Productivity and Freedom, easy as P.E.A.C.E.
Anyone that knows me, knows I love tools, systems, strategies and tips to be more productive. I love being focused to get MORE done in less time with less stress! Certified Executive Coach and Speaker Michael O’Brien shared with me an article on LinkedIn entitled 5+ Tips for more P.E.A.C.E., Productivity, and Freedom. It’s a system to bring you more peace and get more done. I think it’s very insightful – and my personal favorite is Essentialism. We are constantly go go go – and really – being busy doesn’t mean you are being productive or smart with what you are doing and how you are doing it. And we all need a reminder to take care of ourselves to be the best version of yourself. Michael was gracious enough to let me share part of his article. Thank you Michael!
———————————————————-
The goal: To become more productive by focusing on the things that matter most with less stress and more freedom.
Here’s my P.E.A.C.E. system for you:
5 Tips For More P.E.A.C.E, Productivity and Freedom
Ping-Ping:
Who has instant access to you? The answer is everyone if you haven’t turned off your computer and phone notifications. I mean all of them: email, text, and social. Every chime from your devices could be something important or just another cat video. Since it’s impossible to tell, most glance at every “ping-ping” and kill their productivity.
During his recent productivity summit, Hyatt shared that most people are interrupted every three minutes at work. Thus, making it difficult to put forth our best thinking on the projects that matter most.
Productivity Tip: Turn off all phone and computer notifications, and set up a dedicated batch schedule to process your email and other messages. And trust that if it is truly urgent, they will call. Bonus: Get the app “Freedom” to temporarily shut down social media to gain more focus.
Energy:
The best version of you requires energy management. When you feel lethargic, it’s hard to play the long game. For the matter, the short game is tough, as well. Yes, you can run on fumes for a few miles, but if you want to excel, you need a full tank of gas. Energy management requires spiritual, emotional, and physical alignment.
Productivity Tip: Sleep is your energy portal. It’s key to your alignment. So turn off your screens 60-minutes before bed. And kill that T.V. in your bedroom and hotel room.
Alone Zone:
During my recovery, I started each morning alone in a quiet part of the hospital. Many people today called it the Alone Zone. My solitary quiet time became a routine that gave me clarity for the day. Today, I set aside at least four hours each week for thinking, planning, and taking action on my most important projects. It’s my deep thinking time.
Productivity Tip: Spend 10-minutes at the start of your day to set your top three priorities. And block and protect a few hours a week that are dedicated to deep thinking on your big projects at work and in life. Bonus: Get the app “Calm” to begin a meditation practice. Trust me, you can do this.
Curiosity:
Our conversations build our relationships. Our relationships build our tribe. Being curious helps you see more possibilities and strengthens your connections. It promotes a “We” vs. “They” culture, skill development, and trust.
Productivity Tip: Ask more questions for which you don’t have the answer. Actively listen to understand versus listening to reply.
Essentialism:
The book Essentialism by Greg McKeown was one of my favorite business books of 2014. Strike that. It’s one of my favorite business books, full stop.
It’s easier to face your phone than it is to face your own life. – Greg McKeown
His statement is scary but unfortunately true. Too many of us are afraid of boredom. We grab our phones at traffic lights or as we wait in line at Whole Foods. Our phones become just another shiny object to chase.
Productivity Tip: Get clear on your priorities at work and in life. Pitch, Pause and Pass the rest of your to-do list. Practice Essentialism. Stop chasing shiny objects.
After I left corporate America, I wanted more health, freedom, and peace in my life. Pursuing them has been a journey. Some days I still trade the urgent for the important, but it’s less common today than 10 years ago.
Now, rather than run in the rat race and being constantly “busy,” I’m focused on helping other executives and entrepreneurs become less busy and more productive and fulfilled.
Are you ready for a change? Following P.E.A.C.E. is one way to take the first step. Another is to ask yourself: “What do you want out of your life/career?”
For the full article GO HERE and to learn more about Michael – check out his website and other articles.
