Efforts to improve time management often fail because they focus solely on behavioural changes. When the individual wants to improve their productivity they are advised to change what they do and how they do. They often are not even given a thorough explanation for why they are doing it.
If nobody explains to you why you should make a change and you do not fully understand why; you cannot fully commit to the change. You will have doubts and reservations about the likelihood of the changes being successful. The less you understand about why you are making the change, the bigger those doubts and reservations will be.
Simply put, if you do not work on your thoughts and beliefs i.e. your mindset; your chances of improving your productivity are greatly reduced.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to coach many people to improve their time management. While coming from many different countries and cultures, these people all shared one thing in common; their thinking about time mangement was incredibly unhelpful prior to receiving the coaching.
Everybody likes to do things in their own way with their own style. That is what gives us our individuality. Despite this, I have found that there are some core characteristics which make up an effective personal productivity system. When these mindset characteristics are in place, the end result will be a highly productive individual. There will often be a lot more work to be done but this work will be done from a strong position rather than a place of chaos and disorganisation.
7 Characteristics of a personal productivity mindset
The following infographic highlights 7 core characteristics of a personal productivity mindset. If you are lacking any of these characteristics then I would recommend that you work on that area. Doing so will lead to some major gains in your productivity levels.
Bonus:
You can download the infographic here
If you are struggling with your time management, The Organised Mind can help.