As If 

Efficiency: being able to accomplish something with the least waste of time and effort; competency in performance.

Productivity: the effectiveness of productive effort, measured in terms of rate of output per unit of input.

There are numerous books and articles written about both efficiency and productivity. And most of them relate to practical approaches to achieving both. However, if you are one of those individuals that just cannot follow a rigid methodology, there is another way.

As a leader, consultant, or employee have you ever considered "acting" as if you and your organization are already efficient or productive? Think about this for a moment.

If you act as if you are efficient and productive, does it not stand to reason that you will eventually become what you act? The universal Law of Attraction states that we become what we think. But is it not true that we also become what we repeatedly do? In fact, that's how habits develop.

Efficiency and productivity are key ingredients to success - successful careers, successful businesses, and, generally, success in anything that you wish to accomplish. Anything you or your organization can do to improve efficiency and productivity will move you closer to a positive outcome.

One of the easiest ways to act as if you are efficient and productive is using lists. Make a list of everything you need or want to do. Then when you have time or the will, work on completing the tasks on your list. 

The key is to work on only one item at a time, instead of starting several items at once. 

When you focus on only one item at a time, you have a higher chance of not only completing that item, but you will also achieve a greater sense of accomplishment. And when you feel as if you have accomplished something, you also feel empowered to do more of the same.

So, act "as if" and you will soon notice a dramatically positive shift in both your efficiency and productivity. 

What's Holding You Back?

You have probably heard the saying "when the going gets tough, the tough get going." This adage can apply equally to individuals and organizations. 

But aside from "toughness," there may be a myriad of reasons for holding back on embarking on new projects and tasks. 

For instance, an organization's delay on a decision may have to do with extensive risk evaluation. Or, perhaps, the organization's culture is generally risk averse. Or, perhaps, lack of funding or other resources are holding up projects. 

But when toughness is the issue, the reasons may be due to personal issues or habits like overwhelm or procrastination. 

If overwhelm is holding you back from tackling your tasks or projects, the easiest way to overcome overwhelm is to just start working on the project. 

If procrastination is the problem, again, the best way to get out of that frame is to start working on the project. The enemy of procrastination is action. Action not only helps to alleviate procrastination, but it helps you turn your lethargy into determination to get the job done.

 Fear is another monster that can hold you back from completing your work. And fear can be a factor in both overwhelm and procrastination. 

 However, according to Eric Barker of Time Inc. Network, the number one thing that holds people back from success is attitude. It's really hard to argue with Eric on that point. When all is said and done - whether it's an organization or individual preventing or delaying decisions - it does come down to attitude. 

 Change your attitude to change your mindset and, subsequently, change your chances of success. 

 When you change your attitude, others around you will change their attitudes, as well. This will create a positive ripple effect throughout your organization. 

 And who doesn't want to work in an organization that has a vibrant and positive culture?