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PROACTIVE PRODUCTIVITY VS. REACTIVE PRODUCTIVITY

Allan Anderson • April 21, 2024

3-MINUTE READ


THE COMMON DENOMINATOR

If I asked you, “How many hours are there in a week?” Would you be able to tell me the correct answer? Moreover, if I asked the most junior team member at your organization, would they be able to share the right number?

Chances are unlikely. In fact, one of my favorite questions to ask leaders is if they know how many hours they are working with in a given week. Too many times, people don’t have an accurate understanding of this fundamental reality.

Regardless of your role, responsibility or expectations, we are each granted 168 hours in the week.

PROACTIVE PRODUCTIVITY

What if we paused for a moment and really thought about the sobering fact that the Queen of England, the President of the United States, Bill and Melinda Gates, Barak Obama, and a whole host of other giants in this world are dealing with the same amount of finite time?

What might that stir up inside of us?

For me, it is an encouragement to begin mapping out what is a priority and what is not a priority. That reality helps me to begin thinking about how I can practice Proactive Productivity versus Reactive Productivity. In other words, I map out an ideal week, highlighting key objectives, mile markers, and other imperative actions.

This is compared to how I used to do tackle my day. Or should I say, get tackled by my day? A typical day would be using my email inbox as a to-do list. Then reacting to text, phone calls, and other fires. This, my friends, is the epitome of Reactive Productivity.

Am I producing? Yes. Am I in control? Hardly.

PRIORITIES

If you have a genuine desire to go from good to great, you should have very clear priorities. Priorities, both personally and professionally, are a byproduct of a clear understanding of your purpose, values, vision, and subsequent mission.

Too many times leaders at every level do not pause long enough to clarify their own purpose, values, vision, and mission for life, much less that of their work. Once you have clarity around those core realities, then life actually becomes much more simple.

Life literally becomes about “remembering” and “executing”. These are topics for another day. However, I’m trusting that this simple idea is an encouragement for you to understand the value of Proactive Productivity versus falling into the trap of Reactive Productivity.

After all, there is a big difference between Proactive Productivity and Reactive Productivity,  but most people don’t know the difference.

Knowing and practicing the difference between these opposing forces can mean the difference between being good and becoming great.

IF you feel like you need help jumpstarting your Proactive Productivity practice, reply below or ping me directly. We’re waiting ready to help you accelerate your healthy growth process.


Pulling for you,



Alan Andersen

Breaking the Cycle of Misery: A Leadership Journey

By Shandel Sutherland • November 24, 2024
Introduction Have you ever felt trapped in a cycle of stress, frustration, and burnout? As leaders, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and lose sight of what truly matters. In this blog post, we'll explore the concept of the "cycle of misery" and how to break free from it. Understanding the Cycle of Misery The cycle of misery is a common trap that many leaders fall into. It's characterized by a negative mindset, a focus on problems, and a tendency to blame others. When we're in this cycle, we become our own worst enemies, constantly worrying and stressing over things that are outside of our control. Key Signs of the Cycle of Misery: Fear and Insecurity: Feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. Anger and Frustration: Blaming others for problems and taking things personally. Lack of Confidence: Doubting your abilities and questioning your decisions. Isolation: Withdrawing from others and avoiding social interaction. Negativity: Focusing on the negative aspects of situations and people. Breaking Free from the Cycle To break free from the cycle of misery, we must focus on the following: Self-Awareness: Recognize the signs of the cycle and be honest with yourself about your current state. Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness techniques to stay present and reduce stress. Positive Self-Talk: Challenge negative thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations. Seek Support: Talk to a mentor, coach, or therapist to gain perspective and guidance. Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for activities that you enjoy and that help you relax. Focus on Solutions: Instead of dwelling on problems, focus on finding solutions. Connect with Others: Build strong relationships with colleagues, friends, and family. The Healthy Cycle of Growth In contrast to the cycle of misery, the healthy cycle of growth is characterized by positivity, resilience, and a focus on solutions. By cultivating a growth mindset and practicing self-care, we can break free from the cycle of misery and achieve our full potential. Conclusion Remember, it's okay to experience challenges and setbacks. The key is to recognize when we're slipping into the cycle of misery and take proactive steps to break free. By focusing on our values, practicing self-care, and connecting with others, we can create a more fulfilling and rewarding life.

Lead with Authenticity

By Jake Hinton • October 7, 2024
Embark on a transformative leadership journey where authenticity meets growth. This article delves into the pathways taken by a CEO to foster authentic leadership, emphasizing the shift from comfort zones to growth areas. Explore how resilience, accountability, and value alignment pave the way for effective leadership. By understanding oneself and embracing challenges, leaders can inspire their teams and nurture organizational success. Join us in uncovering the ripple effect of personal growth and its impact on building strong, authentic relationships.
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