Many folks repeatedly talk about making a list of goals, listing our tasks, so that we can be productive. The problem is that completing tasks and goals does not mean one is productive- it just means one is busy.
This time of year, some of us talk about slavery and freedom in Egypt. The slaves in Egypt were always very busy- according to the bible they were building the cities and monuments in and around Pithom and Ramses. Why were those two cities chsoen? The area lf these cities were swamps; that meant that all the construction would continually sink or fall down. As such, the slaves were condemned to keep repeating their same efforts, without achieving a sense of purpose. Does this not sound like making a list of tasks and completing them?
The only way you can be productive is to align your tasks and goals with your mission and vision. You must determine what it is for which you stand. You must comprehend your values, your organizing principles, your core beliefs? And, you should not surprised when you first do this, if you were to develop a list of 50 to 100 items. That just means you must cull that list down to your core concepts. Pick no more than five (5) that actually are critically important to you. And, you still are not done- you must prioritize them. Always keep these core principles in view. Every time you make your list of tasks and goals, identify those items on the list with one of your core beliefs.
Some items you have on your “To-Do” list are not going to mesh with your values. If you an employee, this will happen more often than if you were the entrepreneur, leader, or manager. If you are married or have children, this will happen more often than if you were single. That is normal- there are things we must do at times because of our obligations and values (we need money so that we can do the good things about which we care, we love our families and want to help them achieve their goals). And, once we have our core principles defined, with our goals and tasks in concert, as we complete these “To-Do’s”, we are truly productive.
As Stephen Covey told us: “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” Because, “…the key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”
Oh Roy sometimes the universe speaks though people and that is just what you have done today. This is the second time this week that I have heard that message and although I am organized I have struggled with a daily to do list and now I know why. I am going to shift my thinking, thank you
Maureen Wielansky recently posted..TAMARI Pumpkin Seeds One Healthy and Filling Snack! Healthy Recipe Wednesday
Glad you found this post useful, Maureen. Please come back often- when you are not running!
Roy
Hi Roy,
Super point. Getting things done doesn’t mean much.
Getting the things you should be doing, done, another story.
Think effectiveness. Are your acts effective? Are you leveraging. The idea is to make an impression with each act, get a bang for your act buck.
I spend as little time as possible working and as much time as possible planning the effectiveness of my acts. By thinking, I act less and get more done.
When I plow through my work like some type of drone, I work a lot more. I might perform more acts, but I accomplish less since I’m engaged in busy work, aka time wasting, aka filling time, aka dying….a little harsh, but if you’re not growing by directing your mind to some higher purpose, to some constructive end in harmony with your definite major purpose, you’re dying in my book.
Thanks Roy!
RB
Ryan Biddulph recently posted..I&8217ve Found The Root of Your Money Problems
Thanks for honing the message, Ryan. Your comments are greatly appreciated and help get the points across.
Please drop in – often.
Roy
I agree with everything you said in this post, Roy. “The only way you can be productive is to align your tasks and goals with your mission and vision.” – That statement is the key to your entire post.
Staying focused on what is important ~ Easier said than done but worth the effort.
Janette Fuller recently posted..MOTHER A Word That Means The World To Me
Janette:
It is hard to stay focused. We get pulled in every direction- by our children, by our spouses or SO, by our clients, by our employers. But, without that focus, we are only reacting and never accomplishing. Moreover, we don’t really insure we reach our destination. (There is a visible joke on the web about a senior who starts out to pay a bill, needs a pen, sees dry flowers, sees the dishes in the sink… you get the picture. She gets hit with late fees, by the time she is done…)
Thanks for your comment.
Roy
Oh Roy..this is a fabulous post! It is my passion to spread the message that your values should be you basis for all things including your to-do list. Of course we all occasionaly have to do things that don’t mesh but for the most part if we can work from what matters we will be much happier!
Bonnie, I am SO glad you liked it.
Thanks for dropping in- and leaving a comment.
Roy
The analogy of the slaves in Egypt and the swamp construction was a strong one, Roy! Good point! I love your specific strategy on getting clear with our values. I think I’ll put my prioritized list up on my desktop. =)
Samantha Bangayan recently posted..The Legend of Sarah Ellen Roberts and Your Legend
Samantha:
Admit it- you just like flopping around in the swamp! Seriously, though, thanks for your comments.
Aim high- that means even if you miss the mark (and we all do on occasion), you still make progress!
Roy
Haha! =) Okay, okay. I love swamp-flopping. =P
True! I shall aim for the stars! =)
Samantha Bangayan recently posted..The Legend of Sarah Ellen Roberts and Your Legend
What a variation- swamp-flopping or reaching for the stars…
Great words of wisdom Roy. I need to sit down and schedule my priorities this weekend…
Janine Ripper recently posted..Blogging ‘Etiquette’
Janine:
Setting priorities is something I need to do about every six months. Not that my life is that fluid (or maybe it is), but, because, as my goals get achieved, other items become less critical while still others are needed for the next set of goals. (I believe in the belt and suspender approach to goals. I try to leave two approaches to attain my goals…)
Thansk for your comments.
Roy
Hey Roy,
I always kept convincing myself that if I finish my tasks on my to-do lists that will be my accomplishment and I might consider myself “an achiever” at the end of the day. I never thought of integrating them with my core beliefs. And now I am thinking of what I’ve done and have been doing 🙁
Thanks for “awakening” me.
Hajra:
We all need readjustment from time to time. That’s called learning and growing!. Thanks for your comments.
Roy
Great post Roy and so very true. I have a busyness mentality and strive to complete tasks which, as you point out, are “hot air” really unless they are in line with my vision, mission, values and core beliefs.
Interestingly, this is pretty much how I spent last weekend, at a 3 day workshop, excavating what is truly important to me. It certainly makes everything just sync so much more easily.
Now my to do list is on track – its an awesome feeling 🙂
Maureen Hunter recently posted..Keep a Circle Of Love in Your Heart this Mother’s Day
Maureen, thank you so much for your comment- and confirmation of the sentiments in the blog.
A May Day evaluation of your life! Sounds exciting.
Take care.
Roy
Great post Roy! You’re right, writing tasks but doing them repeatedly is not being productive? Then, what’s the point of the list? There has to be a sense of discipline as well to make yourself do the process and complete the task. Thanks Roy!
Kristen Robinson recently posted..What! It Takes Time to Build A Relationship
Thanks for dropping in and your comments, Kristen. We need to keep our eyes on the prize- and make sure our tasks advance our progress towards those goals!
This post is truly valuable. I am challenged with this post and I don’t really know or I’m not sure if I’m doing it right. Thanks anyway.
Lynne
Hi, Lynne:
The first job is to know what your mission is- clearly. Make sure your goals are set to achieve that mission. Then, tie each task into your mission/goals that you have set. This is the best way to make sure each task you complete is bringing your goal one step closer and insuring you will be able to say (as opposed to the last time we heard it)- and mean it: “Mission accomplished”.
Thanks for dropping in – and for leaving your 2 cents. Come again!
Roy