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Productive Puttering

[Structure Supports Flow]

When I talk about Productive Puttering, which is at least a few times a week, clients, friends and new people I meet at events get really excited.

It’s such a radical shift from the way we typically work – the linear, methodical results-oriented focused way, which can feel restrictive if that’s the ONLY way we work.

When hearing about Productive Puttering, folks say it’s the best of both worlds. You mean I can do what comes to mind AND get a ton done?!?

Conventional wisdom has it that we must focus all the time if we are to be effective and efficient. But let’s face it, we’re all different, and have different rhythms and proclivities. We all could lighten up on ourselves – the highly focused, get-it-done-now approach, while highly important can be exhausting if it is our only approach to what we do, day after day.

One way to look at Productive Puttering is that it helps us get something done using yin energy – relaxed and easy – rather than the yang energy of force and pushing.

Try this simple exercise and see for yourself just how much you can get done, and more importantly, how you feel afterwards.

  • Set an alarm for an hour or two, and write a short list of only 3-5 items that will only take 5-10 minutes each to complete.
  • Give yourself permission to do what it is you are drawn to do, whatever that is, without any pressure to actually finish any one thing.
  • Go with whatever occurs to you: finish that email, clean your office, do the dishes, whatever it is.
  • Every so often, check your short list and pick an item and get that crossed off: make a call, figure out travel dates for an upcoming trip, etc.

It doesn’t matter how it gets done, stuff is getting done and finished. But it’s getting done in a non-linear way without the pressure of having to focus on only one thing at a time all day every day.

Incorporate this approach in addition to more focused, get-it-done work and see how you feel.

I can’t wait to hear what you think – drop me a note and let me know!

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