Platform 1: Wellness.
The ability to decide true priorities, say ‘no’ with confidence when necessary and
be creative under pressure all require wellness. This occurs by taking time
out, gentle and regular CV exercise, food that provides energy and sustenance
(not just calories) and quality sleep.
Platform 2: Mechanics.
There are some simple systems which need to be in place, the most fundamental
of which is what times when. Or what do you need and/or want to do across all
aspects of your Life not just work. And when will you do those things? A list
works well for the former. A diary works well for the latter. Bring the two
together at least once a day.
Platform 3: Balance.
Systems which drive efficiency (such as The Blackberry) must be tempered by
wellness to ensure addictive behaviours do not kick in such as becoming
increasingly efficient and machine-like i.e. just doing stuff which may or may
not be the right stuff. Balance is about zoning (keep personal time well,
personal); add one, drop one (you can do anything, but you can’t do everything)
and knowing one's true priorities are usually the things which do not need day
to day attention until they go wrong, then it is often too late e.g. health.
Platform 4: Connection. The
ability to work with others. Thinking abundantly and supporting the growth of
others and noting how directly and indirectly it helps yours growth and
consequent productivity. Newton III, perhaps. Karma, perhaps.
Platform 5: Flow. First
defined by this clever gentleman. My Simple definition: high productivity with minimum apparent effort. No
straining, just gaining. It’s the state you need to run a meeting, run a
half-marathon, write a book. It comes from strong inter-dependent platforms
1-4.
Platform 6:
Synchronicity. Stuff starts happening which supports you. You meet the right
person at the right time. You come across the book you need as you trip over it on the floor at the library. You miss a plane
but that allows you to take a call which gives you a business break-through. The
universe conspires to give you a helping hand.
Platform 7: Living. We
return to where we started: the most remarkably productive organism on the
planet. Remove the distractions and that is accessible to all of us. No more talk
about productivity. Just live Life long, wide and deep.
