How to be more productive

Do more by doing less. That's the sum-up.

I can't remember if I wrote about this already or if I've just been telling people about it. At any rate, I'm going to share it (or share it again) because I think it's important.

The story goes that Warren Buffet (one of the richest men in the world) gave his personal pilot some career advise on prioritizing his time and his life. The pilot, Mike Flint, has since flown for four US presidents. (I likely read about it HERE).

The best part about the advise is how simple it is. It is three easy steps with two lists.

Step 1 - Make a list of the top 25 things you want to accomplish (it could be anything from career goals, to simply what you would like to get done this week).

Step 2 - Review the list and circle the 5 that are most important.

Step 3 - Remove the other 20 and don't even consider them (at least until you've accomplished the top 5).

 

I recommend reading the short article by James Clear for the full picture, but that's the gist of it. I think it's brilliant. Of course it can, and will, change from time to time. If you have small children it will be different from when they're older; when you're working vs. retired, single or married, etc, etc.

Personally, I have decided to prioritize these 5 things in my life right now (in no particular order):

1. Physical exercise (running/walking/weight training)
   
2. Daily devotions (reading/praying/journaling at least 5 days/week)
   
3. Work (only because I have to)
4. Sleep (shooting for 8 hours/night)
5. Being available for my wife/mom/kids/grandkids if needed

I didn't really even need to make a list of 25 things, but I did need to eliminate some things that I'm 'sort of' interested in, but to do them would take away from time spent on things I want to presently prioritize. So now is not the time for me to practice guitar, re-learn ukulele, read classic works of fiction, and the like. I still want to do those things... someday... but not now. (This blog actually falls under the 'work' category - long-ish story).

So, what about you? What do you need to prioritize? Or, more importantly, what do you need to ELIMINATE from your list of priorities? 

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“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.” -Philippians 2:14-16