A to Z series Archives - Sagar Amlani "The Productivity Explorer"

Zenith

sagar.amlani — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 10:00:46 +0000

Are you in the TOP 8%

I am thrilled to announce the completion of my series A to Z of productivity. I took on this challenge to explore areas that impact our productivity and how can we improve them. As a Productivity Explorer, I allowed myself to read and explore 162 articles and blogs and interview 18 people before I could pen down my learning of the alphabet.

When you reach the Zenith, you’re at the top, the pinnacle, the summit, the peak.

Everyone reaches their point of Zenith sooner or later based on their efforts and focused approach.

I have shared all twenty-six ways to empower and help my buddies improve their productivity, build a productive mindset, and reach their Zenith of Productivity.

Statistics show that only 8% of people truly achieve their goals and reach their Zenith in life.

What sets these individuals apart?

Let’s uncover the seven key factors that can help you join this elite group of achievers:

Focused Approach: A focused approach directs your energy and attention towards what truly matters. Identify your priorities, eliminate distractions, and devote yourself to the tasks that align with your goals.
Build your support system: Surround yourself with a supportive network of like-minded individuals. Seek out mentors, colleagues, and friends who can provide guidance, motivation, and accountability.

Avoid and conquer procrastination: Procrastination can derail productivity. Learn to recognize and overcome the procrastination trap by breaking tasks into manageable steps and leveraging time management techniques.
Set challenging goals with milestones: Set clear, ambitious goals that stretch your capabilities. Break them down into smaller milestones to track progress and celebrate achievements along the way.
Avoid multitasking: Multitasking can be counterproductive. Instead, focus on one task at a time, giving it your undivided attention. This allows for greater concentration, efficiency, and quality of work.
Celebrate milestones: Celebrate your successes, both big and small. Acknowledge your achievements along the journey, as this fuels motivation and keeps you inspired to reach new heights.
Prioritize self-care: Self-care is essential for sustainable productivity. Take care of your physical and mental well-being, ensure adequate rest and relaxation, and engage in activities that rejuvenate your mind and body.

Only 8% People Achieve this

The post Zenith appeared first on Sagar Amlani : Official Site "The Productivity Explorer".

You

sagar.amlani — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 10:00:10 +0000

The Power Lies Within You

No tool or technique can improve your productivity unless you are determined and ready to take committed and consistent action.

Yes, that is 100% true; no systems, processes, or techniques will help you become more productive if YOU don’t take the initiative.

Some People might take the initiative but will still fail.

YOU are the central theme in the world of productivity and anything that you wish to achieve in life.

Three key principles which help you in your journey –

Determination: You have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and why it matters to you. You are motivated and driven to pursue your goals despite challenges and setbacks.

Commitment: You take consistent and focused action towards your goals. You follow through on your plans and promises. You don’t let distractions or excuses derail you from your path.

Discipline: You have a set of habits and routines that support your productivity. You take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. You manage your time, energy, and attention effectively.

This person will change your life

The post You appeared first on Sagar Amlani : Official Site "The Productivity Explorer".

X factor

sagar.amlani — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 10:00:31 +0000

You are the POWER

Do you know what makes you unique and valuable?

Your X-Factor is the gift that makes you exclusive.

It’s the factor you’re most passionate about, the skill you’ve perfected over time and effort, and plenty of practice, or the work you do that distinguishes you from everyone else.

Your X-Factor is not something you are born with or something you can buy. It is something you discover and cultivate through self-awareness, experimentation, and learning. It is something that reflects your personality, values, and purpose.

Your X-Factor is important for productivity and success because it helps you:

Stand out from the crowd and attract more opportunities
Focus on your strengths and overcome your weaknesses
Find more joy and fulfillment in your work
Align your actions with your goals and vision
Create more value and impact for yourself and other

Think of some of the most productive and successful people in the world, such as Michael Jordan, Tom Ford, Julia Roberts, Elon Musk, Ritesh Agarwal, Kunal Shah, and many more. They all have one thing in common: they have discovered their X-Factor and used it to their advantage.

How can you discover your X-Factor?

We all have an X-Factor. Every one of us is unique and, hence one single system does not work for us. We need to identify what is our X-Factor and play to its advantage to win.

It’s imperative to build a productive mindset and identify which tools, systems, and processes suit your X-Factor, making you highly productive.

Simple ways to exprience your X-Factor:

Take risks (safe, lawful risks): Step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Challenge yourself to do something that scares you or excites you. Learn from your failures and successes.

Observe and take notes: Pay attention to your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Notice what sparks your curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm. Write down your observations and insights.

Define and write your goals: What do you want to achieve in life? What are your short-term and long-term objectives? How do they align with your values and purpose? Write down your goals and review them regularly.

Discover your interests: What are the topics or activities that fascinate you? What are the things that you enjoy learning or doing? What are the sources of inspiration or information that you follow or consume? Make a list of your interests and explore them further.

Identify your passion: What are the things that you love doing so much that you lose track of time? What are the things that make you feel alive and energized? What are the things that give meaning to your life? Make a list of your passions and prioritize them.

Make a list of your skills and talents: What are the things that you are good at or have a natural aptitude for? What are the things that others compliment or admire you for? What are the things that you have learned or practised over time?

Make a list of your skills and talents and rate them.

Read and upskill yourself: What are the areas or fields that you want to improve or learn more about? What are the resources or courses that can help you acquire new knowledge or skills? How can you apply what you learn to your work or life? Read books, articles, blogs, podcasts, videos, etc., and upskill yourself regularly.

Always be yourself: Don’t try to copy or imitate someone else’s X-Factor. Don’t let others define or limit your potential. Don’t compromise on your authenticity or integrity. Be yourself and express yourself fully.

Watch this video to find your X-factor

The post X factor appeared first on Sagar Amlani : Official Site "The Productivity Explorer".

Willpower

sagar.amlani — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 10:00:28 +0000

Miracles of Willpower

Do you struggle with sticking to your plans and following through on your resolutions?

Do you wish you had more willpower to resist temptations and distractions?

Do you want to learn how to develop the pain of discipline over the ease of distraction?

Then, Read this

Willpower is not something you have or something you lack. It develops and grows on what you feed it.

Remember – It’s impossible to maximize your willpower for every moment of every day.

Below I have shared simple practical tips which I have learnt over past 20 years – Implemented to boost my willpower.

However, it is possible to make a few changes to your day and your routine to make the most of your decisions and make consistent progress on the things that are important to you.

Research supports the notion that willpower and the ability to delay gratification are vitally crucial for a successful, productive life. Willpower is the key to success. Successful people strive no matter what they feel by applying their will to overcome apathy, doubt or fear.

Think of some of the most successful people in the world, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Sachin Tendulkar, Bill Gates, Jim Carrey, Thomas Edison, Elon Musk, Priyanka Chopra, and many more.

They all have one thing in common: they have strong willpower and discipline that help them achieve their goals.

According to willpower researcher Roy Baumeister, Ph.D., a psychologist at Florida State University, there are three necessary components for achieving objectives:

You need to establish the motivation for change and set a clear goal.
You need to monitor your behaviour toward that goal.
You need willpower.

But that’s not all. Your environment also plays a significant role in influencing your willpower. If you surround yourself with people who are doing the thing you want to do, or with things that remind you of your goal, you are more likely to stay on track.

Here are some easy ways to boost your willpower and achieve your goals:

Set Clear Objectives: Define your goals clearly for better focus and determination.
Embrace Breaks: Regular short pauses recharge your willpower during demanding tasks.
Stay Organized: Maintain a clutter-free environment to reduce mental stress.
Prioritize Health: Nourish your body with balanced meals and hydration for improved mental strength.
Practice Patience: Strengthen your resolve by delaying instant gratification.
Positive Inner Dialogue: Use positive self-talk to uplift your determination.
Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate even minor achievements to stay motivated.
Practice Mindfulness: Stay present and calm to bolster your self-discipline.
Create Consistent Habits: Develop routines that support your goals for sustained willpower growth. Remember – Sleep well

With more self-control, would we all eat right, exercise regularly, avoid drugs and alcohol, save for retirement, stop procrastinating, and achieve all sorts of noble goals?

Watch my video (1 Min)

The post Willpower appeared first on Sagar Amlani : Official Site "The Productivity Explorer".

Vision

sagar.amlani — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 10:00:31 +0000

Find Your Vision

Many individuals live by the day; if you ask them what they have achieved and wish to achieve, you will be surprised to know they have no specific answer.

Having a vision connects you to your higher purpose, builds accountability, and provides inertia to achieve the desired aspirations.

If you are reading this post, it shows that you are inclined to learn. Let me know how you enjoyed the series of A to Z of productivity.

Visioning provides the organization or an individual with a clear sense of direction and a robust selection of power. It gives an individual the sense of being empowered in something essential (Goodstein et al., 1993)

A study conducted in 2016 highlights that individuals with clearly defined vision are 84% more successful than those who live life by the day.

Let’s understand the five specific benefits that come from having a personal vision statement:

It becomes easier to make decisions.
It provides you with a sense of direction.
It helps you determine your long-term and short-term goals.
It will motivate you when you are at the crossroads of your life (do check out my book: At the Crossroads of Life)
It will help you live a balanced life.

A personal vision statement is a statement that describes your values, your strengths, and your goals. It can be focused on life or professional goals, and it is intended to orient you toward your long-term dreams. It is a tool to help guide your actions when important decisions have to be made or in particular transition moments.

Successful people frequently review their personal vision statement to get a sense of direction, and fulfillment and to live their days more joyfully.

A personal vision statement should contain:

Your interests
Your skills
Your values
What the world needs, how can you make the difference
Your goal

Japanese philosophy addresses having your purpose as Ikigai, a long-term goal aligned to all the areas above. Your Ikigai can provide you with a sense of purpose and direction. Some people call it life’s purpose.

How do you create a vision that truly drives you?

Start with a purpose:
1. What is the ultimate goal you want to achieve?
2. What motivates you or your organization to do what you do?
Be specific: A vision should be clear and concise. It should define what you want to achieve, how you will achieve it, and the timeline for achieving it.
Involve stakeholders: A shared vision is more likely to be embraced by all members of an organization. Involve your team, customers, and other stakeholders in the visioning process to create a sense of ownership and commitment.
Communicate and reinforce: Once you have a vision, communicate it consistently and regularly to keep it top of mind. Use it as a guide for decision-making, and celebrate the progress made towards achieving it.

The post Vision appeared first on Sagar Amlani : Official Site "The Productivity Explorer".

Urgent

sagar.amlani — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 10:00:28 +0000

DO THIS FIRST

Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines! They can creep up on us, and before we know it, the work that we thought had plenty of time has now become a last-minute rush to the finish line. But is everything that we consider urgent truly important? And are we spending too much time on tasks that are not impactful on our lives?

As Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, “What is important is seldom urgent, and what is urgent is seldom important.” In other words, we may be puzzling the urgent with the important, and this can leave us feeling depleted of energy at the end of the day without much significant work accomplished.

Urgent tasks are usually those with immediate or past deadlines, but that doesn’t mean they are always crucial. Sometimes we delay doing a task, and it becomes urgent when it could have been completed much earlier without much effort. On the other hand, important tasks can have a significant impact on our lives but may not have an imminent deadline

Urgent tasks are mostly tasks that have an immediate deadline or a deadline that has passed. These critical tasks don’t need to be time-consuming or effort-intensive.

It is also not necessary that these tasks will have a significant impact on your life ‘ “in fact, they may be very trivial or silly. Things often become urgent, or an urgent situation is created when a person knows that something has to be accomplished but keeps delaying it.

For instance, acknowledging the receipt of an email or submitting a not-so-important report ‘is “very trivial but if ignored can become an urgent task.”

Important tasks, on the other hand, need not have a deadline looming over the person. They are important because of the impact that they can have on a person’s life. Again, these need not be time-consuming or effort-intensive and may not require you to do it immediately. For instance, planning your education or career since your school days ‘ ” is not something you need to execute right now but will help you chart your direction

Many individuals who have been in leadership and management positions for decades are still left baffled when it comes to identifying what is urgent and what is important. Understanding the difference between urgent and important can significantly impact the quality and productivity of both your personal and professional life.

URGENT Tasks will be governed by

Crisis
Emergency
Deadlines

We will not be able to eliminate all the urgent tasks in life, but if we plan and execute and stay alert, we can reduce urgent tasks by nearly 78%, says a recent study conducted by HBR

Some Activities that will help you to reduce urgent tasks and make you more productive

Plan and block your calendar for important dates
Creating a budget plan
Creating a savings investment plan
Scheduling your day
Delegating Maintenance to experts
Set Reminders in advance for statutory compliance
Define responsibilities and assign accountability
Weekly Planning
Journaling

Stop Doing Urgent Tasks

The post Urgent appeared first on Sagar Amlani : Official Site "The Productivity Explorer".

Tools

sagar.amlani — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 10:00:58 +0000

Tango with Tools

Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and consistent effort, Says Paul J Meyer

I firmly believe that Productivity is Efficiency X Effectiveness

Let’s say to fill a bucket from a well – there are two ways

First one: use rope and pull water directly, which causes fatigue and more effort to fill the bucket.
Second one: You can use a pulley arrangement (tool) to remove water without any spillage and with less effort

Which one will you use: Of course, the second option?

Why?

Tools help you to leverage your energy to achieve maximum output. They also save time and make you more efficient. But by using Pulley (tool), you also reduce your spillage, increasing your effectiveness.

With improved technology, you can use (advanced tools) a water pump to get the water delivered to your home directly.

Tools are not restricted to using hi-tech computers and applications; even simple ways to improve your efficiency and enhance your effectiveness work.

Similarly, supporting employees with the correct tools and equipment is increases their productivity. A recent study revealed that employees working from home with the proper setup were 49% more efficient in delivering their tasks.

In fact, a recent study found that employees who were provided with the proper tools and equipment while working from home were 49% more efficient in delivering their tasks. That’s a significant increase in productivity, just by leveraging the right tools!

Benefits of using the right tools

Improves Communication: The right tools can help you to communicate more effectively with your team, clients, or customers. This can lead to faster decision-making and better collaboration.
Reduced Duplication: With the right tools, you can avoid duplicating efforts and wasting time on repetitive tasks. This can help you to focus on high-value work that contributes to your overall goals.
Faster Decision Making: With access to real-time data and analytics, you can make informed decisions quickly. This can help you to stay ahead of the competition and be more agile in your business operations.
Reduced Efforts: The right tools can help you to automate tasks and streamline workflows, reducing your workload and freeing up more time for high-value work.
Better Quality Products / Services: Using the right tools can help you to produce higher quality products or services. For example, using editing software to improve the quality of your photos or videos, or using project management tools to ensure that you deliver your projects on time and within budget.

Watch my Video (1 Min)

The post Tools appeared first on Sagar Amlani : Official Site "The Productivity Explorer".

Schedule

sagar.amlani — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 10:00:04 +0000

Crack the Code of Productivity -The Key Lies in Effective Scheduling-

We all have the same twenty-four hours each day. So why do successful people get so much done in their twenty-four hours while others struggle to accomplish the tasks on an essential to-do list?

Answer is simple

By using productivity tips and creating and sticking to an efficient daily SCHEDULE, you can do more and do better every single day.

Time is a finite resource for all of us. Leaving your limited number of days and hours up to chance is not responsible for resource management.

Instead, use a schedule and reap the rewards.

1. Define Your Why and Identify the What

2. Set Priorities

3. Estimate How Long A Task Will Take

Everyone’s why is different, but it’s the meaning and purpose behind everything we do. Simon Sinek popularized this concept in his book Start With Why. Sinek demonstrates that “why” can truly motivate individuals and businesses to reach their goals. & What to do will help you to avoid procrastination – as we have discussed earlier clarity makes you more productive

There are millions of ways you could spend each day. And you can’t do everything. Without priorities, you may find yourself spending time on tasks that don’t get you anywhere.

So you have to figure out what you need to get done to achieve your goals in service to your why.

One of the most common scheduling mistakes people make is not correctly estimating how long a task or project will take. “If you over-or-underestimate on how long this will take, you’re more likely to throw your entire schedule off.

Even worse, you may miss a deadline or waste valuable time for you and key stakeholders like employees and customers.”

Types of Scheduling Techniques

1. Create a Productive Morning Routine

2. Avoid Task Switching

3. Batch Tasks & Block Scheduling

4. Expect the Unexpected

5. Leverage Technology

6. Paper Planners, Bullet Journals, & To-Do Lists

7. Evaluate and Pivot

Here are some key questions to ask yourself and your team to evaluate the effectiveness of your schedule:

Are you meeting deadlines?
Was time estimates correct?
Did unforeseen issues interfere with timelines?
Did you feel under the pressure of the clock?
Did our schedule work?

Watch my Video to learn the power of scheduling

The post Schedule appeared first on Sagar Amlani : Official Site "The Productivity Explorer".

Reality Check

sagar.amlani — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 10:00:02 +0000

Your Secret Weapon for Productivity and Progress "Reality Check"

Conducting reality checks is a vital practice for anyone striving to achieve their goals.

By assessing our progress, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and making necessary adjustments, we gain clarity, maintain focus, and enhance our decision-making.

Reality checks enable us to celebrate milestones, adapt to changing circumstances, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. They provide valuable insights, improve self-awareness, and keep us motivated on our journey towards success.

The Significance of Reality Checks

Reality checks provide a valuable opportunity to assess our progress and align it with our desired outcomes. They serve as a compass, guiding us towards improved productivity and success. Research supports the effectiveness of reality checks in enhancing performance and motivation. According to a study conducted by [Name of Researcher/Organization], individuals who regularly engage in self-reflection and reality checks show higher levels of productivity and overall satisfaction.

Celebrate Achievements:

One of the joys of reality checks is the chance to celebrate milestones along our journey. Just like climbing a mountain, it’s important to take a moment and savour the breathtaking view. Celebrating achievements not only boosts morale but also reinforces positive behaviour and motivates us to strive for even greater accomplishments. As the famous saying goes, “Success is not a destination but a journey.” So, let’s pause, celebrate, and appreciate the progress we’ve made.

Adapt and Pivot:

Reality checks also empower us to adapt and pivot when necessary. Just as skilled sailor adjusts their sails to changing winds, we can modify our course to stay on track towards our goals. By honestly assessing our situation, recognizing when circumstances shift, and embracing new opportunities or challenges, we can make informed decisions and take corrective actions. As the renowned author and philosopher [Quote Source] once said, “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.”

Take Control:

Conducting reality checks puts us firmly in the driver’s seat of our own lives. It allows us to take control and steer our actions towards meaningful outcomes. Rather than being passive participants, we become active creators of our own success. Reality checks provide the clarity and self-awareness needed to make intentional choices, eliminate distractions, and stay focused on what truly matters.

Remember, "You are the captain of your own ship."

Conducting a reality check is a personal process, and it may vary depending on individual circumstances and goals.

Reality checks serve as invaluable tools for enhancing productivity.

It enables us to celebrate milestones, adapt to changing circumstances, and take control of our journey. As we embark on this adventure of self-improvement and success, let’s embrace reality checks as our trusted allies.

Conduct reviews regularly, celebrate progress, and pivot when needed.

Productivity is not just about the destination, but the joy and growth we experience along the way.

Check out this video to understand how reality checks helps you...

The post Reality Check appeared first on Sagar Amlani : Official Site "The Productivity Explorer".

Quiet

sagar.amlani — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 10:00:11 +0000

The Silent Symphony: Enhancing Productivity through Quietude

Being quiet doesn’t just mean turning off the TV or putting your phone on silent. It means creating a space in which you can reduce distractions and noise, allowing yourself to focus and concentrate on the task at hand. By doing so, you’ll be able to work more efficiently, make fewer mistakes, and get more done in less time.

But don’t just take my word for it. According to research conducted by the University of California, Irvine, workers who were interrupted by noise and distractions took an average of 23 minutes to get back on track with their work. That’s nearly half an hour of lost productivity every time you’ve pulled away from your work!

On the other hand, employees who were given quiet workspaces and had control over their environment were found to be more productive, happier, and less stressed.

How Being Quiet Improves Productivity?

So, how exactly does being quiet improve productivity?

Here are a few ways:

Reducing distractions: When you’re in a quiet environment, there are fewer distractions that can pull your attention away from your work. This allows you to stay focused and be more productive. Whether it’s the chatter of coworkers, the blaring of car horns, or the pings of incoming emails, all of these distractions can add up and derail your productivity.

Improving concentration: When you’re not constantly bombarded with noise and distractions, it’s easier to concentrate on what you’re doing. This can help you to work more efficiently and complete tasks more quickly. By eliminating external stimuli, you can help your brain work more efficiently and effectively.

Enhancing creativity: Quiet time can allow your mind to wander and come up with new ideas and solutions to problems. Being in a quiet environment can encourage creative thinking and innovation. So, if you’re looking for a way to come up with new ideas and solutions, try taking some quiet time to think.

“The Power of Silence: The Riches that Lie Within” by Graham Turner and Lucy Turner (2019) – This book explores the importance of silence in various aspects of life, including productivity, creativity, and well-being.

How to implement Quiet hours

Declare your quiet hours to people around you in advance (clients, colleagues, friends)
Keep your phone in silent mode for fixed hours during the day (at least 90 mins)
Go for a walk (Alone, without any music) in the early morning: Observe and Enjoy
Sit in Silence for 15 minutes before you go to bed.

watch my video (1 Min)

The post Quiet appeared first on Sagar Amlani : Official Site "The Productivity Explorer".