PRODUCTIVITY (n). – the quality, state, or fact of being able to generate, create, enhance, or bring forth goods and services

EFFICIENCY (n.) – the state or quality of being efficient, or able to accomplish something with the least waste of time and effort; competency in performance.

Did you know you can be super productive… but still not finish anything?

Did you know you can be SUPER efficient…but still run out of time?

Did you know if you figure out how to be both…you’ve hit the jackpot?!

I have been running Productivity Academies consistently for the last 18 months. I have trained corporate teams, ministry teams, and a bunch of amazing, sweet swHw women!

One thing I have noticed — not every student comes into PA with a big mess of a life. I have several that, by most standards, have it pretty “together.” But they’re still sinking. Why?

Because they are missing something: either they’re productive but not efficient ,or they’re efficient but not productive.

So…how do you know which category you’re in? Let’s find out.

Being productive means you are probably the kind of person who is always creating. You may be creating a product, a service, a clean home, a lovely bath-time experience for your toddler, a newly remodeled room, a fancy dinner, a not so fancy dinner, etc. However, even with all the creating, you still can’t get caught up. You are always busy and always behind.

Scroll back up and read the definition of efficiency one more time. You may be the kind of person able to get more done in less time. Your friends and co-workers may gawk at you in amazement when you turn in that 22-page proposal you wrote in 1/8 of the time it takes them. Your mom friends bow down to you when you show up with four dozen homemade cupcakes after finding out only yesterday the PTO needed you to bake them. You are the last minute gal. If someone needs it done, you can make it happen! Just give you 5 minutes to focus, right?

Wrong. You are knocking tasks out quickly and yet, you still can’t catch up on life. You’re run down, tired, and ready to go hide in your closet with a box of chocolate.

Here’s the problem:

When you’re productive, you’re constantly producing, But are you producing the right stuff? And are you finishing anything or just wasting time starting new projects?

When you’re efficient, you get things finished FAST! But because you know you can get things done quickly, do you often find yourself procrastinating?

Bottom line: you need to possess both skills to reach maximum performance in both your business and your home.

Now, let’s put the two definitions together and see what happens: When you’re both productive and efficient, you are “able to generate, create, enhance, or bring forth goods and services: AND able to accomplish something {those goods and services} with the least waste of time and effort and possess competency in effort.

Now that we’ve established both matter, here are 7 quick tips to help you make it happen:

  1. Ask: Is what I’m working on most important?
  2. Only create 1-3 things at a time.
  3. FINISH what you start.
  4. Give yourself deadlines. (Set timers!)
  5. Don’t overcommit – Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should.
  6. If you hate a specific task you find yourself doing over and over, causing you to procrastinate more and more – DELEGATE it.
  7. When you finish a big project, move on to the next. No more than a 15-minute break is needed. Otherwise, you won’t ever get started again.

Need some productivity and efficiency in your life? Click here to enroll in Somer’s next Productivity Academy. Spots are filling up fast, and she’d love to have you!