What Matters Most
Inbox Zero was the Holy Grail of productivity achievement for me.
For years that concept took on mythical proportions. I typically received a few hundred non-spam email messages per day. There was no way I could manage that stream of input without heroic efforts.
Yet I was determined to find the ideal productivity system that would allow me to keep my Inbox clean and stay on top of all my tasks.
I gradually came to realize there’s a huge difference between productivity and effectiveness. Productivity is all about getting things done. Effectiveness is getting the right things done.
No productivity process, system, or tool (and I’ve tried them all) will lead you to an awareness of your goals and provide a path for growth. However, once you’ve clearly articulated those purposeful intentions, nearly any system can work to get you there.
Now, every morning, I spend a few minutes getting clarity on three things I want to accomplish for the day. I select these by reviewing my weekly and monthly goals and then reaffirming to myself, “If I only got three or two or even one thing done today, what would be most helpful?”
By staying focused on what matters most and in the present moment, efficiency and effectiveness seamlessly merge into a state of joyful flow. The experience is extraordinary.
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