Are You Productive or Just Busy?
The most productive people are not always busy people, they don’t need to be. But, when they are, they know exactly what they’re working on and why. Read the following statements and consider which group best describes how you operate. Is it time to make some changes?
| Productive | Busy | |
| Thinks carefully before taking action | Usually acts first and thinks later | |
| Only has a few priorities | Has heaps of competing priorities | |
| Their to-do list is prioritised and achievable | Has a never ending to-do list | |
| Only focuses on the most important task at any given time | Continually multitasks | |
| Makes time for their top priorities | Complains they don’t have time | |
| Manages their environment to minimise interruptions | Chaos is the normal operating method | |
| Knows when to delegate, delay or dump a task | Takes on all responsibilities | |
| Closes the door on distractions | Opens door to everyone and everything | |
| Knows when to say “No” | Says “Yes” to every request | |
| Allocates time for reflection and planning | Is too busy to plan beyond today | |
| Is always aware of the big picture | Is submerged in the detail | |
| Has clear goals and strategies | Doesn’t have goals, let alone strategies | |
| Measures the quality of their output | Measures the input of their time | |
| Their actions speak for them | Keeps telling others how busy they are | |
| Is achievement focused | Is driven by activity | |
| Learns from failures and improves future outcomes | Plays the victim and blames others | |
| Takes steps to maintain a high energy level | Often feels burned out |
David Floyd
First On The Beach