
- Working from home (if possible). From time to time it is a good idea to work from home. Without the presence of other people, we are more focused and concentrated.
- If you are stuck, change the task or make a break. Yes, I said, we should not switch, but if we cannot find a solution to a task, we should change the perspective. Do another task or some sports. Everything else, but not the former task. Sometimes it needs time to process the information and see solutions which appear from nowhere.
Have joy in your life.
See ya.