Productivity Pirates

Watching Pirates of Caribbean 2 this week, I began thinking about things that steal away my productivity. Like Captain Jack Sparrow, my mind cooperates completely in this, rationalizing away. Before I know it, my time and opportunities have found their way lost in the depths.

Here are the top 10 pirates I've done battle with:

10. Soda vs. Water
There is more energy available in water - duh!!!

9. Sleeping in vs. Going to bed on time
This is more personal - I do my better work in the morning. Staying up late kills my productivity. That maybe opposite for you.

8. E-mail vs. Phone calls
E-mail is great, don't get me wrong. Talking with people however, builds partnerships.

7. Phone calls vs. Connecting
Phone calls are great, don't get me wrong. There is something about connecting face-to-face that solidifies friendships and teams.

6. Talk Radio vs. Podcast
Talk radio is fun and informative but redeeming travel time can be done much better through the mp3 player of your choice and podcasts of value.

5. Junk Food vs. Fruit
See number 10.

4. Brain vs. Task List
My brain doesn't work like it used to, wait...when did it ever work like it used to? My point exactly: Enter the Task List.

3. Inside vs. Outside
It is so easy to stay inside and in our comfort zones but the action is outside, always has been, always will be.

2. Daydreaming vs. Visioning
Amazing how thin this line is.

1. The Mouse vs. The Keyboard
Sure, you look busy sitting at your laptop, reading blogs and checking out sites. But what are you creating? With all that information in your head, what are you doing? How are you challenging the status quo? How are you making the world better?

My friend, Scott Ginsberg is always saying, "Writing is the basis of all wealth.” I think writing is also the basis of productivity. Pirates: Be Ye Warned!


May I Ask: What activities and behaviors are pirating your time?

May I Suggest: Add your "pirate" and alternative to the list.