Plan, Produce, Party: Tips for Boosting Productivity

by Tanea Flanders, Life Coach, Leadership Development and Organizational Consultant, and part of the Live Well / Stay Well Program at Tournesol Wellness

Like most people you have more on your plate than you can handle. There is so much you want to accomplish during any given day or week, and the prospect of what you would like to do over the course of your life feels absolutely daunting. Take into account there are so many things to distract you, everything from office gossip to TV binge watching, it’s no wonder you’re looking for ways to do more in less time. Distractions and detours will come up, so it’s important to ensure the time you spend working is fruitful and productive. To boost productivity so that you have real sustainable results use the 3 P’s framework for getting things done: Plan, Produce, Party:

Plan your schedule each week and book events and appointments in a daily calendar. Add specific work tasks to be completed by blocking out time to work on those tasks as if they were key appointments. Review your schedule and fill time to eat, exercise, and doing nothing. You have to fuel your body in order to be productive and time to rest is a key component in that equation too.

Once your schedule for the week is in place it is time to produce and that means holding yourself accountable for getting things done. Set reminders on your watch, phone, or computer to alert you when it’s time to eat, exercise, and work. Tell other people about your schedule and ask them to check in your progress. Literally check off your daily itinerary as you complete the items you have planned. The love for the check mark is fixated in your mind from your formative grade school years and you’ll be motivated to see all the things you’ve accomplished.

Once everything on your list is complete, it’s time to party and that means celebrating your accomplishments in big and small ways. Create a range of low costs rewards you earn for yourself. That can be anything from treating yourself to a day in the park, spending time with friends, checking out a new movie, getting a manicure, or cooking your favorite meal. Enjoy rewarding yourself because you’ve earned it!