If we can increase our productivity and the quality of our life by spending time on High Pay Activities (HPA’s), then what prevents us from doing them?

Time studies reveal that most people today are not in control of their time. They operate in crisis mode; being reactive versus being proactive.

Let’s look at one of the most common time problems, Crisis Mode Management.

People who are in crisis mode “Do first, manage second, communicate third!” And, if they have time, they plan and set goals.

Sounds a bit backwards, doesn’t it?

The good news is that as you begin to organize and perform around your goals and HPA’s you will find the time you are spending on crises and problems will be less and less. Author Robert McKain said, “The reason most major goals are not achieved is that we spend our time doing second things first.” 

What results does Crisis Mode Management create?  

Lack of focus, confusion, burnout, frustration & anger. Worrying leads to indecision and decreased productivity which leads to fatigue and a poor self-image. You are less available for better opportunities, trading short-term satisfaction for long-term problems.

In order to stop working in Crisis Mode, take time today to name your time and energy wasters. Do any of these feel familiar? Ineffective planning, trying too much at once, unnecessary or unproductive meetings, personal disorganization.

What about saying yes when you’d rather say no out of a false sense of obligation? Do you lack self-discipline, procrastinate or struggle with indecision and mindless scrolling?

In the office, crisis mode might happen because of inefficient procedures, untrained or inadequate staff, red tape, unclear or ineffective communication, or a lack of information and resources for the task at hand.

Take time to evaluate your procedures to see that you are doing things efficiently and not simply the way you’ve always done them. Use these common time wasters as a jumping-off point to evaluate where you are functioning in crisis mode and not power mode.

What are the 5 most critical challenges you face in your work that prevent you from spending time on your H.P.A.s? Rank them and set a goal to solve them.

Start a Journal of Time Wasters; list them as they attack you. Create a “To-Don’t” list that has tasks, rituals, and meetings that you should never waste your time on again. Then stick to it!

Being able to distinguish between urgent vs. important is a critical success factor in all our personal and business lives. Maximize this learning experience; you deserve to get control of your time, your life, and your business.

To gain positive, tangible results, think about how you can use these ideas both personally and professionally. You retain 80% of what you see, hear, and write.

So, pick up the pen to connect promising ideas with positive action. Share what you are learning and encourage others. Imagine the productivity in your personal life and the professional gains when you spread positivity and good practices around.

Having a positive mental attitude and being open with new eyes and new ears will help you get out of crisis mode and maximize your productivity.