464: The Productivity Myth

02/09/2025 23 min Temporada 10 Episodio 464
464: The Productivity Myth

Listen "464: The Productivity Myth"

Episode Synopsis

In this Episode: n this episode of the Achieve Results NOW! podcast, hosts Mark Cardone and Theron Feidt debunk the "productivity myth," arguing that a long to-do list is not a sign of success. Instead, true productivity is about focusing on the right things and working smarter, not just longer. They outline a three-step approach to help listeners manage their time effectively and achieve meaningful results. Step 1: Embrace the 80/20 Rule The hosts introduce the 80/20 Rule (Pareto Principle), which states that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. They emphasize the importance of identifying the few key activities that truly move the needle, rather than trying to complete every task on a list. By focusing on these high-impact tasks, you can make significant progress without being constantly "busy." Step 2: Utilize the Time Matrix Drawing on the work of Stephen Covey, they break down tasks into four quadrants: Urgent and Important: This is "firefighting" mode, and while necessary, staying here leads to burnout. Not Urgent and Not Important: This is time-wasting and should be minimized. Urgent and Not Important: This is where "busy work" and other people's priorities often fall, pulling you away from your own goals. Important and Not Urgent: This is the most crucial quadrant for long-term success. It includes planning, strategic thinking, and self-care. The hosts advise listeners to spend the majority of their time on these proactive activities to prevent future crises.   Step 3: Differentiate Between Deep Work and Shallow Work The final step is to distinguish between deep work (focused, high-concentration tasks) and shallow work (multitasking, less demanding activities). They stress the importance of scheduling time for deep work—the type of focused effort that moves you toward your goals. This means dedicating specific time blocks to important tasks without distractions, even if it's just for a short period each day. By understanding your own energy rhythm, you can schedule deep work for your most productive hours, ensuring you're making a worthwhile investment of your time   ARN Suggested Reading: Blessings In the Bullshit: A Guided Journal for Finding the BEST In Every Day – by Mark Cardone & Theron Feidt https://www.amazon.com/Blessings-Bullshit-Guided-Journal-Finding/dp/B09FP35ZXX/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=blessings+in+the+bullshit&qid=1632233840&sr=8-1 Full List of Recommended Books: https://www.achieveresultsnow.com/readers-are-leaders Questions: 1.   Do you have a question you want answered in a future podcast? 2.   Go to www.AchieveResultsNow.com to submit. Connect with Us: Get access to some of the great resources that we use at: www.AchieveResultsNow.com/success-store www.AchieveResultsNow.com www.facebook.com/achieveresultsnow www.twitter.com/nowachieve Thank you for listening to the Achieve Results NOW! Podcast.  The podcast that gives you immediate actions you can take to start seeing life shifting results NOW!