For some people, productivity is more a lifestyle choice than a system of completing activities. It creeps in to absorb everything from brushing your teeth in the morning to getting some sleep at the end of the day. Being productive in everything you do is a great goal and can lead to more personal time, better performance and more rewarding relationships. Is there any surefire way to get there? The thing about philosophies that claim to increase efficiency is that they are all rest on different fundamentals. The path to productivity is different for everyone.
The Buddha and Productivity
Zen Buddhism is often cited as a wellspring for habits that improve performance in the business world. Its minimalist outlook seems to be what many productivity gurus suggest through their programs. It is not a lie that businesses can learn a lot from the religion. Zen Master Susan O'Connell suggests worrying about something only once. A clear head is an obvious boost to productivity. The problem is that we are confronted everyday by phone calls, emails, memos and other small pieces of information we must deal with. All of these expectations add up and create stress. Performing short tasks when you receive them alleviates this anxiety and allows you to complete the important projects without distraction. Of course you don't want to constantly jump from one thing to another. Strike a balance where you get the little stuff out of the way but still have time to tackle the pressing deadlines.
Eastern religions offer more to productivity than just a clear head. Yoga is closely tied with both Hindu and Buddhist practices as the physical representation of spirituality. Not surprisingly, it has been adapted to business practices as well. Our physical well being is closely tied with mental performance and simple exercises can fill us with a sense of calm. The underlying belief is that a quiet body produces a quiet mind. While stretching all day probably will adversely affect your productivity, taking a little personal time can be a good way to unwind. Take a look at some of these simple exercises to stay focused during long days in the office.
Suffering for Efficiency
Tim Ferriss draws inspiration from the ancient Greeks to increase performance. In "The Practicality of Pessimism" he discusses how enduring challenges can be good for your work. By overcoming hardship we steel ourselves against distraction and self-destructive tendencies. Our struggles are not things to be intimidated by, they are opportunities for action. Similarly, you should always prepare for the worst while things are good. This allows you to plan ahead with a realistic perspective on the future. If you are always focused on your problems and taking steps to counter them, you will always be improving. Goals are more ambiguous and difficult to gauge. While Stoicism is certainly different than Buddhism, the foundations espoused by Ferriss very closely resemble the Eastern emphasis on suffering.
Mix it Up
In many cases productivity experts draw on many different philosophies when constructing their systems. Lifehacker explains two philosophies of the well-known masters and then shows you how to construct your own system. Every technique is different and it is important to develop your own. Starting from scratch allows you to tailor the method to suit your personal style. By the time you are done, you will know it like the back of your hand. The system will make sense to you, it is on your terms. If you have tried other productivity improvement regimens and failed, coming up with your own is the best bet.
