What You Really Need To Be Productive: Read This Before You Get That New Planner or App

Yes, I admit: I’m pretty much a sucker for the latest productivity app.

In fact, while writing this, I hopped into the iPhone app store to see if I could find how many productivity apps there are. I couldn’t find that number. But I did download today’s featured productivity app that allows you to take visual notes … I mean, how awesome is that?  

But I digress. 

I know I’m not alone in my productivity-app love. It’s not accidental that productivity is a featured category in the app store (regardless of device affiliation). Productivity apps are moneymakers.

And if digital isn’t your jam, there’s a universe of analogue options: from ingenious productivity journals, to classic moleskin notebooks, to gorgeous planners.

The promise of improved productivity in the palm of your hand – whether digital or physical – is enticing, to say the least.

Yes, I download A LOT of productivity apps. But, I also admit: I don’t use most of them. 

It’s easy to get seduced into thinking that an app is going to save the day, or that a planner will get you accomplishing things like there’s no tomorrow. 

But, many of these cool tools end up abandoned after the novelty wears off. 

Why? Because they’re the cart – not the horse…. And you need the horse, if you want to get anywhere. Obviously.

Now, I’m not here to dash your productivity dreams, or dish on apps and organizers. Far from it.

I’m here to bring a dose of reality to the magical thinking that makes us believe (again) that a cool tool or groovy gadget is the magic bullet. 

““I’m here to bring a dose of reality to the magical thinking that makes us believe (again) that a cool tool or groovy gadget is the magic bullet. ”

The best paintbrush won’t have you turning out masterpieces. The high-tech speedo won’t have you laps ahead of your competition. 

Yes, these tools may aid. They’re the cart. But they’re powered by the horse – the artist’s or athlete’s method. The way they play their game. Their technique. 

If you want to power up your productivity and make accomplishment a daily routine (count me in): you need a method. Your own “workflow” method. 

To be clear, you have a method. Everyone has a method (even if they don’t call it that). Mostly, we don’t notice how we get things done – we just get busy….

Most people have some sort of jerry-rigged habits – conscious and unconscious – that get them through the day. Maybe the method includes:

Working out of the inbox

Writing (or rewriting) a daily to-do list

A schedule packed with meetings

Reacting to whatever comes up (you know, being responsive)

Putting tasks on the calendar (and then moving them forward when they don’t get done)

Using a blend of sticky notes and their awesome memory

Holding check-in meetings

And so on . . . 

Look at the past few days… and you’ll start to detect your method. You do have a method, a technique, the way you do stuff, the way you handle your work and life.

The question is: Does your method work? 

Does your method reliably deliver the results you want? 

Does your method leave you satisfied at the end of the day? 

Does your method keep you focused on what matters? 

Does your method give you confidence that you’re on top of things and nothing is “falling through the cracks”? 

Does your method put you in control? 

Does your method keep you energized?

Does your method have you playing your game the way you want?

Or… is their maybe, possibly, some room for improvement?  

As the saying goes, if you want a different result, you have to do something differently. 

Or put another popular way: Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different result. 

If you want a different – better – result, then look at your method, your technique – and refine it, upgrade it. 

So before you download another productivity app, get your productivity game together. 

Make sure you have a workable method you trust. Establish an effective technique to achieve your goals, aspirations, and intentions – on the daily, as they say. 

A method is made up of some basic rules you follow – rules of engagement. (And for those rule-resisters, remember these are YOUR rules.)

Consider your workflow method as setting up the game board of work (and life). Without rules, there’s no way to win – you’re just looping aimlessly through Candy Land, or filling up your car with pink and blue pegs in the Game of Life…. 

Your method (in the madness) should help you:

1| ACHIEVE CRYSTAL CLARITY. 

If you’re going to bet on a horse, put your money on Clarity. 

Imagine trying to use your GPS to get somewhere – but you’re not exactly sure where you’re going…. OR the exact coordinates of where you are now. Sure, you may know you want to go in that general direction (let’s say, “West”), and you know the vicinity of your current location. But, GPS doesn’t really work that way. Siri will end up driving you up a wall, but not to your destination. 

Many underestimate the power of clarity until they experience the immediate boost, the sense of progress (and relief) that happens simply by getting clear. (Now THAT’S magic).

I see this all the time with my clients. The first step of getting crystal clear has them flying high. All of a sudden, what seemed vague, or looming, or overwhelming, or inscrutable is now doable, possible, within reach.

Without clarity, you’re smack dab in the fog. You know you’re busy and have a lot on your plate – but you’re not quite sure of the best move to make. 

Your method should deliver crystal clarity about what is actually on your plate – the actions, projects, goals, requests, responsibilities you have committed to. 

Only then, will you be able to

make clear-headed decisions on the fly,

direct and redirect your efforts,

say yes or no with confidence,

communicate persuasively,

and see the forest AND the trees.

With the escalating pace and volume of information, it’s easy for things to get muddled quickly. The constant flow of new requests, opportunities, challenges, and demands can cloud and confuse. Clarity is gold. And it’s at a premium in today’s noisy world. 

Clarity allows you to navigate with confidence. Clarity fuels that horse.

And one more thing. When it comes to clarity, you can’t fix it and forget it. Clarity requires an everyday, dynamic engagement with your world. Things do change. Fast. And so your method must give you the capacity to recalibrate to clarity quickly. 

Clarity is a virtue and will take you far. The vague rarely wins the day. Without clarity, you’ll be a cart without a horse, up a creek without a paddle… you get the idea.  

So get a method that delivers clarity. Every day.

2| MAKE DECISIONS.

Decisions are the meter of progress. Each day, you're confronted with…

So. Many. Decisions. 

Yet, it's easy to put decisions off for another day. In fact, in my work with others (and myself), I’ve noticed a rampant lack of decision-making. This takes a toll, not only on progress – but also on energy. When indecision piles up, it drains, stresses, and overwhelms.

Typically, people avoid making decisions (even in the simplest things) for two primary reasons: 1) They don't want to limit their options; or 2) They don't want to make a mistake.  

Here's the interesting thing about decisions: They almost always help you move forward, even if the decision is "wrong." It’s far easier to redirect when you're moving, than when you're standing still, or sitting out. Basic physics. 

Your method should help you make smart decisions.

For example, people’s email is a pile of indecision. What if you had a rule that when you read an email you must make a decision about what you will do next  – rather than push that decision into your future…. by going on to read the next email – that, of course, is more interesting than the one you’re reading now…? 

Radical, yes. In fact, it might revolutionize your productivity. Just a little rule about making decisions on email could change your game for the better. 

3| PRIORITIZE CONFIDENTLY.

It’s easy to show up each day and get busy. There’s no end to the things calling your name. But are you doing the things that matter – or defaulting to the loudest voice? 

Your method should help you determine what is priority for your time and attention. 

Now, let’s be real. A priority isn’t etched in stone. No task or project is inherently a priority. A priority exists in relation to the whole– everything elseyou need to do. Priorities fluctuate and shift with the constant tide of information and constraints of time, energy, and resources.

You need a method that helps you assess these factors on the run, and determine where to put your focus at any given moment.

4| OPTIMIZE ENERGY.

Without energy: game over. It’s that simple. (No horse. No cart. No go.)

Your method should optimize your energy. At the end of the day, you should feel energized. Not drained.

All living things have a biological clock, their own beat, their own ebb and flow. And while humans generally fall into certain typical patterns related to times of robust versus receding energy, each person has their own chronotype – their own circadian rhythm. 

Yes, there are external realities that we may not have control over. However, your method should help you match your energy to the task, as much as possible. 

For example, when your energy is strongest (often at the beginning of the day), do the work that requires concentration and cognitive muscle, rather than waste it on scrolling through email or Instagram.

When your energy is lagging, do those easier, routine tasks. 

Your method should help you design your day to bring your best game, the optimum energy for the play.

5| MAKE PROGRESS ON THE STRATEGIC.

In the default mode, the urgent and immediate always win. That strategic thing, that bigger effort that isn’t in your face but could have real impact – gets relegated to, you know, another day. 

Your method should promote step-by-step progress on those big things that will make a difference. 

6| FOCUS.

Productivity requires focus. And yet, it’s no secret that focus is hard to come by – with all the bells and whistles, dings and pings that accompany your day. Your attention span continues to dwindle as the notifications accelerate. And if something or someone isn’t interrupting you, it’s likely you’ll interrupt yourself with a quick check of your phone or the news or the latest productivity app. 

Like the blinders on a racehorse, your method should help you protect against the daily distractions, and keep you moving forward in your lane. 

7|  RUN YOUR EMAIL (INSTEAD OF LETTING IT RUN YOU).

If there’s anything that’s crying out for a rule, it’s email. Left unchecked, it takes over and calls the shots. 

Hanging out all day in your inbox puts you squarely in the reaction mode, at the effect of other people’s agendas. 

Email also earns the award for Best Procrastination Device Ever. It lulls you into thinking you’re doing something when really you’re just avoiding that paper you have to write, or that plan you need to create, or that difficult conversation you need to have, or that hard stuff. 

Run right, email is a fantastic tool of the trade. Without rules, you become email’s tool – hopping with every notification. 

So, before you reach for that new productivity app or planner….. 

First, make sure you have a good horse (a sound method). Then, you can add the cart (that app or planner). 

We love the cart – but we need the horse. Get a clear, workable method, some simple rules to power your efforts, to play your game…. and progress and accomplishment will become routine.

PS If you’re thinking that maybe an upgrade to your method is in order, I encourage you to consider the online course, Workflow Mastery: The Disciplines of Accomplishment

Question: Would you like to learn the basic techniques - a solid, simple method  - to: 

Achieve clarity…

Make decisions …

Prioritize confidently …

Focus…

Optimize your energy …

Make progress on the strategic …

Run your email (instead of letting it run you) …

And more… 

….as a matter of routine, so that you can achieve what matters most to you?

If so, the Workflow Mastery course may be for you.

I've taught this course to (by now) thousands of professionals in businesses and organizations globally. For some time, I've been wanting to bring this course to more people and not limit it to private training events only. 

And: TADA! There’s a self-paced, online version of the popular course.

Designed to fit into your (obviously) busy schedule.

Click below for more information. See if this course might be just the help you need to get a method that really works. 

Want to bring a live (virtual or in-person) Workflow Mastery course to your team? You can. You can request more information, including pricing details, below.

Send Me Info

Send me Info About Workflow Mastery for Businesses and Organizations

It's Time To Reframe Productivity

Often, people’s shorthand for productivity is how much they get done. It’s a simple, straightforward metric. It’s easy to get. More things done = more productivity.

This approach to productivity values volume, speed, efficiency. Of course, these are useful measures. However, the problem is they shroud - and may undermine - the bigger picture of productivity.

This tight focus on volume, on ticking off to-dos, fuels our cultural obsession with “busy.” Everyone is so busy. And if they’re not, they fear there’s something wrong.

Days (and nights) are packed to the brim in order to Get. Things. Done.

People often seek my services because they want to find a way to get even more things done. They’re not quite satisfied with what they are getting done (and with what remains undone). Often these people are busy all day, yet ironically, they don’t feel accomplished. They don’t don’t see the progress you would expect from all that busy-ness. Something doesn’t compute.

They want a tactic, or a trick, or a tip, to squeeze even more into that pretty packed schedule. They’re hoping that a time management technique will help them beat the clock once and for all.

Yet, with this limited equation of volume (of things to do) and time (to do it), all you can really do is tweak a little at the margins.

That’s because it’s the framework that’s flawed. This dominant perspective about productivity misses the mark, and frankly, the point. It’s a production model of productivity. It’s a machine model, where your options to increase productivity are constrained to doing things faster or more efficiently. Tweaking the machine.

Instead of productivity being narrowly equated with getting things done, consider productivity from the point of view of impact. This perspective features effectiveness, not just efficiency, and requires clarity of purpose and intent. It’s not just about ticking things off a to-do list. It’s ticking the right things off, at the right time, in the right way.

This is a performance model of productivity, rather than a production model. It’s looking at productivity as a sophisticated, interdependent ecosystem, not a simplistic, linear assembly line. The performance model seeks mastery in achieving a goal. The production model seeks the production of more widgets. More things done (more widgets) = more productivity.

This performance model of productivity is the athlete model, in which you cultivate and draw on all the factors that contribute to great performance. You look at technique, energy, intent, strategy, focus, mindset, resilience, adaptation, team play, endurance, flexibility, stamina, habits, nutrition, sleep, motivation…

The game of work and life requires more than a machine approach of grinding out more to-dos faster. Yes, that will work for awhile. But over time, the machine wears down and eventually breaks down. That’s what happens to even the best of machines.

And it really doesn’t work when we humans try to act like machines. We need a more fitting framework for productivity. Human performance is an ecosystem that is infinitely adaptive, robust, and resourceful.

If you want to expand your approach to building your productivity, consider your performance and what helps you to:

Build and maintain focus

Get going when you lack motivation

Be creative, innovative

Collaborate

Maintain good energy

Keep going even after setbacks

Prioritize and focus, rather than react and multitask

Persuade others

Be the boss of yourself and your time

Leverage your impact

When you use a performance framework for productivity, you no longer discount things like sleep, exercise, and enjoyment. You know that sometimes (or oftentimes) less is more, focus is gold, and running yourself ragged is for suckers. You sense that giving yourself a little more grace and a little more time to focus on what matters will outperform the fleeting high of being being busy and overextended.

Don’t get me wrong. I love crossing off those to-dos as much as the next person. I adore getting stuff done. I love to take action. I love to accomplish. I mean seriously. It’s so satisfying. This is not anti-to-do’s or anti-ambition or anti-hustle or anti-hard-work.

This is about getting things done from the point of view of performance, of impact, rather than simply production.

You may be working around the clock, on call for every need, everyone’s go-to gal or guy, but the question is:

Are you getting the right things done?

Are you bringing the best ideas to bear?

Can you sustain the energy you need to see it through?

Are you having an impact?

Are the things and people around you flourishing?

Did you rise with that challenge or mistake?

Is your thinking flexible?

Are you solving the right problems?

Are you clear and committed?

Are you satisfied at the end of the day and hopeful at the beginning?

Because it turns out, these things matter. Let’s pursue productivity as a self-renewing resource, rather than a self-limiting obligation. Productivity as a dynamic ecosystem, not a production line churning out widgets.

It’s time to reframe productivity, wouldn’t you say?

The Productive Power of the Finish Line . . .

Is it just me or is it always a tad staggering when we arrive at October - that last leg of the year?

Like clockwork, we’re here at the final three months of the year and I’m somehow astounded (again). Like Dr. Suess, I wonder, “How did it become so late so soon?” Where did the year go? I guess time is funny that way.

Often, round about now, people may feel a little disappointed that they haven’t made more progress towards their goals for the year. If you’re in that camp, you may be wondering whether you can really accomplish much in the closing months. But I have good news for you - and for anyone who’s pursuing goals. There’s a little gift you get as we near the close of the year that you can leverage to your advantage.

You see, there’s this interesting phenomenon that happens when you near the finish line of something. You naturally accelerate. You get a pep in your step. A boost. A bump. A bonus.

“You see, there’s this interesting phenomenon that happens when you near the finish line of something. You naturally accelerate. ”

When you near that goal line, you unconsciously pick up the pace. Let’s say you’re running a race. You’re in for the long haul. At some point, you’re getting tired. You’re energy is sagging. Your effort may sink a bit. You may question if you can finish. You may even want to give up. But you hold on. And then…. you see the finish line. And what do you do? You accelerate. You speed up. You make the mad dash. You, who just minutes ago, didn’t think you had any more in the tank. Surprise, surprise! You had it all along. And now, it’s taking you to your goal.

This energy boost as you approach the finish line isn’t a fluke. Rather, it’s something that has a very fancy name: the Goal Gradient Effect. Apparently, as we near an end point, we’re wired to pick up the pace.

This is very good news as we stare down the close of another year. If you’ve been lamenting that you wished you had made more progress, then these final three months of the year can be your secret weapon.

Instead of daydreaming about all the things you’re going to do next year, fix your focus on finishing strong, getting to the finish line, the goal line, this year. Tap into your natural acceleration. Surprise yourself.

This Goal Gradient Effect can be leveraged to boost performance in many ways. For example, each day, imagine your finish line. What accomplishment do you want to place on today’s finish line? Put it in your mind’s eye.

I often talk about using different "focal lengths” when it comes to goal achievement. When you’re setting goals, fo example, use a focal length - a timeframe - that is further out, like a year. A year away allows you to think big - which is important to goal setting. Surprisingly, big goals get accomplished - much more than modest ones. So when the focal length is far away, you can suspend reality a bit and go for gold, for the dream.

However, to make tangible progress on those goals, and leverage the accelerating effect of a visible finish line, it’s important to bring in the focal length, to make it closer. Establish those milestones, mini finish lines on your way to your way to your big goals.

This is similar to a sighting technique that runners use. You pick a spot ahead, another runner, a landmark in the distance, and run to that. It keeps you in a race, especially a long one. The power of this technique draws from this Goal Gradient Effect.

Sighting has also been used as a survival technique to successfully navigate extreme situations in the wilderness. There’s a boost when you create a finish line that you can see. When there’s a winnable game.

When there’s no end in sight, it’s easy to give up. When you’re finish line is near, you find you have more power than you thought.

So, as we enter the last leg of this year-long marathon, what are your goals? Dust them off. Reset them and put them on the line. See them sitting there on December 31. Three months, and you’re there. Use the productive power of the finish line and watch as you naturally accelerate toward your goals.

Got Pace?

I've been sharing recently about my happy obsession with the Peloton app and, specifically, the outdoor running sessions. One of the things I've loved is that I'm learning about pace.

For years (or decades), when I would go for a run, I had exactly one pace: on. I was on or off, running or not running. Using the Peloton app, I've been learning from my fav running partner, Robin Arzon, that I have multiple speeds and how to toggle between them. I've been working on four different paces:

1. easy jog/recovery pace: you can hold a full conversation; totally easy; your warm-up pace

2. marathon pace: a pace you could sustain for hours (this always makes me laugh because I think I would need a chair for that).

3. tempo pace: what Robin calls "comfortably uncomfortable," where you "flirt with the edge." This isn't an all-out sprint, but this is pushing your speed.

4. sprint: full out; empty the tank.

To give even more distinction to the pace, they’re rated according to RPE: rate of perceived exertion with 1 being sitting on your couch and 10 being full out sprint. In terms of RPE: easy jog/recovery is 2-3; marathon is 4-5; tempo is 6-7; and sprint is a 10.

Experimenting with these distinctions, these paces, has transformed my running game and experience. I feel like a smarter runner (even though I'm basically a beginner). I have more control over my effort; more nuance in my running; more capacity and range that I didn't know I had. And way more endurance and speed than I realized.

I've gone from two speeds: on or off to a more sophisticated speed calibration. I can ramp up and ramp down. I can push and recede. I am learning my internal pacing. I'm tuning into my range. I'm discovering when to hold back for the long haul and when to push to the finish line. I'm learning about how to build endurance and speed. I'm exploring how to take my cues not solely from the external circumstances, but from the internal calibration about how to apply the right pace to the job at hand.

Pace doesn't just apply to running (you saw this coming, didn't you?) It's important to develop a keen understanding of pace to meet the race course of work and life.

It's so easy to have a simple on/off switch. The problem is - given the demands of a full life, we're mostly "on" - which is not sustainable.

We're an ecosystem, not a machine. What if we got better at calibrating our effort? What if we had more speeds? This would serve us well, I think, since life is a marathon and not a sprint (as they say).

What would it look like to approach your day with easy/recovery pace; marathon pace; tempo pace; and sprint in mind?

“What would it look like to approach your day with easy/recovery pace; marathon pace; tempo pace; and sprint in mind? ”

When do you need the easy/recovery pace?

When do you need a marathon pace - something doable over an extended period?

When can you flex your muscle and add some tempo to your efforts?

And when is a sprint called for?

You have all these paces and more... Begin to notice your pace, your RPE - rate of perceived exertion. Play with it. You'll discover that you have many gears - and there are times to exercise restraint in your pace, and other times to empty the tank.

What pace is required of you today? What's today's productive pace?

PS And check out the Peloton Digital app. It’s worth it. Even Consumers’ Advocate agrees. See their review of online personal trainers.

Routines and the Middle Way (Or, Don't Use Routines To Feel Bad)

I was speaking with someone the other day about ways to support a productive day. I mentioned that it's great to come up with a simple routine that helps you get off to a great start.

She gave me a dubious look. She countered, "I don't like routines because then I'm just hard on myself if I don't live up to them."

Ahhhh..... right! This is what often keeps people from adding productive habits to their day: they end up using them as a weapon (on themselves). In fact, often the people who opt into routines are high achievers with a penchant for perfectionism. It's just one more thing to pressure yourself to do. Who needs that?

Literally, no one.

“The problem isn’t the routine. It’s the mindset that goes with it. This all-or-nothing, I-must-be-perfect, performance-fixated mindset takes all the fun out of life.”

But I think we’ve got the problem wrong. The problem isn't the routine. It’s the mindset that goes with it. This all-or-nothing, I-must-be-perfect, performance-fixated mindset takes all the fun out of life. Not very productive.

What if you could hold your productive routines lightly? What if you saw them not as a harsh standard, but as a generous, easygoing support system? What if, instead of getting rid of the routines, you started to dismantle that intolerant mindset that pushes pressure?

I see this a lot with my clients - they approach the day-to-day as a performance, rather than as play. And as a result, they amp up the pressure and miss the progress. Routines aren't here to remind you that you suck, but instead, that you are freaking awesome. Amirite?

Truly, the all-or-nothing approach (I'll do it if I can do it perfectly or I won't do it at all) is relatively easy. It's like the simple on-off switch I wrote about yesterday. On or off: easy.

What's initially harder (but more effective) is the middle way: working with yourself, finding your rhythm, adjusting, accepting, and productively challenging yourself into your own fulfillment and contribution. The middle way means you must be willing to make mistakes and adjustments. You must be willing to let go of perfectionism and, instead, strive messily for progress.

So back to the idea of productive routines. I like to design simple things that will help my energy, inspiration, mindset. I started small and have added elements to my routine over the years. And I switch it up. Most important: I make everything easy. Coffee, water, stretch, sit quietly for a few minutes, read (for learning or inspiration), get clear on my goals and gratitude. Then, move (run).

What one or two things could start your day off to a productive start? You might consider what derails you. Look back on that day that seemed to start off wrong. What happened? Is there a way to create a routine that protects against that?

Consider the rushing vibe that can derail even the best intentioned. You’re trying to get yourself and everyone else out the door, dressed and fed, but what if something doesn’t go as planned? What if your daughter has a meltdown about her sweater? What if your son can’t find his shoes? What if you have no idea where the homework is? What if your dog takes longer on the walk? What if you have to (heaven forbid) iron something? Or take a call?

So maybe you decide this adrenaline-pumping rushing isn’t setting you up well for your day. You might consider waking up earlier to give yourself more runway in the morning.

You might find that reading something inspiring puts you in a good mood that energizes you.

Or that a walk around the block gives you the perspective and fresh air and energy that sets you up for success.

Little things. Not big things. The little things make all the difference. It’s the small actions that exercise our power.

Experiment. Be easy. See if there is a routine that might fortify your energy, outlook, peace of mind, clarity, and focus. Don’t make it hard by being rigid about it, by burdening yourself with the expectations of perfection, by the all-or-nothing mindset.

No, don’t do that.

Instead, find the middle way with your routines. Tweak, test, try. Play around. Have fun. Find that routine that’s like a supportive friend. Steady, helpful, encouraging. The routine that brings out the best in you.

Push the Edge for Productive Pride

So, I “run.”  

Well, that’s how I’ve described it for the past two decades or so: “run” in quotes. 

Because, who am I kidding? My “run” is slow – much more like jogging (but that sounds so ‘80s, right?). And, it often includes, well, walking. “Run” a little. Walk a little. You get the idea. But I’m moving. And somehow, I get just enough effort in there to sweat and to get the thing I most want – a dose of those feel-good exercise endorphins that upgrade mood, clear the mind, and jumpstart the creative juices. Oh, and it’s good for your health.

I’ve kept up this “running” practice – about 25 minutes, 3 to 4 days a week (sometimes less, sometimes more) – for years. However, this past winter the wheels fell off my “running” game. I’m not sure why. The cold? The dark? The flu? I didn’t power through the weather. I didn’t get on the roads – or the treadmill. 

And, I’m not gonna lie: it was hard to start back up. The weather got better, but I didn’t put on my running shoes. 

Finally, at the end of May, I got back out there. I walked more than I ran. But it felt good to be back at it and to sweat (I’m weird that way).

First day back, my lungs were pushing. Second day, my lungs were better, but my legs were pushing. Each passing day, the time walking decreased as I toggled back and forth between feeling my effort in my lungs or my legs. 

Meanwhile, for about a year, I’ve been having this nagging sense that I need to push myself more in my workout. My “run” really wasn’t pushing my fitness or even maintaining it given the accelerating physical effects of time ticking by (aka, aging). 

I figured that to push myself – to be able to run farther, faster, longer – to get in better shape, I’d probably have to get a trainer, join a running group, or sign up for a half marathon. But none of that seemed especially enticing. Yet, I couldn’t see how I could push myself out of my running rut on my own. And something in me wanted to level things up in my workout routine and my fitness.

Last month, I heard Rachel Hollis interview Robin Arzon on her podcast, Rise. Robin is a lead instructor and VP of Fitness Programming at Peloton. I loved her story and perspective. And bonus: I learned that Peloton had an app that doesn’t require purchasing the bike or treadmill. And double bonus: there are outdoor running sessions on it. Say, what?!

About 5 weeks ago, after my regular, no-push “run,” I remembered I had downloaded the Peloton app. So, I decided to listen to the beginning of one of the outdoor running sessions – just to see what it was like. A few minutes. That’s all.

I pressed start.  And a few steps in, I was hooked. Before I knew it, I had run an additional 45 minutes – another 4+ miles! Holy. Freaking. Cow. 

Let me be clear: running 4+ miles was absolutely, positively inconceivable to me (much less the 6+ I did that day). The last time I did that I’m sure I was in my 20s - you know, decades ago. My mind was blown. And I felt so good. Pretty sure I could have kept running… 

Since that day, I’ve run with the Peloton app (and Robin) 4+ miles most every day. And, did you notice?.... I’ve dropped the quotes. As Robin says in the one of the sessions, “If you’re running with me right now, you’re a runner. Claim it.”

During these few weeks, I’ve watched my legs and lungs become stronger. I’m making progress far beyond what I thought possible, and that is downright thrilling and motivating. I’m pushing myself. I’m “flirting with the edge,” as Robin calls it. I’m proud of myself. I feel strong.

During the running sessions, Robin has you reaching for your pride with each step — the pride of accomplishment, of making the effort. This sense of pride is so visceral and invigorating as I take each step and keep going. In one of the running sessions, she said something like “With each mile, you pick up accomplishments like souvenirs.” She inspires you to run proud – “Shoulders down, chest open, head up, gaze forward, crown on….” 

Why am I telling you all this? No, this is not an ad for Peloton (though get that app!). This is not a post to promote working out (well, maybe a little). 

I’m telling you this because my running story got me thinking about … productivity.

Let’s face it, pride gets a bad rap. The pride I’m talking about here is not of the arrogant variety — you know, the kind of pride that is obnoxious and often just a poor cover for insecurity or low self-esteem. I’m not talking about the pride that has its roots in fear. Nope. 

I’m talking about the pride that naturally bubbles up when you recognize and acknowledge your own power to take action, make a change, and create something with your own two hands… or feet. You know how when a kid makes something and comes to you so proud: “I did this!” That kind of pride.

This kind of pride feels like delight, exuberance, amazement, power, strength. This pride sings “yes!” It’s tastes like motivation. It stirs self-respect. It is rooted in responsibility – the responsibility to take action, to do your best, to try, to make an effort, to get up and do it again and again. It’s watered by true humility – to be brave, to try something, to expose yourself, to show the world (or the people around you) that you care, to play full out no matter what happens. Win. Or. Lose. This pride is alive with appreciation, determination, grit, aspiration, hope, vitality. 

So how does this relate to productivity? Here are two transferrable lessons from this running story.

First, it’s important to push the edges of your skill, comfort, experience. 

I often work with clients who are demotivated. They’re dialing it in. They’re just trying to get by. There’s nothing positively challenging them, inspiring them, making them work hard to achieve, pushing them to put anything on the line. 

Now, when I say “work hard,” I know: Everyone is working hard. But there’s a difference between working hard because you’re busy, overstretched, overcommitted, overwhelmed, overwrought – and working hard because you’re trying to achieve something new, you’re pushing your capacity and skill, you’re after a goal.

When you work hard because you’ve decided to improve a skill, expand your capability, achieve something you’ve never done before, that’s when hard work is rewarding. That’s the hard work I’m talking about here. Choosing to stay with a goal or commitment and pushing yourself a bit beyond the known edges of where you are comfortable, or where it’s easy. 

I’m not saying to push the edge in everything – just one thing. That will wake up your effort, motivation, and confidence – which will spill over into other areas.

Pushing the edge in one thing stirs this productive pride, which puts you in contact with your power. And that changes everything.

This connection to your power has compounding effects that pays big dividends in your overall performance and productivity.

So the question is: Where can you push the edge? What goal, project, skill, dream, habit - calls out to you? What are you willing to go for? Once you find it, start where you are. And build.

Second, Keep a steady focus on your accomplishments, your progress. 

Acknowledge your efforts and your achievements. And, by the way, effort, in itself, is an achievement.

It’s easy to zero in on what’s not working, what you haven’t done, what you’re procrastinating on, what you haven’t achieved, where you’ve fallen short, and so on. This is basic brain science at work, specifically, a thing called Negativity Bias. Negativity Bias is the handy-dandy feature that keeps you on the alert for potential threat. It’s a kind of early warning system. Eons ago, the threat showed up as a tiger. Today, it more often shows up as a worry about what people think of us, a mistake we made, or who’s winning on Instagram.

And the culture at large only mirrors and amplifies this mind game with a focus on deficiency, weakness, not-enough-ness, lack. 

Add to that, the fact that we’re subtly trained (especially women) that’s its impolite to celebrate one’s accomplishments. Just look at how people were losing their minds about the on-field celebrations of the US Women’s Soccer Team in the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup. We’ve made it unbecoming to unapologetically celebrate an effort, a victory, a success, an achievement. Better to dismiss or downplay it – and put your eyes on where you need to improve, get better, or where you’re lacking. 

This negative, deficient obsession dramatically weakens performance. In fact, I believe it’s the root of unproductive or, at the extreme, toxic, work environments. When everyone is dialed into what’s missing and what’s wrong, it becomes unnecessarily hard to perform at the top of one’s game. What if everyone focused far more on their victories, progress, and accomplishments than on their deficiencies? What kind of self-propelling, motivating, productive power would that unleash? You might just find that you – and your team – are unstoppable. 

Consider keeping a running list of accomplishments big and small. Look at it and add to it every day. Pat yourself on the back. Give yourself a high five. Delight in your effort and your accomplishments. Notice when you do things that are hard or a challenge. Every day, practice being proud of the effort you make. This kind of focus builds mental discipline and strength and will fuel your efforts. And remember: you’re competing with yourself. You’re besting yourself. This is about practical progress, not abstract perfection.

Push the edge. Acknowledge your effort. This is a surefire way to tap into this natural, productive pride that will keep you playing a bigger, better game. 

And as a side note: my running experience reminds me of the transferrable benefits of building physical fitness.

We often treat fitness as an optional side gig – unrelated to our productivity and overall performance in our professional and personal life. And nice, if you have the time.

My starting line

But that beautiful brain you drive all day lives in the body. 

As you get stronger physically, you tap into strength, stamina, and steadiness, which bolster other areas of life. You build confidence. You build mental strength. It’s all one ecosystem that works together. 

So, move! It doesn’t matter what it looks like – a walk around the block or training for a marathon. Commit to moving your body every day.. The physical body is so responsive. It shows you your progress quickly - no matter where you start. And that will get the motivational juices flowing into the rest of your life. You’ll stand a little taller. You’ll step out more. And you’ll have a little more swagger in your walk.

And your efforts on the field, the track, the roads, the mat will give you lessons on how to be productive, how to perform well in work and life.

Are you game?

Running is teaching me to push the edge and acknowledge my effort. It’s showing me the value of productive pride. 

So, I run. 

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Want to level up your productivity game? Consider the self-paced, online course Workflow Mastery: The Disciplines of Accomplishment. It will show you how to set up the game board of work and life - and play to win.

Power of the Pack

We celebrate independence and autonomy. 

We promote self-determination. 

We honor individuality.

And yet, there’s a pesky little fact you just can’t get around: we humans are herd animals. We thrive in packs. There is an inborn drive to affiliate, to connect, to join in. Even if you tell me you’re a loner: you affiliate, identify, fit in with others who identify as loners. Ironically, they’re your pack.

The people we hang out with influence our behavior and create a culture – the unspoken rules of engagement, the messages about what is permissible and expected start to operate. 

Studies continue to confirm that there is a significant likelihood that our weight, health, finances, relationships, fears, success, mindset will look similar to (be in the range of) the people we hang out with. Why? Because we unconsciously mimic, copy, align. It’s what herd animals do. 

This alignment in the group has served an important survival function. We’re stronger together against the _____ [Fill in the blank: tiger, monsoon, drought, encroaching tribe, government, political party, etc.] – against the “other.” We’re safe here in our community, our group. 

So we seek to fit in – somewhere. Culture is incredibly powerful and contagious. The behavior spurred by cultural norms bypasses the prefrontal cortex (that beautiful reasoning, rational part of your brain) and goes straight to the more primitive, instinctive regions. The power of culture is aptly expressed by the often-quoted sentiment of Peter Drucker: “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” 

“Culture is incredibly powerful and contagious. The behavior spurred by cultural norms bypasses the prefrontal cortex (that beautiful reasoning, rational part of your brain) and goes straight to the more primitive, instinctive regions. ”

All this is to say, who you hang out with matters. If you are looking to create certain results or qualities in your life – you might want to affiliate with people with those results or qualities. Why? Because the power of culture, of groups, to boost your behavior in the direction you want to go. 

This is one of the reasons that I’m excited about the Power Start program that I’ll be offering for the first three months of 2019: The leveraging power of the group. 

When you affiliate with others 

who are up to something, 

who are focused on accomplishing a goal, 

who are taking productive action, 

you absorb that mindset, that focus, that behavior. 

It’s not magic. (You still have to show up and make an effort.) But it is magical. The leveraging power of the group. 

So if you would like start 2019 strong and benefit from the being part of a group of go-getters, doers, makers and shakers – like you, I hope you’ll join us. 

Beginning the week of January 14 through the week of March 25, I’ll be providing a weekly focus to help participants design the conditions of accomplishment as they pursue their goals. The result? By March 31, you’ll have made real-life progress toward goals that matter; and you’ll have the know-how to continue the momentum through the rest of the year and beyond.

If this sounds interesting, you can find more info here: 
https://productivity-power.teachable.com/p/power-start

PS And as a corollary: Our actions matter: not only to us, but to those around us. We have the power to impact the culture of the groups we’re in. Behavior is contagious. So, for example, when you do great work, it can elevate everyone’s game.

PPS And, all this talk about culture is NOT to say that valuing diversity doesn’t matter, or worse, isn’t possible. Au contraire. Instead, the culture, the unspoken rules of the group can be about valuing diversity, difference, innovation, quirkiness, etc. As the teacher, thinker, marketer Seth Godin describes the sentiment at the heart of culture : “People like us do things like this.” So, in a culture it could be: People like us value different cultures, etc. People like us value equality for all. People like us have compassion. You get the idea.