Productivity

I feel extremely compelled to write this morning.  Productivity has been heavy on my mind this week, and it was reinforced this morning during my run.  I'm only giving myself 10 minutes for this, though.

My blog is currently in the middle of a series entitled "Creating a Fitness Routine." If you haven't read about our process check out the three posts here:

• Part 1 -Failure Essential for Success
• Part 2 -Goal Setting
• Part 3 - Keeping Records

I have to admit that staying productive can be tough for me.  Most days at work we're very busy with the tree work, training, and keeping things up and running efficiently.  But when I sit at the office in front of a computer there are so many things reaching out for my attention:  Facebook, Twitter, Google Reader, email (personal, business), and that doesn't even include news sites so I can know what's going on in the world. 

How is a man supposed to concentrate when everything is so readily available?


This isn't new information, but maybe just a reminder.  Or maybe it's just me processing this on my blog.  What it comes down to is prioritizing.  For me the question is not "What do I do first?"  The better question is "What do I not do?" 

• I don't need to have email open all day.  I can check it 3-4 times rather than always having it in real-time.
• I don't need to have Twitter open all day.  Checking for 5 minutes twice per day is plenty.
• My Google Reader will keep those items stored and unread, also for the end of the day or even better the weekend.  

I know this post may not make sense to my readers, so sorry for the little rant here.  If I were giving this more than 10 minutes I'd explain more of what I'm doing (specifically) to stay productive. 

For now, I'll just tell you that saying no to email and Twitter is a good thing (albeit very difficult).  My Moleskine notebook is my best friend.  And I'll live today with my favorite line from one of my favorite books, Four Pillars of a Man's Heart:

"Organize and lead.  I say it again, organize and lead."

Any successful leader must first be able to lead himself.