How’s your mind feel when you hear or read the word ‘productivity?’ Most people probably just glaze over or think of some super-go-getter they once knew but feel they never could be like. Hogwash! Anyone can learn to be super productive and get more use out of the day.
When you’re looking to make better use of your own personal resources, you will need to learn the nuances of becoming more productive. Your personal “Get stuff done” quotient will be one of the biggest deciding factors in your life on whether or not you achieve increasing success or not.
In this article, a gracious reader and champion for life-change was kind enough to do a little question and answer interview survey with me. I don’t claim to be the best interviewer in the world, but I do promise some good, raw, and honest answers from normal people like you and me. I do my best to NOT filter these answers, except for the bad words and hateful speech (which of course doesn’t happen often).
With that little blurb out of the way, let’s dive right into the content!
Today’s Topic: Productivity
‘R’ = Richard N. Stephenson (me!)
‘I’ = Interviewee (anonymous by request unless otherwise noted)
[This interview is inspired and fueled by research done for my book: Quick Content Formula.]
R: Describe what productivity means to you.
I: It means completing a task(s) in an efficient manner. A productive worker starts their tasks as soon as they are assigned and diligently works to complete them. They take breaks when needed, but always strive to complete the task as accurately and quickly as possible.
R: Describe how productivity would be useful to people looking to change their lives/careers.
I: A person applying their current skills with the new found productivity would make them more efficient as a person. They would be able to accomplish more tasks in a given amount of time and be able to focus their energy on other things. It may help the person acquire new general knowledge in the process which would better their future lives/careers.
R: Give an example of productivity being used that has inspired you (from either internet/mainstream media examples or personal examples).
I: The productivity of getting my degree has inspired me to get a second career now that I have completed a civil service career. Productivity means getting a second job to show that I am a viable member of society and not here as an aftermath of a government career. Therefore productivity has inspired me to get a second career that can be just as fulfilling as the career in government service.
R: How do you think a better understanding of productivity would help other people in their personal or professional life?
I: If more people learned how to really work I think that we would have a more unified and productive nation. Too many people take work for granted and don’t give their best effort. Through learning how to really set your mind to something and driving through challenges people will become less entitled and more responsible for the effort they put forth.
R: Give an example of how productivity has helped you professionally or personally.
I: I find that completing my work accurately and in a timely manner is very beneficial to those I work for, as they will hire me again. I will also realize more free time for myself. I will feel good about, and proud of the project I am involved with.
R: Describe at least one way you think productivity could cause trouble or hurt someone in their personal or professional life.
I: Productivity in the wrong things can be distracting in your personal life. Getting distracted with things at work can definitely take a toll on someone’s personal life. Although I believe that productivity is more positive than negative.
R: Give an example of how productivity has hurt you or caused you trouble in the past.
I: When I started to overload myself with work. Because I for one was scared to say no. Then I started to lose control over what I had began 3 months prior due to thinking being busy is a good thing. But I learned being busy does not mean you are actually making process.
R: How do you think productivity could help you in a professional setting? Why is that?
I: Productivity is a business term and is highly helpful in a profession setting of writing. Even though quality of content is important in producing online articles, the quantity of writing is important as well. If one writes more articles there is more of a chance that the article could be linked to a major website where the readership could be significantly increased.
R: Give an example of how productivity could be useful at work. Why do you think this?
I: Productivity could be useful at work because one of the major expenditures a company makes is on the labor force within the company. Because so much money is spent on the labor force, it is important that those who are employed work the hours for which they are getting paid in a productive manner. Productivity is useful at work because it sustains the company and keeps the company profitable.
R: How do you think productivity could help you at home? Why is that?
I: I think being more productive would allow me to accomplish more activities in less time. This would allow me to have more free time. Also if my to do list was accomplished I would feel less stressed over things that needed to be done. I think being productive makes a person feel better mentally also.
R: Give an example of how productivity could be useful at home or in family life. Why do you think this?
I: Being productive in the house can go wrong in no way at all. Being productive will lead to a cleaner house, a nicer looking yard, as well as many other things. Having those will just boost your family’s morale as a whole. It’s much more settling to come home to a clean house and a beautiful yard than it is to come home to a messy house and unruly lawn. Completing your chores in a timely manner will make everything easier on everyone involved.
R: How do you think productivity could help you in a personal relationship? Why is that?
I: Because productive could help me at home with my husband because it would reduce stress for both of us. If we are both productive, we will have more money and the house will stay clean. That will make both of us happier.
R: Give an example of how productivity could be useful in a personal relationship. Why do you think this?
I: There are a couple of ways productivity can be useful in a personal relationship.1. Show dependence – If your productivity is consistent it shows that you are a dependable person in ensuring goals or projects are completed on time.2. Shows responsibility – If you are productivity to the best of your ability, it shows you are responsible for the task at hand. 3. Shows Commitment – Great productivity showcases your commitment to the vision or the value of the project or goal you are working on.
R: Describe at least one thing you would like to learn more about productivity.
I: The biggest question about productivity is the myth of multi-tasking. can one truly accomplish more by doing multiple things at once? or does splitting your attention actually harm your rate of progress.
R: Give your number one piece of advice for someone looking to learn more about productivity.
I: Find someone who excels at their job and ask them. A previous office-mate of mine showed me a lot about productivity and how to work efficiently. He was always commended on his work ethic, productivity and integrity, which are all connected.
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That’s it for now! I hope you enjoyed this interview conversation and found at least one useful bit of information you can immediately begin to apply in your life.
Also, if you’d like to figure out how to make a lot of great content for your own blog, website, school work, or email newsletters, then you might enjoy the Quick Content Formula. This is my own personal (and favorite!) method of creating highly engaging, fun, and useful information at a very quick pace. It’s a great way to beat that blinking cursor and write more awesome stuff. Click here to check it out.
Please share your thoughts, experiences, or your own interview answers and let’s share some real life wisdom, okay?