You don’t always have to be productive

Productivity means making every minute count, which implies that every minute not spent in active pursuit of a goal is wasted.

Getting sleep, socializing at work, and geeking out over sports or hobbies can be seen as lazy or unproductive.  Yet science tells us that sleep enhances cognitive abilities and compounds our ability to focus.  Despite technological innovations, 80% of jobs are still acquired via connections to friends and colleagues and not online applications.

It’s difficult to quantify productivity here, but it’s worth noting that being attentive to our own mental and physical health and our relationships are effective in producing outcomes that we care about the most.  Don’t fall into the trap of feeling like you have to produce something every moment.

Fulfillment 101

The silver bullet message in my keynote speech on rapid learning and goal-setting is that nothing is more empowering, motivating, or sustainable than your belief in what’s possible.   And nothing makes you believe in possibility more than progress.

This doesn’t just apply to chasing a huge dream or a new skill.  You can shift your perspective and see every little thing you do as progress.

Even something like texting a friend jokes is an investment in the relationship.  Getting a great night of sleep is an investment in your physical and mental health.  Progress – no matter how small the steps.  The fastest path to a more fulfilling life is feeling that overall, you are a better version of yourself today than yesterday.

Jobs and problem-solving

Every consultant or employee is compensated for the value they add.  Their ability to solve relevant problems dictates their value.

When interviewing for jobs or obtaining career advice, minimize talk about the positions you’ve held, and talk more about the problems you’ve solved.  If whomever you speak with is confident that you are capable and motivated to deliver their outcomes, they will happily hire or refer you.

This is the supply-and-demand curve at work.  The best of the best have the most useful and most rare ability to solve problems that matter.