Productivity v Speed

Many people think that if they have a lot to do, they need to do it quickly. But I believe that if you have a lot to do you might as well enjoy doing it!

We're told to make lists and write things down in order of priority; some people say start with the hardest tasks first and then lead into the easier tasks as the day goes on. These are methods and ultimately in whatever order you do them, they all need to be done.

Some people think the practice of meditation and mindfulness might slow them down. It might even deviate them from their tasks or goals.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

In my experience the practice of meditation and application of mindfulness has led me to be much more productive. I have greater clarity and focus which means I can be more decisive, think clearer and be more present. Most of all I enjoy what I am doing more.

Being present isn't about sitting still with your eyes closed. It's about being fully immersed in the activity or task at hand. Even loading or unloading the dishwasher can be a mindful experience. That doesn’t mean you have to enjoy doing it, but it means you can be in a state of flow whilst doing it.

I love the word ‘flow’. It's an idea that we can be so engaged in what we're doing that we don’t realise where the time is going.

In my experience, this can only happen if you're in flow with yourself. Otherwise you might be looking at the clock anxiously trying to avoid missing the school pick up or a world deadline.

So the question on your mind might be: how do you get into a state of flow with yourself?

Well, you start from within. Breathe. Relax. Meditate.

Through breathing, relaxing and meditating you will be so connected to your core that everything around you will begin adjusting itself. Time will no longer be against you and your to-do list will no longer overwhelm you.

We all know that feeling of preparing to go on a plane. Getting the suitcases packed, driving to the airport, checking in, going through security. It’s not the most pleasant of experiences is it? We are always aware that at any moment we might get held up. Then we get onto the crowded plane, everyone is pushing into each other, overhead lockers are flying open, and we finally sit down in our seat and put the seatbelt on.

That feeling is how you need to feel every day. That sense of relief, that reassurance that 'okay, I'm doing this.' that sense of knowing that 'yes, this plane is now flying, I made it'. If you can have this every day, then you will sail through life, not worried about missing things or being late. There will be an underlying sense of trust that everything will just work out.

Do you need to dedicate hours every day to breathe, relax and meditate? Not really. A few minutes should do it, try it and see if it makes a difference. If it does then you might have both productivity and speed.