If you want to increase your productivity, you may want put the brakes on the idea of going fast. There is an equation that spells out the problem. Speed + excitement = mistakes.
This is not a product of simply rushing. Instead, you are so focused on a positive outcome that you try to do anything to get to that result ASAP.
You are so hungry for a plate of brownies, that you eat them before they are fully cooked. Later, you get food poisoning. Five more minutes is the difference between tasty and sick.
You are so eager to buy a new car that you fail to read the fine print that will cost you an unbelievable amount of money. Should a car you’ll own for years be bought in a matter of minutes?
And maybe you say, “yes,” to a project at work, not realizing how complicated it is and how completing it will require considerable demands on your time. Is there a chance you were given a “turkey” of an assignment because people knew you would eagerly jump at any opportunity to showcase your skills?
Excitement and ambition are good things but all you may be doing is letting them accelerate your path to failure or disappointment. To Clear the Path to more productivity and less heartache, consider these steps before you act:
Know Your Capabilities
Race car drivers go really fast. But before they start a race, they’ve run many practice laps. This gives them the ability to measure their skill and car against the course.
Take a moment to think about your strengths and weaknesses. Is what you’re trying to do possible? If you’ve never done it before, what makes you think you can now do it now and quickly?
Go Your Speed
Whether it’s a 5K race or a marathon, at the starting line you’ll see runners going all different paces. The trick, is to run your race, no matter how tempting it may be to lead the pack after ten feet.
You trained for a reason, follow that plan.
Does Speed Help You
A musician can play fast but that action can result in some missed notes. You need to consider whether speed plays for or against your strengths.
Just because something can be done fast, doesn’t mean it’s done well. Give yourself the confidence of a wise pace.
