Two Simple Rules For Productivity

There was an interesting article over at Life Optimizer about two simple rules for productivity. The rules are: Do Not Be Idle, and Do The Most Important Task.

Do Not Be Idle

Do not be idle is just what it sounds like. Always have something on hand that leads to productivity, even if it is just reading.

Do The Most Important Task

Do the most important task requires that you understand what is on your list and you are able to prioritize the items so you know what the most important task is. Then do it.

My Take On These

I think these a quick and dirty guide to productivity, but I have to disagree with one, and modify the other.

I don’t believe in being productive all the time. In fact, I believe that periods of idleness are necessary to increased productivity. It is only the times when I am recreating that I am recharging my batteries. I have burned out too many times not to be very cautious of overwork and always being productive. I find that not taking time to be idle saps my life of enjoyment.

Doing the Most Important task is something that sounds very good, and I would like to be able to do, but it often eludes me exactly what the most important task is.

I do a lot of things in my life that are not the “most important” as far as my long-term goals, but are pretty darn important at the moment. For example, if I consistently put my writing ahead of my household responsibilities, I might have a great piece, but I will have a family running around in dirty clothes. I also do not see my job as something that is a most important task in relation to my life goals. But it pays the bills, and is moderately satisfying. Choosing to do something else instead of working would lead me to no pay.

It would be more helpful for someone to help me figure out what exactly is the most important task, instead of just telling me to do it. Anyone know of any sites like that?