Dorheim

As I have been reading about self-discipline it has been challenging for me to find time where I can be more productive. I think about my day and I pick at it piece by piece until nothing is left. I think it is very important for anyone, especially someone in ministry or leadership, to find ways that they can be more productive. I have a natural tendency to think by talking out loud and just communicating with others in general. This is definitely a gift, but it is also a curse.

Too many times people want to call themes in their lives, their strengths. I have learned that it doesn’t quite work that way in real life. Just because I am bent or have a tendency to talk, doesn’t mean I should be listing communication as a strength on my resume anytime soon. It is true that I might think about proper communication and passing along information productively more than the next guy. That doesn’t automatically mean that I am good at it myself. It is important to look at the themes in your life as just that, themes. Without being developed they are a gift at times and a curse even more often.

As I looked at my day, I realized that I spent a good amount of time communicating (standing around talking) with coworkers. Sometimes this was necessary and other times it was just because I loved talking with them, thinking and dreaming out loud with them. My mother was a teacher, so it was simple math for me. If I shortened my conversations to a smaller period of time and then moved on, I would be able to spend more time getting things done. Easier said than done. So if you are like me here are a few ideas on how you can intentionally work at being more productive and turn any tendency into a strength:

1. Start each conversation by letting the person know how much time you have before you need to leave. This is much more polite than interrupting them after 5 minutes. “Just so you know I have another meeting in 15 minutes.”
2. Take time each week, or even each day, to read about the themes in your life (communication, self-discipline, problem solving, time management, managing, etc…) to develop them into strengths.
3. Schedule “closed door” time. When you leave your office door open, it tells people that you are available and you want to talk. Even if it’s true, it’s vital you take time to focus on being productive or you won’t get anything done.
4. Make lists of the things that you need to get done and keep them in front of you at all times. Not just knowing, but seeing what needs to get done allows you to use your time wisely. This will help ensure that you don’t put things off until the last minute.
5. Last, but certainly not least is goal setting. I have been challenged by those around me to set measurable goals with list of methods or milestones and due dates. There is something powerful that comes from writing down on paper what you want to accomplish in life (more on that coming soon).