This regular feature shares the secrets of the most highly efficient Productivity Ninjas. In this post, Strengths and Culture Coach from Inspire My Business, explains how having a positive attitude and proactive attention helps him to stay productive.
About Murray
Occupation: Strengths and Culture Coach
Company: Inspire My Business
Location: Newcastle, NSW
Other job titles in life: currently – Dad, Consultant, Facilitator, Previously Business Development Manager, Quality Manager
What’s important about your workspace?
Creating an environment that feels inspiring and organised!
Which ninja characteristic have you got nailed the most?
Mindfulness – managing my attention, acknowledging my lizard brain, listening to my self-talk (negative inner critic & motivation) and the talk of others.
Which ninja characteristic are you still working on the most?
Weapon Savvy – sorting out the best way for me to integrate mail, calendars and to-do lists across all devices
Which five apps could you not live without?
- Gmail
- Xero
- Omvana
- Notes
- Gmail Drive
What’s your favourite piece of stationery?
A well weighted ball point pen that writes very smoothly!
When in the day do you have the most proactive attention?
7:30am to 9:30am
What’s your trick for when you’re tired or struggling with attention in the day?
Go for a walk, stretch – move my body!
What’s your best advice for reducing stress?
Pause and re-frame how you’re feeling about the event / person / situation. Work out the meaning you’re applying to it and if that meaning is helpful to achieving your goals. Then honestly evaluate if it’s in your control or not, if yes, do something if not, let it go! Also when feeling stressful, the fight or flight kicks in and cortisol is released. The best way to use up that cortisol is exercise. So go for a walk or some quick exercise to get rid of it to help manage your emotions.
What’s your email regime?
Process don’t just scan. If it can be processed in 2 mins, do it straight away. If it’s urgent and it will critically affect business or a client action. If not, batch them and do it when I have active or reactive attention.
What’s your favourite way to take a break in the middle of the day?
When I can go for a quick bike ride! Otherwise it’s stretching and getting some fresh air.
What’s the secret to your productivity?
It’s all about my attitude and attention management. If I have a positive / helpful attitude towards it, I’m more productive. Also I’m mindful of my different levels of attention during the day and schedule work to match that.