In order to be an effective and successful individual, you need to be able to produce and deliver excellence and quality in everything. The only way to do this is to invest heavily in your personal development. According to businessdictionary.com, productivity is
1. Productivity Tip from Oprah
Focus on and give full attention to each task or project. Oprah’s approach is to complete one task at a time, and be fully present and focused on that one task.
Here’s an excerpt from her interview with writer J.J McCorvey. The full interview is a long read, but well worth it.
2. The productivity tip from Bill Gates is in the area of decision making.
Bill advises that you should work towards making the right decision the first time, and not have to revisit it again.
The idea is to put in the work at the beginning of the decision-making process. Do your research, gather all necessary information required to make an informed decision, weigh all possible options, and receive counsel as necessary.
After the leg work is complete, then you will be in a better position to make a decision.
The quote below is from the book “The Essence of Bill Gates Life” by Isa Singh, and it sums it up nicely.
If you're too willing to reopen issues, it interferes not only with your execution but also with your motivation to make a decision in the first place. After all, why bother deciding an issue if it isn't really decided?
3. One of Lori Greiner’s tips is simply ‘do not give up’.
Nothing great comes easy. Whether is with family, at work or school. If you want to live a meaningful and impactful life, you have to also be willing to put in the work.
Below is a quote from Lori
4. Be ready to change your approach when necessary
The Peebles principle #4 from R. Donahue Pebbles book “The Peebles Principles” is
You have to be willing and prepared to change your approach, and not spend more time than necessary on an idea or approach that is not yielding results.
5. Live a balanced life
In order to be truly productive and efficient, we have to learn how to live a balanced life. One of Michelle Obama’s productivity tips is to stay organized.
I have to plan my happiness.
That's the thing, we think happiness just happens and it can,
but you've got to work in some happiness too,
6. Stay Focused
Tyler Perry encourages us not to spread ourselves too thin, in an attempt to juggle too much at any one time. In order to live a balanced life and to be productive, you have to prioritize, and let go of some things.
7. Never stop learning
Indra Nooyi reminds us to never stop learning.
An important key to remaining a productive individual is to never stop learning. Never get to a point where you think you have finally arrived, and that there is nothing else to learn or no improvements to make. There is always, always, always room to improve and be better.
8. Avoid distractions
Mark Cuban’s number-one productivity tip is to minimize phone calls and meetings whenever possible, and stick to email because it is more efficient.
Here’s a quote from his interview with Entrepreneur
9. Think and plan on paper
One of Brian Tracy’s productivity tips is to think on paper. The idea is to plan your day ahead, and write down your goals on paper, then assign priority to each item on your list.
Read more at BrianTracy.com
10. Stay physically active
One of Richard Branson’s greatest productivity tip is exercising.
One of the benefits of regular exercising is that it improves your mental health and mood, which makes a difference in your productivity level.