Improve Your Productivity Instantly By Strengthening Relationships

Posted on August 11, 2011 by LJ Earnest
Categories: Productivity

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This post was written by a guest author. If you want to guest post on this blog, check out the guest post guidelines.

Those who are very adamant about improving their productivity are usually already more productive than the average person. If you read a productivity blog, buy books like “7 Habits of Highly Effective People”, and your planner is meticulously filled out with all your plans, then you are in a better position than most people.

But still, there may be times when you think that you cannot get anything finished, and you kick yourself for it. I’ve found when I’m in this position, it’s usually because something (or someone) is bothering me. If you want to improve your productivity in a surprising and indirect way, try improving your relationships with others. Here are a few tips as they relate to productivity.

Let go of resentments or grievances against co-workers.

A tense work environment is an unproductive work environment, and you’d be surprised by how the littlest problems that you have with co-workers can cause major stress. And stress in any form is the biggest killer of productivity. Even if you don’t work with the person you are having a problem with throughout the day, an incident that happened even just a week ago can continue to affect your psyche. As such, clear all your work relationships, apologize if you have to, and do your best to be friendly and personal.

Make time to spend with loved ones—every single day.

When we get so wrapped up in work, we often forget the more important things in life, like our spouses, our significant others, our best friends, our children. Instead of obsessing about getting your workout in at the gym, about finishing that long-term project, make time for the loved ones you see almost every day. Spend time with them, even if you are just watching TV. Developing closer ties with your friends and family is a proven stress-reducer, and, as such, a proven productivity-enhancer.

Call a friend you’ve lost touch with every month.

Reconnecting with an old friend always gives me a sense of renewed purpose in life. When you get too caught up in a routine with the same job, same people, day in, day out, you begin to feel a bit uninspired. Hearing lots of news from a friend you haven’t talked to in a long while is a great way to feel again the novelty of life.

Accomplish a productivity goal collaboratively.

In my personal opinion, I am most productive when I have a friend or family member to work with. If you are setting goals and failing to meet them, try to find a “buddy” who has the same goal as you. To use one personal example, my friend and I decided to quit smoking together. After trying for years to quit separately, we finally accomplished our goal when we had a human, not just abstract or self-imposed, motivator.

While productivity is often thought of as a solitary, individual aspiration, you’d be amazed by how much easier life becomes when you prioritize building and developing personal relationships.

This guest post is contributed by Patricia Garza, who writes about gadget, technology, design, social media, e-learning related articles at online university rankings.

Photo by Candie_N

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