Productivity...what's it mean to me?

The other day, I was on a nature tour of an estuary here in Homer, Alaska. During the tour, the Volunteer Guide (thanks again, Abe!) showed us the Fireweed plant, and talked about how it is one of the first plants to grow after a fire passes through the landscape.

It just so happens that earlier that morning, I was writing about productivity: What it means to me, and why I think it's important.

Every day, our clients get up and in one way or another, "go to work." From the research analyst at one of the investment banks we work with to the retired senior executive now traveling the United States learning about our big country...Everyone makes a "promise" about what they are going to do that day.

Being productive, simply stated, is "doing what you said you would, in the time you promised." That definition has been my own guiding principle since getting into the game, back in October, 1997. That was the first time I attended a "live seminar" dealing with productivity and time management as learned behaviors.

I often look back on that seminar (Called "Managing Actions and Projects," lead by David Allen, the author of the book Getting Things Done) as one of the many stepping stones that got me on the track of personal and professional development. Since then, I've attended dozens of 1-3 day courses, listened to scores of audio programs, read hundreds of books and articles, and I've presented over 700 live seminars myself under the banner of "Productivity Training."

Now-a-days, the work I do daily has its roots in the one-on-one consulting work that keeps both Jodi and I busy on three continents as well as engages us to write, record and promote our ideas about business and business development.

Like a hillside can count on Fireweed to grow after a seemingly devastating event like a wildfire, I want people to know that in a world of overwhelm and stress there is an opportunity "just on the other side" that can be learned, practiced and enjoyed. Productively speaking: You CAN do everything you said you'd do, in the time you promised!