The Productive Hero's Journey

Being productive for me is all about being both efficient and effective. About “How” you do things and also “What” you do. I don’t see it as one idea that can instantly transform you, i.e. a quick fix and all your troubles will be solved. It has to be worked on, bit by bit, its’ an art form. I see it as a picture that slowly reveals itself over time by leaning in to it, and being observant of your present behaviours. Catching yourself doing something, stopping and logically thinking if it’s moving you along the path that you desire, in the best way.

Discover your Luke Skywalker

So if it’s a path we are moving along, I see this as a journey to get somewhere or get something. Or delving a little deeper the journey might be about self-discovery. Luke Skywalker in Star Wars is a good example. When he started to learn to use the Force through the teachings of Yoda, it was through physically doing something and experimenting with it (ie getting that X-wing fighter to rise out of the murky waters) that he began to discover who he was, and his values. This in turn enable him to take the next action on his journey through his newly discovered ability and understanding, ie to face Darth Vader in a light saber duel.

On Luke’s journey it is slowly revealed that he is the hero. The word hero is taken from the Greek word heroic, which means protector, with strength for two or more. One who shows great love, compassion, and empathy for others.

Having a Guide

Luke had a guide through his journey, the wise Obi-wan Kenobi, who helped him to be that hero. Just like Gandalf too in Lord of the Rings who guided Frodo on his journey. For me, I look at myself as that kind of guide too, although not quite at Kenobi or Gandalf level yet.

My vision is to help people discover that hero in them and to be their true selves. It is not an easy journey, it takes time and effort, focus and belief.

I’m too busy to be productive

However, many of us are not quite in that place yet, not ready or willing to take that first step on the journey. There’s too much stuff going on right now infront of us, dealing with hundreds of unread emails, ploughing through a neverending to-do list, checking how everyone’s doing on social media.

So my job as a Guide is to help people to start their journey by getting out of the woods first, to get more efficient in their day, have clearer workflows, and more space in their heads to think. Then once they are in a place of relaxed control, they can then get a clearer perspective on work and life to see the direction of where they want to go.

Are you ready for the first step in your Productive Hero’s Journey?