In today’s article, we are going to be brief. Being productive can be intimidating to some of us. But we can apply a few things to make productivity easier.
1. Find a system that works for you and stick to it.
As someone who loves to research and collect data, there are a dizzying array of options. For example, just talking about note taking can take us from handwriting notes applications options like Apple Notes, Google Keep, Evernote, Notability, Notion, Obsidian, Good Notes, Agenda, and OneNote, and that is just naming a few of the options.
Once a person decides how to store the information, the question is how to format it. I’d encourage you to check out some note-taking strategies and see what works best. In the world of productivity, there are plenty of ways to organize and structure your notes. Again, find what works for you.
After you find the right system and don’t be afraid to experiment and tinker with your design until it fits perfectly, challenge yourself to stick with it. Take the time needed to develop the skill and system, so it is second nature, and before long, you will find that your productivity will improve. Since it helped me, I know it can aid you too.
2. Take time to schedule your day.
I’m working on scheduling even the most mundane parts of my day. For example, it can seem not very sensible to put in your calendar family time on Saturday, from 2:00-4:00, or read a book 1:00 pm-1:30 pm Monday. However, I’ve found in my short time of beginning this scheduling structure that I am more intentional with my time. So, free spirits, I see you out there, and if I had to guess, this is making you cringe about as much as thinking about a spider crawling on my arm makes me feel.
You can do this too! I’d recommend blocking out some time daily that is “free spirit” time. What this does is it allows you to hold on to the freedom of the unscheduled time. Spontaneity can be incredibly helpful and a time of creativity. Sure, it is a planned time of spontaneity, but it still empowers us to be free to do the unexpected.
Also, I’d encourage you to take time the week before to assess what needs to be on your calendar for the next week. Then the day before, for me, is the end of my work day; I assess the next day’s to-do’s and like to-do’s and make a plan for the order of events that need to occur.
3. Don’t be afraid to evolve your system over time.
My system has shifted and changed over the years. As I research and learn from others, I add new adaptations to my system. I’m not so locked down that I don’t think there is any other way. Also, I know all too well I am still learning to implement important productivity aspects to my own life. But I know that if I can do it, so can you. We are all created with our own unique and unforgettable quirks and personalities. Being productive is using our individuality with intentionality; for some, it is easier than for others.
Why is it important?
What does productivity have to do with the Christian faith? God calls us to be good stewards of our time and resources. When faithfully pursuing Christ, we can live more freely in Christ. We can be productivity machines for God’s glory. It begins with embracing how God has made us and living a life surrendered to Christ; we can give him glory through a productive life.
Trusting God is vital to unlocking this ability, and knowing a little structure goes a long way.
