For years, I equated productivity with a packed schedule and a never-ending to-do list. I believed that checking off tasks was synonymous with progress. However, a simple yet profound question from my then-boss—and now principal advisor at SSN iFound, Chandran Krishnan—forced me to reexamine my approach:
“You have been busy, yes, but have you achieved the results we needed?”
This question was a wake-up call. It made me realize that while I was busy completing tasks in my Key Result Areas (KRAs), I was not measuring the actual impact of those tasks. I was caught up in the whirlwind of activity, mistaking busyness for productivity.
The Pitfall of Busyness
In my previous approach, the focus was solely on activity—filling the day with tasks. Every completed item on my checklist gave me a fleeting sense of accomplishment. But as I reflected, I recognized a crucial flaw: activity does not necessarily equal impact. I was busy, yet the tangible outcomes and milestones that truly mattered were slipping through the cracks.
The Wake-Up Call and the New Direction
Chandran Krishnan’s question resonated deeply with me. Coupled with the ongoing guidance from our CEO, T S Giridharan, who stressed the importance of focusing on the right things rather than just staying busy, I decided to transform my approach to work. The key was to shift from a focus on tasks to a focus on milestones and outcomes.
The Shift: From Tasks to Milestones
This transformative shift involved several strategic changes:
- Prioritizing Outcomes:
I began to evaluate my work based on the impact it created rather than the sheer volume of tasks completed. This change meant asking: “What result does this activity generate?” - Understanding the “Why”:
Every task now needed to have a clear purpose. If an activity did not serve a meaningful goal, it was reconsidered. This introspection helped me eliminate unnecessary work and focus on what truly mattered. - Tracking Milestones, Not Just Tasks:
By breaking down larger goals into actionable milestones, I could better monitor my progress. This approach made it easier to see whether I was genuinely moving closer to my long-term objectives. - Focusing on Depth Over Breadth:
I learned that doing fewer things with greater focus and excellence is far more effective than spreading myself thin. This meant choosing quality over quantity in my daily efforts.
The Impact of Focusing on Results
This shift from busyness to results had a profound effect on my work and mindset:
- Better Decision-Making:
I began to eliminate or delegate tasks that did not directly contribute to significant outcomes. This streamlined my focus and improved my decision-making process. - Increased Focus:
With clear milestones in place, I was able to channel my energy toward work that had measurable impact. This clarity brought not only better productivity but also a heightened sense of purpose. - More Fulfilling Work:
Achieving meaningful results provided a deeper satisfaction compared to merely ticking off items on a list. It reinforced the idea that the true value of work lies in its impact.
Key Takeaways
- Activity is not Productivity:
Being busy does not automatically mean you’re being effective. True productivity lies in achieving results. - Align Tasks with a Larger Goal:
Every task should contribute to a significant objective. If it doesn’t, it’s time to reconsider its priority. - Talk in Terms of Impact:
Whether communicating with your team or evaluating your own progress, focus on the outcomes and the impact rather than the effort alone.
This shift from busyness to results has been transformational. It redefined how I approach work, helping me move away from mere activity and toward achieving meaningful milestones. If you ever feel overwhelmed by a long to-do list, pause and ask yourself: Are these tasks truly moving you closer to your goals?
I invite you to share your experiences and insights. How do you ensure that your work translates into meaningful results? Let us start a conversation about prioritizing impact over sheer activity.