{"id":3132,"date":"2011-06-15T08:20:44","date_gmt":"2011-06-15T12:20:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/yang-sheng.com\/?p=3132"},"modified":"2011-11-19T00:37:06","modified_gmt":"2011-11-19T05:37:06","slug":"10-spiritual-secrets-to-productivity-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yang-sheng.com\/?p=3132","title":{"rendered":"10 Spiritual Secrets to Productivity"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"From CEO\u2019s to entrepreneurs and entertainers to parents all over the globe, we are constantly in search of ways to boost productivity.<\/strong> To put it simply, we want to get more done each day.\u00a0 For some this goal is rooted in the desire for greater abundance while for others, productivity is the gate-keeper to recreation. It is a means to an end and we are hungry for both the freedom and prosperity that productivity provides.\u00a0 The problem with the\u00a0 \u201cwork harder and longer\u201d approach is that it often yields the unattractive side-effects of exhaustion, stress and a lop-sided life. Adopting a spiritual approach to productivity may actually facilitate greater productivity and energize us more quickly than downing a can of Red Bull.<\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

The terms \u201cspiritual\u201d and\u00a0 “productivity” seem to contradict each<\/strong> other. <\/strong>One emphasizes our non-physical nature while the other is rooted in mastering the work of the physical world. Allowing these terms to work together in our lives creates the much-needed synergy we desire to move through life with energy and purpose. This is the force that magically has us\u00a0generating inspired ideas <\/em>and then gives us the very energy we need to\u00a0implement<\/em> those gems. When \u201cbeing\u201d works with \u201cdoing\u201d, we allow a dynamic coupling which results in a do-be-do-be-do that is better than anything Frank Sinatra ever crooned. This is the essence of our human experience.<\/p>\n

\"\"If you are clear on your values and vision, your work is plugged into a<\/strong> limitless energy source. <\/strong>Meaningful priorities will illuminate your path and keep you from mindlessly traveling up a side street that dead-ends in inefficiency. Honoring your values and intentionally stepping toward a clear vision are two forces that fuel our ability and desire to \u201cdo\u201d. This premise is simply our “square one” or beginning point,\u00a0and encourages us to go further.<\/p>\n

Entertain these suggestions to tweak your productivity:<\/span><\/strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n

Delegate<\/strong>: If during a storm a tree fell on your garage , crushing both your roof and car, you would likely get on the phone to round-up support for your desired outcome and arrange necessary clean-up and repair. You would be quite clear on your vision and you would enlist the help of your insurance company, a tree-cutting service, a roofer, and a towing company. It would be ludicrous to attempt to do each of these on your own.\u00a0 And so it goes with your life and work. When you delegate effectively you allow people with talents and gifts different from yours to handle things you don\u2019t have time to do, you dislike doing, or you are less than efficient at doing.<\/p>\n

Move your <\/strong>Body<\/strong>: We are quite good at engaging our brains in a lively mental workout, but may overlook the much-needed workout for the heart. On a spiritual level, adequate exercise is critical if you want both the mind and the heart engaged in all of your pursuits.<\/p>\n

Substitute Dynamism for Balance<\/strong>: Life-balance is overrated and just a notch above death.\u00a0 Call up a memory when you used a balancing scale back in school.\u00a0 When the scales were balanced, there was complete stillness. Life does not play out like that for most of us. We are constantly allowing an ebb in one area of life, so it can flow to another when needed. Embrace the idea that there are times your family will need you most, a project will be calling out for extra time or your physical body will send you signals\u00a0 that it is time for a vacation, and you will have to adjust.\u00a0 That is real life dynamism.<\/p>\n

Tap your contacts and connections as resources<\/strong>: There are people on your contact’s list right now that have done what you want to do.\u00a0 Even if their business is different, their goals are varied and personal life the polar opposite of yours; use these contacts. Use\u00a0who you know <\/em> to glean guidance, learn shortcuts and point you to resources that would otherwise take you years to discover. Query your contacts to learn everything from how to form a charitable foundation to how to create an ebook.\u00a0 There is an untapped reservoir of information (and shortcuts) available to you for the asking. <\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sleep<\/strong>: Countless research studies confirm that 6-8 hours of sleep is necessary for your body and mind to be it\u2019s absolute best. In order to\u00a0be your best<\/em>, to\u00a0do your best <\/em>and to\u00a0produce your best<\/em>, adequate rest is key.<\/p>\n

Capture Inspiration<\/strong>\"\": Mini-tape recorders and pocket journals are terrific tools to record divine nudges that will advance your work, goals, and highest good.\u00a0 Keep a specific journal that you have designated for ideas, intuitive hunches and insights.\u00a0 Often these flashes of clarity will come to us while settling for bed, waiting at a red light, or walking the dog. Oftentimes these divine nuggets fade away quicker than they arrive, but not if they are quickly captured and recorded so they may be acted on in the future.<\/p>\n

Journal<\/strong>: Make it a practice each evening to write the priority tasks for the following day.\u00a0 Meticulous planning helps edge out the distractions that take us further from our desired daily goals. Be mindful that even with the best plans there is always a place for flexibility and intuition when implementing our daily priority tasks.\u00a0 You may decide to reschedule the dinner meeting after work and get a much-needed massage instead. <\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nutrition<\/strong>: Food is spiritual.\u00a0 In a spiritual sense, food is alive and made of atoms just as you are\u2014and when it\u2019s ingested, those atoms join the atoms that make up y-o-u.\u00a0 Be vigilant with what you allow to merge with your physical body.<\/p>\n

Believe in the power of small things<\/strong>: Many years ago an American Airlines flight attendant noticed that most first-class customers did not eat the olive on the salad offered to them on flights.\u00a0 When she told the higher-ups, they decided to omit the olives from the salads. Over the course of just one year they saved over a half a million dollars from that small adjustment.\u00a0 Small things add up.\u00a0 If you allocate a little time each day to further a desired outcome, know that the cumulative effect could have massive results over time.<\/p>\n

\"\"Habits<\/strong>: We are creatures that find comfort in our\u00a0 habits.This is good thing if we are talking about going for an early morning jog each day, but sometimes our habits become detrimental and even pointless.\u00a0 How many people hold a Monday afternoon meeting, not because there was something important to discuss, but simply because it was Monday?\u00a0 When deciding which habits to nix and which to continue, consider asking this one simple question:\u00a0\u201cDoes this habit make me stronger and support my values and goals?\u201d\u00a0 When you ask this question, you\u2019ll find your true north is clearly marked.<\/p>\n

Productivity comes from the cumulative choices we make each day and not just the obvious decision to sit at your desk, build relationships, engage in meetings and check off the to-do list. Who you are\u00a0being<\/em> is weaved into all it is that you are\u00a0doing <\/em>every day.\u00a0 Be mindful that, as Mahatma Gandhi said, \u201cThere is more to life than just increasing its speed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Rena M. Reese is the founder of Soul Salon International, an inspirational multimedia company which offers coaching and consulting, web-design, publishing support, and fundraising opportunities for individuals and groups.\u00a0 She is the author of several inspirational titles, a professional speaker and coach as well as the host of a weekly radio program, The Soul Salon<\/a>. Please visit <\/em>www.SoulSalonInternational.com<\/em><\/a> and connect with her on Twitter @TheSoulSalon and facebook t<\/a>oo.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n

Do you like this? Please share it:<\/div>
Tweet<\/a>