Productivity: If You Aren't "Born" With It, Can You Improve It?

We all have 24 hours in a day, but some of us feel like we can get much more done than others. Why is that? And what motivates us to be productive in the first place?

What is Productivity?

Simply put, productivity is the rate at which we produce output. It's often used in reference to work, but productivity can apply to any area of life. For example, we can be productive in our relationships, with our health and fitness goals, or in how we manage our time.

A few key factors influence our productivity levels, including our personality traits, motivation, and even our environment.

Internal & External Motivation: When we're motivated to achieve a goal, we're more likely to put in the effort required to reach that goal. Motivation can come from external factors, such as support from others or a desire to fulfill basic needs like meeting a deadline, or internal factors, such as emotions or a desire to be perceived a certain way.

Personality Traits: Certain personality traits are more likely to lead to productive behavior than others. For example, those who are higher in conscientiousness are often more organized and diligent; they tend to follow through on tasks better than those who are not as conscientious.

Even if you fall on the more laid-back end of the spectrum, you have advantageous characteristics, including flexibility, adaptability, and generally lower levels of stress and anxiety, that can also play a key role in productivity.

How to Boost Your Productivity

No matter what, there are ways for everyone and all personality types to boost productivity, including:

-Keeping a routine and daily or weekly to-do list to help you stay organized and on track.

-Minimizing technology use and working on tasks one at a time to maintain focus.

-Setting smaller goals rather than trying to accomplish everything at once.

-Maintain healthy eating, sleeping, and exercise habits to boost mental energy and efficiency.

Consider working with a therapist if you are looking for additional guidance and tools to enhance productivity. A therapist can help you explore the best techniques for your personality and find ways to overcome obstacles.