Difference Between Busy and Productive

When I worked a 40-hour work week in a typical corporate environment, I often found myself in the situation of having accomplished my priority list for the day in a short span of time. It left me for the remainder of the eight hour shift doing busy work. I frequently was tempted to go to my supervisor or manager and say, “I’ve accomplished everything I need to do, so now I’m going home even though it’s just after 1 p.m.” Yeah, that would go over well! But it’s true – some days are just busy while other days are significantly more productive

Part of my problem is the tools a freelancer uses for research, networking, staying connected and promoting services. While instant messaging, checking numerous email accounts, conducting searches and browsing industry-related websites are necessary activities when freelancing, they can easily become big distractions. All of a sudden it’s 5 p.m. and I haven’t very much to show for it.

There are many ways to fill your day with accomplishment as opposed to busyness. Since time management depends on an individual’s characteristics and preferences, find the combination of habits and skills that work for you. Tips and tricks for being productive include:

• prepare for the following day the night before

• set priorities

• keep track – for me it means crossing the item off my to-do list or marking the task completed in a task management software program

• make a point of celebrating the completion of each project

A good measuring stick is how you feel at the end of the day. If you feel tired, sluggish and unfocused rather than energized, proficient and confident, then there’s a good chance you’ve been busy instead of being productive.

#productivity #timemanagement #socialmedia