A recent session with one of our clients highlighted an important shift in how we approach our work. This client had always prided themselves on how much they could get done. They were known for powering through their workload, feeling accomplished by the number of tasks they crossed off their to-do list.
However, while they were getting a lot done, the actual impact of their work was not as significant as it could be. Despite their impressive productivity, they weren’t seeing the level of success they expected. This realisation that simply completing tasks isn’t the same as being effective, led them to shift their daily goal from being productive to being effective.
Productivity is about the quantity of work completed—the ability to tick off tasks quickly and efficiently. It’s easy to believe that the more you get done, the more successful you’ll be. However, this client came to understand that success isn’t about how much you do but how impactful your actions are.
Effectiveness focuses on the quality of work and the strategic value of the actions taken. It asks the question: Are the tasks you’re completing moving you closer to your goals? For our client, the shift from simply being productive to being effective was eye-opening. They realised that while they were working hard, many of their tasks were not contributing to the long-term success they desired.
Through this insight, the client began to ask themselves important questions:
By focusing on fewer but more impactful tasks, they found that they could achieve more meaningful results without feeling overwhelmed by a never-ending to-do list. They reduced the number of tasks they were tackling each day, focusing instead on those that truly made a difference.
Here’s why being effective should be your primary focus:
If you’ve been focusing on productivity but feel like you’re not making the impact you want, here are some ways to shift towards effectiveness.
Ultimately, the journey from productivity to effectiveness is about redefining what success looks like. It’s about focusing less on how much you’re doing and more on what you’re achieving. For our client, shifting their focus from completing tasks to prioritising effectiveness has transformed their approach. They found that by doing less but focusing on tasks that aligned with their goals, they were able to achieve more significant and lasting success.
As you reflect on your own work habits, consider whether you’re being productive or effective. Are you busy with tasks, or are you taking deliberate actions that drive meaningful results? By focusing on effectiveness, you can achieve greater success and find more fulfilment in your work.
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