Productivity Hack #5: Doing The Impossible

“Success is determined by those whom prove the impossible, possible”
~ James W. Pence

Written by Kevin Tyler Smith. You can follow me on Twitter or Facebook

If you have ever been a position where you had so many different tasks to complete or tasks which appeared to be beyond your capabilities, you know what it is like to feel that you are in the realm of impossibility.

When these kinds of tasks are within your range of responsibility, there are some positive ways in which you can approach them.  You may find that you really can do the impossible.

Sometimes you may see tasks as impossible because you are overwhelmed by how much you need to do within a short period of time.  Even if each is quite simple, they can add up to a mountain of work which you can’t reasonably expect to finish.

This can happen when you take on more than you can handle or when unexpected “surprises” come up without adequate preparation.

Dude…let’s get practical

A positive approach to the former situation is to be reasonable about what you can do in the beginning.  Whether taking on too much is due to:

• Financial necessity
• Trying to look good for your boss
• To make yourself shine in the light of a co-worker or
• Not thinking it through when you take on each task

assessing your capabilities beforehand can eliminate this problem.

A positive approach to the latter situation is to learn how to prioritize.  If an unexpected assignment or project comes up while you are tending to your other duties, you should make a quick decision on two basic elements:

1. Decide which tasks need to be completed immediately, and
2. Which ones can wait until later.

In many instances, requesting more time to get everything done is a good idea.

Remember dude….speak up for yourself

Sometimes you may have a project which really is beyond your capabilities.  In these cases, the best approach is to acknowledge your limitations. Depending upon the circumstances, you can ask for help or state that you are unable to do it.

Good time-management and a clear acknowledgement of your abilities are the keys to doing the impossible.  Instead of being overwhelmed by work, or stressing yourself out over something which you are simply incapable of doing, you will be increasing your energy and your self-esteem.

While no one can do everything, and no one can do everything equally well, you will be proceeding to the very best of your ability.  This, in turn, will reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed, and will help you to be much more productive.

See Also – Productivity Hack:

#1: Set A Game Plan

#2: Reduce Distractions

#3:  Large Projects First

#4: Self-Discipline

Editor’s note: Zen To Done is one of the best resources I’ve ever seen in regards to cultivating productivity. If you want a concise “nuts and bolts” system on structuring your “to do” list, look  no further than Zen To Done.

Disclaimer: I will only ever recommend products I have used or own personally. Trust is a hard thing to build (especially online) and I wouldn’t break it by putting my name behind something that I don’t believe in.

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*photo credit: [malcolm]