14 easy ways to be incredibly productive

In the spirit of the topic let’s get right to it:

1. Eliminate one ego commitment.

We all do things that have more to do with ego than results. Maybe you serve on a committee because you like how it looks on your resume. Maybe you teach at a local college because you like the words “adjunct professor.”

(Or maybe, like me, you write a weekly column for your local newspaper mostly because you like when people recognize you at the grocery store.)

The things you do mostly for ego are mostly a waste of time. Think about something you do mainly because it makes you look important, smart, or cool. If it provides no other “value,” drop it.

Anything you do that serves the greater glory of you is a waste of time; besides, the best glory is always reflected, not projected.

2. Create a happy shelf.

I had a shelf full of old Photoshop books. I hadn’t opened them in years so I replaced them with family photos.

Makes me happy. When I’m happy, I do better work. You will too.

3. Stop looking for that (meaningless) extra 10 percent.

I’m somewhat competitive. When I start to do something, within a short period of time I start wanting to do it better than other people.