In 2012, Chris Bailey embarked on a 12-month exploration of productivity, named A Year of Productivity. Bailey came up with three core elements of productivity: time, energy and attention.
I resonate with so many of his findings on productivity to get stuff done. He says, “productivity isn’t about how much you produce, it’s about how much you accomplish.” Accomplishing means using your energy, respecting your time and embarking on meaningful endeavors.
I have had the privilege of working with Presidents of companies. 
Some can’t wait to get to work each day, to enthuse the employees and develop new strategies. This type of President, derives meaning from their work engendering a culture of respect and appreciation, flowing from the top down. The employees and customers alike, feel valued. Noticeably, the mission and values are clearly understood at all levels of the organization.
Other leaders find themselves caught in a web; feeling burned out and totally unsuited to the job as leader. This can happen in family held businesses, where sons, daughters or spouses find themselves in a position that they never wanted. They don’t derive a feeling of accomplishment from the responsibility. They take on the leadership position almost by default, without really asking, “Does this fit who I am, my dreams and aspirations?”
Values and mission are part of the Life Design model: 6 ZONES to WORK WELL LIVE WELL. When you can clearly envision your life, your life flows. You have a kinder relationship toward time, rather than being the hard taskmaster toward yourself and others. New clients and lines of business seem to appear out of the blue, cash flow increases and people often comment on how great you look.
What meaningful activity or project, are you doing today that aligns with your own values and energizes you? Leave your comments below.