"If you look for perfection, you will never be content." -- Leo Tolstoy, Russian novelist (Anna Karenina).
How Your Standards Can Slow You Down |
It's true that as your experience and skills evolve, you should occasionally push the envelope of your personal constraints. But to paraphrase Clint Eastwood in the film Magnum Force, you've got to know your limitations. And you do have limitations---which also means you can't always do everything just right. It's important to have high standards for your work; in fact, you need them if you expect to achieve consistent productivity. But be aware of the difference between high standards and impossibly
high standards. When your standards for yourself and your team become so lofty they tick over into the unreasonable, they'll do nothing but slow you down---like an anchor tied around your neck. Ironically, maintaining absurdly high standards can as bad as having no standards at all.
Of course, this isn't an excuse to slow down or slack off. Always strive for excellence. But at the same time, remember: true perfection is the province of the divine. If you try to consider every possible outcome and arrange for every contingency before making your first move, you may have trouble getting started at all. While some of us like to say we work best under pressure, that's rarely true. You're like the undergrad scrambling in the ninth hour, staying up all night to write a paper assigned half a semester before. Indeed, more often than not, the results reflect the amount of time spent on the task. Rather than hold yourself to angelic standards, be a REALIST:
|
|
|
|
1. Recognize Your Limits. No one knows you better than you. Break your task or project into pieces you know you can manage and set solid deadlines for achieving each.
|
|
|
2. Energize Yourself. You know you're talented and good at what you do, or you wouldn't be where you are now. Psych yourself up before you start.
|
|
|
3. Accept Your Imperfections. You might make a few mistakes as you work on the task. You might even fail. So what? Let's face it: you're human. Push past your fear of failure; don't let it stymie your productivity.
Read The Rest of the Article
|
|
The 2013 STACK Attack! |
Due to a special plea from a reader, I am hosting a New Year's productivity workflow makeover on Friday, February 1, 2013. Eight people will come to my home office in Denver, CO, to revamp their organization, email, and time management systems. To assure everyone will get one-to-one hands-on instruction, this opportunity is limited to the first 8 people who register. No exceptions.
Learn more about this special opportunity
|
|
|
Productivity Pro Public Workshop on February 25, 2013 |
Attend an immersive, interactive workshop, based on Laura Stack's newest book, What to Do When There's Too Much to Do! This full-day experience will be facilitated by Productivity Pro certified trainer, Kathy Cooperman.
What would you do with 90 extra minutes each day? Perhaps that idea sounds impossible, but in fact, it's well within your reach...once you apply these proven and practical strategies. You'll receive the tools and tips you need to truly do less, get greater results, and maintain your sanity. Monday, February 25, 2013, 8:30 AM TO 4:00 PM at the MARRIOTT DENVER SOUTH, Lone Tree, CO USE COUPON CODE "EARLY" by January 10, 2013 to receive a $100 per order early bird discount!
Order Now
|
|
|
Thanks for reading! Make it a productive day.™ |
Follow:
|
|
|
|