Centuries ago Leonardo da Vinci was telling a big truth then … now … and certainly tomorrow – Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. A rule that we find valid in all aspects of our lives, both personally and professionally.
But how complicated must things be in order to realize the benefits of simplicity and the results it generates? Lisa Bodell, CEO of Future Thinks, one of the top 50 speakers in the world, talking about the connection between simplicity and productivity, points out “I think productivity means more than doing what is on a to-do list. It’s about making sure that what’s on your to-do list is worth doing. ”
The truth is that you can do a lot of things without being productive … How many times has it been difficult for you at the end of a grueling day to say exactly what big projects you have been working on? The key to productivity is to do some important things well.
But how to get rid of emails and meetings, of routine tasks that consume all your creative energy? How to put aside unimportant things to make room for the really important things?
In many ways, simplicity is similar to minimalism, time management and productivity. But it is not about being productive in making a to-do list, but it is first and foremost about how important everything on that to-do list is.
But let’s not confuse organization with simplification. Just because there’s an app that sends notifications, remembering for us when we need to do something doesn’t mean our lives are getting simpler. The simplification of an agenda is about reducing the number of tasks to what is essential.
If you intend to simplify your activity, you must remember that This one “it is not a project, as Bodell points out in his book Why Simple Wins. “It’s a working principle. You can tidy up your closet and organize it, but if you don’t change the way you pack things, you’ll come back to the same place over and over again. ”
So how can we simplify our work so that we can focus on what is really important? We suggest you start by taking three small steps:
- If a conversation exceeds three emails, make a call.
Email is probably the biggest problem we face in the office. And, it seems, nothing is worse than a long series of written conversations. If this exchange of remarks exceeds 3 interventions, it is most likely a misunderstanding, so instead of perpetuating it, pick up the phone and call. This will definitely solve the problem faster and more efficiently.
- Every morning, identify priorities and work on them first
What are the most important tasks you need to complete today? If you allocate the morning to solve them, you will notice that the afternoon will be less prone to unexpected and distractions.
- Follow the golden rule of simplification.
For each new task you take on, remove a task from the list of “to do“.
Instead of conclusion
Simplicity brings concentration, and concentration is the basic ingredient for great results, both individually and as a team. It definitely needs to be at the top of our list of things to do.
We also share with you some fine materials, source of inspiration: