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Do Deadlines Drive Your Productivity?

Do Deadlines Drive Your Productivity?

Dear Reader,

“I do my best when my back is up against the wall.”

Sounds familiar? Well you’re not alone. Many rely on looming deadlines as a primary motivator. But is it always the most fulfilling approach?

Depending on deadlines often results in a Force and Fear based system. Here’s what that means: We’re driven not by genuine motivation or interest but by the impending dread of a deadline. Emotions cloud our work, but that ticking clock forces them aside.

Isn’t there a better way?

I’ve explored alternatives in my recent writings:

1. I’m sorry, I can’t do the laundry
2. But, I just don’t wanna

Warm regards,
Kourosh

PS: Give this a shot:

1. Think of a task with a distant deadline.
2. Position it within your sight. Remove distractions.
3. Just sit with it.
4. Breathe.
5. Don’t force action.
6. If you engage, great.
7. If not, return tomorrow.

I’d love to hear your experience! Feel free to reply.

What is Productivity?

Productivity is many things. For some, it is about doing a lot in a little time.
But, truly, productivity is so much more. It is about:

  • Setting yourself up for success.
  • Being focused where you want to be.
  • Doing things that you find meaningful.
  • Being creative, sometimes even in harsh environments.
  • Forging your own paths.
  • Finding your voice and delivering it well.
  • Knowing and actively deciding on your obligations.
  • Knowing where and how to say “no”.
  • Avoiding procrastination.

Too often, many of us fall into just going along with and fighting whatever the world throws at us. “Go with the flow!”, we say. Meanwhile, we might think, “I’d like to do that one thing. Maybe one day I will.” The days go by. The goal never arrives, and then we wonder why or blame circumstance.

But when we learn to take charge of our lives and the world
around us, we start living life with intention.

“I should do that,” becomes “This is how I start”. Deliberately forging a path to our goals and dreams, we figure out what we want in life and then start taking steps there.

Of course, striking out may seem scary. It takes courage to live life with purpose and on purpose. Roadblocks and worries, fears and concerns show up everywhere.

This is my passion. I want to help you to find that sense of your own unique play to meet the world so that you can:

  • Create a life that is yours.
  • Find and follow an inner guide in a way that works for you and those you care for.
  • Decide on your obligations and meet them while building the world you want.

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These products use or are based on Getting Things Done® or GTD® Principles. They are not affiliated with, approved or endorsed by David Allen or the David Allen Company, which is the creator of the Getting Things Done® system for personal productivity. GTD® and Getting Things Done® are registered trademarks of the David Allen Company For more information on the David Allen Company’s products the user may visit their website at www.davidco.com.

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