Perfectionism Hurts Productivity
This morning I was feeling Blogger guilt. That is what happens when a blogger does not feel they are posting often enough. As I thought about it and looked at some notes on possible blog entries I was working on, I realized the reason I was not posting was perfectionism (even though this blog is far from perfect - just ask some of my proof reading friends (and I do greatly appreciate it when a reader points out something that needs fixing).
I was trying to coach a friend on time management and sent him the following email:
When I have skills I need to master, I set myself up with a deliberate learning system. Some things I have done that work for me:
1 - I take every book on the topic that there is out of the library.
2 - as I read, I write notes. I know you know how to study - you have a PhD.
3 - I take CDs out. I often have some car time that I am not on the phone and even with short trips to work, I can get through some. And I also listen on some of my exercise (this is actually a time management trick - the power of while)
4 - Spend 25 minutes per day studying the skill. It sounds like little time but it quickly adds up. (Interestingly, this is also a time management technique that I have found effective - the Pomodoro system. Look it up and see if it might be one you try)
5 - meet with mentors. You do not need a formal mentoring program - just ask people you think who might have something to teach you. Pick up a few tips.
6 - repeating over and over that "I am not a good time manager" simply reinforces it in your mind. It also gives you an excuse "oh - don't mind me, I am always late". Change your self talk to "that's not like me...". Sounds crazy but it really does work.
7 - attend seminars
8 - sign up for time management blogs and newsletters. (interestingly, at one time, more than half my blog entries were on time management - hence the blog name - Time Leadership)
I was not always good at itt. That is why I ended up writing a book on Time Management. It all started with a learning project.
1 Comments:
Terrific reminder--and love the title of your post.
Brings to mind Churchill's admonition: "Perfection is spelled P-A-R-A-L-Y-S-I-S."
:-)
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